If you're in need of a furry companion that loves to keep your lap warm, then the Tonkinese cat is the perfect match for you! Created by crossing Siamese and Burmese cats, the Tonkinese has a beautiful coat with three common patterns: solid, pointed, and mink. This outgoing and affectionate breed is known for its playfulness and intelligence, making it a great addition to any family. And if you're considering getting a Tonkinese, don't forget to check your local shelters and rescue organizations for adoptable cats. Get ready to fall in love with this love bug of a cat!
Fascinating Facts About Tonkinese
The Tonkinese Is a Cross Between a Siamese and a Burmese
The Tonkinese is a unique domestic cat breed that was created by crossing Siamese and Burmese cats. The goal was to create a cat with a less sharp voice than the Siamese but with the affectionate nature and intelligence both breeds share.
The Tonkinese Graduated from Crossbreed to Purebred in 2001
The Tonkinese breed started as a crossbreed between Canadian Siamese and Burmese cats. It was recognized as a breed in 1971 in Canada and received full recognition from the Cat Fanciers Association in 1984. In 2001, the Tonkinese was officially moved from crossbreed status to an established purebred.
Tonkinese Weigh Just 6 to 12 Pounds, But Are Surprisingly Heavy When Picked Up
Despite their small to medium size, Tonkinese cats can feel heavier than they appear. They typically weigh between 6 to 12 pounds and have a muscular build. Tonkinese cats have distinctive oval-shaped paws, a slightly wedge-shaped head, and almond-shaped eyes, which are often a shade of blue.
The Tonk Is a Natural Entertainer
Tonkinese cats are known for their playful and outgoing nature. They enjoy following their humans around the house and getting involved in all household activities. They can be quite entertaining, jumping up on high surfaces, retrieving toys, and even learning tricks or walking on a leash. They thrive on mental stimulation and interactive play.
The Tonkinese Is a Love Bug
If you love a lap cat, the Tonkinese is the breed for you. They are highly affectionate and love attention and cuddling. Tonkinese cats are also known to be conversationalists and enjoy interacting with their humans. They are generally good with gentle children and other pets, making them a great addition to a family.
Tonkinese Are Healthy Cats
Overall, Tonkinese cats are a healthy and hearty breed. However, they can be prone to gum disease or gingivitis and may have sensitivity to anesthesia. Due to their Siamese heritage, they may also develop some of the same diseases. The average lifespan of a Tonkinese cat is between 10 to 16 years.
The Tonkinese Coat Is Easy to Care For
Tonkinese cats have soft and short coats that require minimal grooming. A weekly brushing is usually sufficient to remove dead hair and distribute oils on the skin. Additionally, because they can be prone to gum disease, it's important to brush their teeth regularly to maintain oral hygiene.
Tonkinese Can Be Hard to Find
Finding a Tonkinese cat for adoption can be challenging due to their uncommon status. It is unlikely to find one in a shelter or through a rescue group, though it's always recommended to check there first. Websites like Petfinder, Adopt-a-Pet.com, or Fanciers Breeder Referral List can be helpful in finding reputable breeders or Tonkinese cats in need of a new home.
Crossbreeding to Create the Tonkinese
The goal of creating a less sharp-voiced and affectionate cat
The Tonkinese breed was created with the aim of combining the best qualities of the Siamese and Burmese breeds. The goal was to produce a cat with a less sharp voice than the Siamese but with the affectionate nature and intelligence shared by both breeds.
Different coat patterns in the Tonkinese
The crossbreeding of Siamese and Burmese cats resulted in three common coat patterns in the Tonkinese breed: solid, pointed, and mink. Solid coats resemble the Burmese, pointed coats resemble the Siamese, and mink coats are a combination of the two. The coat color in Tonkinese cats takes up to two years to fully develop.
Recognition of the breed
The Tonkinese breed was recognized in Canada in 1971 and achieved full recognition from the Cat Fanciers Association in 1984. In 2001, the Tonkinese was officially recognized as a purebred, marking its transition from a crossbreed to an established breed.
Physical Characteristics of Tonkinese
Medium-sized and muscular build
Tonkinese cats have a medium-sized and muscular build that falls between the lean lines of the modern Siamese and the slightly bulkier Burmese. Despite their size, they can be surprisingly heavy when picked up due to their muscular bodies.
Distinctive oval paws and almond-shaped eyes
One of the distinctive features of Tonkinese cats is their oval-shaped paws. They also have slightly wedge-shaped heads and almond-shaped eyes, which are often blue or aquamarine in color. Mink-colored Tonkinese cats may have aquamarine eyes.
Different coat colors and eye colors
Tonkinese cats come in a variety of coat colors, including solid, pointed, and mink patterns. The coat colors can range from natural colors like brown, blue, and lilac to more uncommon colors like cinnamon and fawn. The eye colors of Tonkinese cats vary as well, with blue being the most common color.
Personality and Behavior of Tonkinese
Smart, outgoing, and energetic
Tonkinese cats are intelligent and outgoing. They are known for their playful and energetic nature. They enjoy interactive play, following their humans from room to room, and getting involved in household activities. Their curious and adventurous personalities make them a joy to be around.
Fond of following humans and getting involved in household activities
Tonkinese cats have a strong desire to be close to their humans. They will often follow their owners from room to room and enjoy being part of their daily activities. They are social cats that thrive on human companionship and love to be included in everything their owners do.
May require a companion if left alone for long periods
Due to their social nature, Tonkinese cats may not do well when left alone for extended periods. They may become lonely or bored, leading to potential behavior issues. It is recommended to provide them with a companion, whether it be another cat or a friendly dog, to keep them company and prevent loneliness.
Ability to learn tricks and walk on a leash
Tonkinese cats are highly intelligent and trainable. They have the ability to learn tricks and enjoy the mental stimulation that training provides. They can also be trained to walk on a leash and harness, allowing them to explore the outdoors in a safe and controlled manner.
Affectionate Nature of Tonkinese
Highly affectionate and loves attention and cuddling
Tonkinese cats are known for their loving and affectionate nature. They crave attention and enjoy being close to their humans. They are lap cats that love to cuddle and will often seek out their owner's attention whenever possible.
Can be a conversationalist
Tonkinese cats are quite vocal and enjoy “talking” to their owners. They are known to have a wide range of vocalizations and can be quite chatty. They will often engage in conversations with their humans, making them a delightful and interactive companion.
Gets along well with children and other pets
Tonkinese cats are generally good with children and other pets. They are gentle and tolerant, making them a great addition to a family with kids or other animals. Their sociable nature allows them to form strong bonds with everyone in the household.
Health and Wellness of Tonkinese
Generally healthy and hearty breed
Overall, Tonkinese cats are a healthy and sturdy breed. They do not have any breed-specific health issues and have a robust constitution. However, like all cats, they can still be susceptible to common feline health problems such as gum disease and certain genetic conditions.
Prone to gingivitis and anesthesia sensitivity
Tonkinese cats may have a predisposition to develop gum disease or gingivitis. It is important to provide regular dental care to prevent dental issues. Additionally, some Tonkinese cats may have sensitivity to anesthesia, so it is important to inform veterinarians about their breed when undergoing procedures.
Possibility of developing diseases similar to Siamese
Due to their Siamese heritage, Tonkinese cats may be prone to developing certain diseases that are common in Siamese cats. These include respiratory conditions, kidney issues, and certain heart conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups and proactive health management are essential to ensure their well-being.
Average lifespan of 10 to 16 years
The average lifespan of a Tonkinese cat is between 10 to 16 years. With proper care, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary check-ups, Tonkinese cats can live a long and fulfilling life.
Grooming Needs of Tonkinese
Soft and short coat that requires weekly brushing
Tonkinese cats have a soft and short coat that is relatively low maintenance. A weekly brushing is usually sufficient to remove dead hair and keep their coat in good condition. They do not require extensive grooming like long-haired breeds but still enjoy the bonding experience of being groomed by their owners.
Importance of brushing teeth regularly
Due to their predisposition to gum disease, it is important to establish a regular dental care routine for Tonkinese cats. Brushing their teeth daily or several times a week can help prevent dental issues and maintain their oral health.
Finding a Tonkinese Cat
Uncommon breed, making it challenging to find in shelters
Tonkinese cats are considered an uncommon breed, which means they are not commonly found in shelters or rescue organizations. However, it is always recommended to check local shelters and rescue groups first as there may be Tonkinese cats in need of a loving home.
Options for adoption through websites and breeders
If you are specifically looking for a Tonkinese cat, there are options for adoption through websites like Petfinder, Adopt-a-Pet.com, or the Fanciers Breeder Referral List. Reputable breeders may also have Tonkinese cats available for adoption or can provide information on upcoming litters.
Additional Resources
Sources for more information about Tonkinese cats
For more information about Tonkinese cats, you can refer to the following sources:
- Cattime.com
- PetMD
- VetStreet
- Wikipedia
Related Articles
Links to articles about other cat breeds and topics
For more information about other cat breeds and related topics, you can check out the following articles:
- Siamese: This Cat Breed Is Immensely Popular, Chatty, and Witty
- This Gentle Pet Will Make You Fall in Love All Over Again
- Why Do So Many Domestic Cats Have Chronic Kidney Failure?
By Dr. Becker
