Family-friendly:3/5Playfulness:5/5Intelligence:4/5Tendency to Vocalise: 3/5Likes Other Pets:4/5Grooming needs:2/5Shedding:2/5

Tonkinese

The Tonkinese is an Oriental type cat with a gently rounded head that has large, open eyes that range from green to light blue in colour. Ears are broad and set wide apart giving this cat an intelligent expression. The Tonkinese or ‘Tonk’ has a firm, muscular body that is long and lean, this is accentuated by the very short, fine coat that lies close to the body and has an incredibly silky texture. Overall, this is a very attractive and ‘neat’ cat, without the extremes of some of the Oriental types.

Lifespan

10 - 16 years

Weight

2.5 - 5.5kg

Colours

Come in a variety of colours but are typically darker on the legs and tail, with a dark masked face that blends evenly into the lighter body colour.

The need-to-know

Benefits from an experienced owner
Needs high-level of enrichment including simulated hunting games and interactive play
Highly active and inquisitive cat
Sociable and dependent cat

Slightly talkative cat
Average build cat breed
Requires grooming once a week
Needs extensive outdoor space

Great family cat
Can be left alone all day
Needs a calm environment

Generally healthy breed

The Tonkinese breed can be prone to:
- Burmese head defect which is a condition where the face and skull do not form correctly.
- Progressive retinal atrophy which is an inherited disorder where part of the eye degenerates and wastes away which can result in blindness.
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency which is a disease that causes anaemia (death or red blood cells).

Testing available:
- DNA testing for progressive retinal atrophy and pyruvate kinase deficiency which tests whether or not a cat has the potential to be affected by these conditions.

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Personality

The Tonkinese has a lot of personality, and while they are not as high-drama and cat-chaos as the Siamese, this is still a forthright, demanding and intelligent cat who will not stand for being ignored. They are inclined to have chatty conversations with their people and while this is not as demanding as the Siamese can be, if you like your cats silent, the Tonkinese will be a bit of a shock to the system! Often described as more dog-like than cat-like, the Tonk wants to be involved in everything you are doing, loves to climb and jump, likes a lap-cuddle but equally likes to observe you from the top of the wardrobe or curtain rail and isn’t above ambushing unsuspecting visitors with a flying leap.

Vet Rating

Family-friendly:	3/5
Playfulness:	5/5
Intelligence:	4/5
Tendency to Vocalise:	3/5
Likes Other Pets:	4/5
Grooming needs:	2/5
Shedding:	2/5

History and Origins

The Tonkinese is a result of intentionally crossing a Siamese with a Burmese, resulting in characteristics from both types. Originally developed in the US in the 1950’s as the ‘Golden Siamese’ they took a while to gain popularity. They were effectively ‘rebranded’ as the Tonkinese in the 1960’s which helped put them on the map as a pet and show cat.

Outdoors or Indoors

A secure outdoor cat run or very secure garden will provide the Tonkinese the space to run, jump and climb and by providing this you will take some of the pressure off you to play with them, and reduce the damage to furniture and décor. Fit the run with a variety of branches and high platforms, tunnels and ramps, and equip it with food filled toys and ‘things on strings’ to keep your Tonkinese amused.

Not a cat to allow free access to the great outdoors, they are far too bold and inquisitive and will be attractive to pet thieves as well.

Enrichment and Specific Needs

You’ll need to bring your ‘A game’ when housing and sharing life with a Tonkinese. They will not be bored so you’ll need to provide extensive cat trees, runs and jungle-gyms or your furniture will pay the price. A wide selection of toys, particularly those that can be stuffed with food, will help to keep the Tonkinese satisfied and content.

Tonkinese do like company and this can be human or cat (or in some cases, dog) and as such they won’t really enjoy being home alone for hours every day. With some suitable company of another cat, they can cope while you work or go to school, but they will need focused entertainment through play, clicker training and interactive feeding when you get home.

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in their diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Grooming Tonkinese Cats

The Tonkinese is easy to keep neat and clean, a once weekly groom with a bristle brush and a wipe down with a damp cloth will give you the opportunity to check skin and coat health. They’ll do the rest.

A greasy coat is a sign your cat is not self-grooming at all and this may indicate poor health.

As with all cats, regular vaccination and parasite control is recommended.

Suitability for Family Life

The Tonkinese requires quite a time commitment, and whilst they are fine with older children, they are likely to find a very busy household with people, particularly noisy active children, coming and going, quite stressful. Better for those who are at home most of the day and have the time and space to commit to keeping them amused.