Let's talk Tonkinese
What do you get when you cross a Siamese with a Burmese? A Tonkinese. Tonks, as they’re nicknamed, are all cat: Active, curious, and team players. Super social, they enjoy the spotlight immensely – but want you to share it – and can be quite gabby, one of their many endearing qualities. Human, animal—no being is ruled out when it comes to companionship as far as the Tonkinese cat is concerned.
Official name: Tonkinese Cat
Other names: Tonk
Origins: Mynamar, Thailand
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Family pet *: |
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| Shedding level: |  |
Cohabitation with other pets: | |
| Grooming needs: | |
Can stay alone *: |
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| Energy level *: |  |
Environment (indoor/outdoor): | |
| Vocal tendencies: | Low |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
Male
5 kg 500.0 - 6 kg 500.0
Weight
Female
4 kg 500.0 - 5 kg 500.0
Weight
| Baby cat: | Birth to 4 months |
| Growing kitten: | 4 to 12 months |
| Adult: | 1 to 7 years |
| Mature: | 7 to 12 years |
| Senior: | 12+ years |
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Get to know the Tonkinese
All you need to know about the breed
The beautiful short-haired Tonkinese cat is a stunner and their human admirers are aplenty. Smart, and hugely convivial, they enjoy time with others—playing, socialising, sleeping, anything as long as the company is good. Yes they are inquisitive, like most cats, but Tonkinese-type cats seem to push it up a notch.
The breed shares the distinctive point colouration of their Siamese ancestors—that splendidly pale body with darker extremities, a black muzzle, and piercing blue eyes. If a repeat cat owner, you will be one satisfied customer; if new to the cat kingdom, this is a fantastic cat to have out of the gate.
Call them overly social: Tonkinese cats get a thrill out of having pals over! Other cats, dogs, people of any age—all are welcome. They revel in being the centre of attention. Warm and sociable, this is a cat who truly does not like being home alone. Consider some company for them, if you’re out of the house a good deal.
The Tonkinese cat breed is the perfect marriage between the Siamese and Burmese cat breeds, which combines the intelligence and curiosity of the former and the chilled-out vibe of the latter. There aren’t different types of Tonkinese breeds, just the original robust and healthy cat. Another super aspect of the Tonkinese personality: They emit more dulcet tones than their Siamese cousin, whose meow is known to be high-pitched. A chatty catty, the Tonkinese cat enjoys a good conversation and will never hesitate to express themselves.
A curious cat through and through, they’re never too busy to stop for a petting session, preferably held in your lap. Just make sure you’re sitting comfortably—they’re a lot heavier than they look.
Lively and playful as well, there are many positive Tonkinese cat characteristics, primary among them that they are very intelligent. Keeping their minds occupied with playing, puzzles and fun toys is pretty essential to a pleased feline. A Tonkinese cat can even be taught tricks and welcomes the challenge. So full of personality are they that any Tonkinese owner should get used to the odd bit of mischief. The breed makes a good pet for owners who truly enjoy cat play time as much as the cat in question.
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2 facts about Tonkineses
1. This cat thinks they’re a dog
Active, intelligent and feisty, a Tonkinese cat’s behaviour ranks up there with some of the best. They are known for their capacity to learn tricks, like a dog. Some of their more celebrated feats: Opening doors, turning off lights, and playing fetch till you – not they – get tired.
2. Look who's talking
Tonkinese
cats are very vocal and communicate their needs to their owners out loud. And
when they do so, it’s a good idea to listen. If not, they’re likely to find a less vocal – and more rascally – way to
get your attention, which may involve claws
and furniture.
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History of the breed
Although some people believe that there were Tonkinese cat types back in the 19th century, most consider the breed to be a recent cross between the Burmese and Siamese.
The founding feline was likely a Burmese cat named Wong Mau, a small walnut-coloured cat imported to California by Dr. Cheesman Thompson in 1930. Wong Mau was actually a type of Tonkinese mix cat, though the budding breed was not recognised as such at the time. Some of today's Tonkinese cats, as well as Burmese, can be tracked by pedigree back to Wong Mau.
Then, in the 1960s, American breeder Jane Barletta and Canadian breeder Margaret Conroy began working separately to breed Burmese to Siamese cats. They hoped to create the perfect combination of both breeds’ looks and personalities. Eventually in 2001, the Tonkinese cat breed left behind their crossbreed classification and earned their status of a pure breed.
The breed’s name was initially spelled Tonkanese, said to refer to the island made famous in the musical South Pacific as a place where no one discriminated against half-breeds. It was then changed to Tonkinese in 1971, after the Bay of Tonkin in Vietnam, although the breed is not associated with the Asian country. All in all, a somewhat befuddling history for a most exceptional breed.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Tonkineses
1. Size
Medium-sized cats, perceived as “just right”—neither too big or too small, too long or too compact.
2. Eyes
Almond-shaped eyes in jewel-tones varying from aquamarine to intense greeny-blue.
3. Head
Head is curved-type wedge with a slight nose stop, alert medium ears with rounded tips.
4. Colouring
Colourpoint coat: a lighter body providing a varying contrast to the deep point colour of cat’s extremities.
5. Coat
Short-haired coat, fine, soft hair with a beautiful sheen.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Tonkinese
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Caring for your Tonkinese
Grooming, training and exercise tips
Active and athletic, the Tonkinese cat lifespan is a long and healthy one—sometimes up to 20 years! They are high-energy and will always find a way to move. The Tonkinese breed is fairly muscular for their size, so will need a daily workout. Easy for a cat you say but make sure to engage in play—they’ll be thrilled! This is a breed that’s more than pleased to frolic, endlessly learning tricks and making up some of their own. They’re blessed with a high metabolism so are unlikely to gain weight. The Tonkinese also like jumping to high places so keep a watchful eye on kitty to make sure they don’t get into anything they shouldn’t.
The Tonkinese coat is unmistakable; keep it stunning and in its super-soft state with a course of good grooming; as they are a short-haired cat, the breed requires moderate care. A weekly brushing should be sufficient to rid them of dead hair and stimulate the natural oils in their fur. Bathing is rarely necessary, especially since Tonkinese don’t shed much, and, being more of an indoor cat, may not get into anything too messy. Teeth will require brushing at least once a week, if not more frequently, to prevent gingivitis. Clip their nails regularly too and provide a scratching post (or they’ll likely find a convenient couch).
The one thing to know about the Tonkinese breed: They are highly intelligent, which makes them easy to discipline. Receptive to any attention that comes their way, Tonkinese will gladly repay you in spades (head butts and purring galore) when it comes to rewards for good conduct. They can even be taught to fetch, such is their need for fun. The breed is also super gregarious, welcoming people, cats, and dogs into the mix—as long as their canine brethren show respect. All that said, reinforce good Tonkinese behaviour so everyone gets along.
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All about Tonkineses
It’s probably not the best idea to let your Tonkinese cat explore the outside world. Despite their natural inquisitiveness, the Tonkinese cat is bred for the great indoors. If you want to keep them safe outside, the breed can actually be trained to walk on a leash.
You can tell the Tonkinese breed by the shape of their ears, which are quite large, quite pointed, and set quite high. Another defining characteristic of a Tonkinese cat: Their surprisingly heavy weight, solid despite their lithe, medium-sized body. And their character too, is a good indication. A Tonkinese is a velcro cat and will always want to be right by your side.
Read more on this topic
Your guide to buying a kitten
The cost of owning a cat
Your guide to adopting a cat
Should I choose a pure breed or mixed breed cat?
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Cat Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book