The Tonkinese Cat is an Oriental Cat Breed that beautifully blends traits from its Burmese and Siamese ancestors, including a coat pattern that showcases their unique heritage. The breed Tonkinese is known for its gently rounded head and large, expressive shape eye, often in captivating shades of blue eye to green. The ears are broad and set wide apart, giving this cat an intelligent look. The Tonkinese has a long, lean, and muscular leg and tail structure, highlighted by a short, silky coat that lies close to the body. This cat breed's roots trace back to Wong Mau, an important cat similar to both the Burmese Breed and early Siamese types. Overall, the Tonkinese Cat is admired for being an attractive, well balanced pet with an elegant appearance.

• Sociable and dependent.
• Benefits from an experienced owner.
• Can be prone to Gingivitis.
• Requires weekly Grooming.
• Needs high level enrichment.
• Loves Interactive Cat Toys.
• Helps prevent Cat Stress with ample play.
• Slightly talkative.
• Needs a calm environment.
• May be prone to Obesity if not active.
• Highly active and inquisitive.
• Body Language shows curiosity and affection.
• Best suited for Indoor Cat living.
• Can manage being left alone during the day.
• Average build Cat Breed.
• Great family cat.

The Tonkinese Cat Breed is generally healthy but can be susceptible to certain health issues. Common concerns include:

• Respiratory Problems: Possible due to their Siamese heritage.

• ---

  Genetic Conditions: Inherited disorders from their Burmese and Siamese ancestry can occur.

• ---

  Burmese Head Defect: A condition where the skull and face do not form properly.

• ---

  Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): An inherited disorder causing the degeneration of the eye, which may lead to blindness.

• ---

  Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency: A condition that results in anemia due to the premature death of red blood cells.

Testing Available:

DNA Testing: Screening for progressive retinal atrophy and pyruvate kinase deficiency can identify whether a cat is at risk for these conditions. Regular vet visits, proper enrichment, and a balanced lifestyle are crucial to maintaining the health of the Tonkinese Cat.

The Tonkinese Cat has a vibrant and engaging personality, making it a beloved companion for those who enjoy an interactive pet. The Tonkinese Cat is known for its intelligence, curiosity, and playfulness. They are highly social and thrive on being involved in their owners' daily activities, often following them around and showing a keen interest in everything happening around them. The Tonkinese Cat is chatty, having conversations with their people, though not as loudly or persistently as their Siamese relatives.

The Tonkinese Breed is also known for its affectionate and loving nature. They enjoy lap time and cuddles but equally appreciate climbing, jumping, and perching in high places to observe their surroundings. Often described as dog like, the Tonkinese Cat forms strong bonds with its humans and doesn't enjoy being left alone for long periods. Their personality strikes a balance between the extroverted, demanding traits of the Siamese and the quieter, more relaxed temperament of the Burmese, creating a unique and delightful companion.

The Tonkinese Cat has a sleek and well balanced appearance, combining elegance and athleticism. This breed features a medium sized, muscular body that is both agile and sturdy, with a graceful build that showcases their active nature. The head of the Tonkinese Cat is gently rounded with a softly contoured profile and high cheekbones, giving it an expressive and intelligent look. The ears are broad at the base and set wide apart, complementing the overall shape of the head.

The Tonkinese Cat originated from the crossbreeding of Burmese and Siamese cats, combining the best traits of both Cat Breeds. The foundation for this breed dates back to the 1930s with Wong Mau, a cat that exhibited both Burmese and Siamese characteristics. In the 1960s and 1970s, breeders intentionally crossed these two breeds to create the Tonkinese Cat, known for its playful, social nature and unique appearance. The breed quickly gained attention due to its friendly, dog-like behavior and captivating looks, which include striking eye colors and a soft, sleek coat. The Tonkinese has inherited the best of both worlds, balancing the vocal and curious traits of the Siamese with the gentle, affectionate qualities of the Burmese. Over time, the Tonkinese gained recognition and popularity for its affectionate temperament and striking combination of Burmese and Siamese features. Today, it remains a beloved choice for those seeking an intelligent and interactive companion.

A secure outdoor cat run or a well enclosed garden will provide the Tonkinese Cat with ample space to run, jump, and climb, easing the pressure on you to play constantly and reducing potential damage to furniture and décor. Enhance the run with branches, high platforms, Cat Tunnel Toys, and ramps, along with engaging items like Puzzle Feeders and ‘things on strings’ to keep your Tonkinese amused. Consider adding Floating Window Beds to give them a cosy spot to rest while observing their surroundings.

This is not a cat to allow free access to the open outdoors, as their bold and inquisitive nature makes them especially appealing to pet thieves.

Living with a Tonkinese means you’ll need to stay on top of your game. This active breed won't tolerate boredom, so it's essential to provide plenty of cat trees, runs, and jungle gyms to prevent your furniture from bearing the brunt of their energy. A variety of Cat Toys, especially ones that can be stuffed with food, will help keep the Tonkinese engaged and happy.

Tonkinese Cats thrive on companionship, whether from humans, other cats, or even dogs. They don’t enjoy being left alone for long periods. If you have another cat as a companion, they can manage while you’re at work or school, but they will still need focused interaction through play, clicker training, and interactive feeding when you return home.

Every cat is unique, with its own specific preferences and needs when it comes to food. However, as obligate carnivores, cats require 41 essential nutrients from their diet. The balance of these nutrients varies based on age, lifestyle, and overall health; for instance, an active, growing kitten needs a different nutritional profile than a senior cat with lower energy levels.

Read Article on correct Kitten Care.

It’s also important to provide the right amount of food to maintain an 'ideal body condition,' following feeding guidelines, and to cater to each cat’s preference for wet or dry food recipes.

Find out more about Cat Nutrition with our article. 

The Tonkinese is low maintenance in terms of Grooming; a weekly brush with a bristle brush followed by a wipe down with a damp cloth will keep their coat neat and clean while allowing you to check their skin and coat health. They will handle most grooming on their own.

A greasy coat may signal that your cat isn’t self grooming properly, which could indicate health problems.

As with all cats, regular Vaccinations, Flea Treatment, and Microchipping are recommended to ensure their safety and well being.

The Tonkinese cat demands a significant time commitment and, while they get along well with older children, they may find a bustling household with constant activity and noisy, energetic kids stressful. This breed is better suited for homes where someone is present most of the day and can dedicate the time and space needed to keep them entertained and happy.

• Famous Appearance: While the Tonkinese cat breed is cherished by many, there is limited public information about specific celebrities who own them. However, the breed has gained recognition in popular culture. For instance, a Tonkinese cat named Mr. Jinx appeared in the film "Meet the Parents," starring Robert De Niro. Additionally, the Tonkinese breed has been featured in various films and television shows, highlighting their unique appearance and charm.

• ---

  Hybrid Heritage: The Tonkinese Cat is a unique mix of the Burmese and Siamese breeds, designed to combine the best traits of both, including their social nature, playful personality, and striking appearance.

• ---

  Talkative and Social: Tonkinese Cats are known for their chatty behavior. While not as loud as the Siamese, they enjoy having conversations with their human companions, making them great for those who like interactive pets.

• ---

  Dog-like Traits: The Tonkinese Cat is often described as being dog-like in its behavior. They are highly affectionate, follow their owners around the house, and love to play fetch and engage in interactive games.

• ---

  Unique Eye Color: Tonkinese Cats have a distinctive eye color that ranges from aqua blue to green, depending on the coat pattern. This eye color is a signature trait that adds to their striking appearance.