Tonkinese Cat

Breed Overview

Introduction

Tonkinese cat, a breed celebrated for its unique blend of intelligence, affection, and playful spirit.

Often described as the “best of both worlds” between its Siamese and Burmese ancestors, the Tonkinese offers a delightful companionship experience for those seeking an interactive and loving feline friend.

These charming felines are known for their engaging personalities, combining the inquisitive nature and vocal tendencies of the Siamese with the laid-back, “puppy-like” attitude of the Burmese.

This unique genetic heritage results in a cat that is not only strikingly beautiful but also deeply devoted and endlessly entertaining.  

Breed History

The history of the Tonkinese cat is a fascinating blend of ancient lore and modern selective breeding.

While often considered a relatively new “man-made” breed, similar cats appear in historical texts such as ‘The Cat-Book Poems of Siam’ from the Ayudha Period (1358–1767), suggesting a long lineage in Southeast Asia.

These early depictions hint at cats possessing characteristics that bridge the gap between the Siamese and Burmese, indicating that natural pairings between these regional neighbors likely occurred for centuries.  

The modern Tonkinese breed, as recognized today, is definitively the result of a deliberate cross between the Siamese and Burmese cats. This development primarily took place in North America.

One significant figure in this history is Joseph Chessman “JC” Thompson, a United States Navy medical commander and established Siamese breeder.

In 1930, Thompson imported a hybrid mink-colored cat named Wong Mau from Burma to California.

While he initially worked with Wong Mau to isolate the brown sepia color that became characteristic of the Burmese breed, some believe Wong Mau herself was the first Tonkinese, representing the natural intermediate between the Siamese and Burmese.  

Later, in the 1960s, Margaret Conroy of Canada is widely credited with intentionally creating the Tonkinese breed by crossing a Siamese and a Burmese to produce kittens with a distinct brown coat and blue eyes.

This focused breeding effort aimed to combine the desirable traits of both parent breeds into a balanced and moderate feline companion.  

The breed’s name itself has an interesting backstory. It was originally spelled “Tonkanese,” a name inspired by an island in the popular 1949 musical South Pacific where “half-breeds” were celebrated and free from discrimination.

This symbolic choice reflected the breed’s hybrid nature and the intention behind its creation.

However, to avoid any mistaken association with the Tonkin region of Indochina or the Gulf of Tonkin incident during the Vietnam War, the spelling was eventually changed to “Tonkinese”.

By 1971, the Tonkinese gained official recognition as a new breed by the Canadian Cat Association, solidifying its place in the feline world.  

Physical Characteristics

The Tonkinese cat presents a striking appearance, embodying a harmonious balance that avoids the extremes seen in some of its ancestral breeds.

It is a medium-sized cat, often described as surprisingly heavy for its size due to its solid, muscular build. The overall impression is one of an alert, active, and gracefully athletic feline in superb condition.  

The head of a Tonkinese is a modified wedge shape, gently curved and typically slightly longer than it is wide, tapering gently to a blunt muzzle.

High cheekbones contribute to their pleasant facial structure. Their medium-sized ears are broad at the base with oval tips, set as much on the side of the head as the top, and pricked slightly forward, enhancing their alert expression.  

One of the most captivating features of the Tonkinese is their sparkling eyes. Shaped like a peach pit, with an almond top and a slightly more rounded bottom, they are medium in size and set well apart, slanting towards the outer edge of the ear.

The eye color is particularly distinctive and directly correlates with the coat pattern, a unique genetic expression within the breed. Cats with a pointed coat typically have clear blue eyes, while those with the unique mink pattern display striking aqua (blue-green to green-blue) eyes.

Solid or sepia patterned Tonkinese, on the other hand, will have chartreuse, green-gold, or yellow-green eyes. This direct link between coat pattern and eye color is a defining physical characteristic of the breed.  

The body of a Tonkinese is a medium-length rectangle, appearing neither compact nor overly elongated, reflecting its semi-foreign type.

They possess a firm, well-developed musculature with clean lines and a taut abdomen. Their legs are fairly slim and proportionate to the body, with the hind legs being slightly longer than the front.

They have oval-shaped feet, and their tail is typically wider at the base, tapering gently to a slightly blunted tip, with a length approximately equal to their body from rump to shoulder blades.  

The Tonkinese coat is medium short in length, dense, and close-lying, with a fine, soft, and silky texture that boasts a lustrous sheen, often described as “mink-like”.

This coat comes in a wide array of beautiful colors and patterns. There are three primary coat patterns:

Burmese Colour Restriction (BCR), also known as solid

Tonkinese Colour Restriction (TCR), known as mink

Colourpointed Pattern (CPP), or pointed

Behavior and Personality

The Tonkinese cat is renowned for its vibrant personality, a captivating blend of traits inherited from its Siamese and Burmese lineage. These felines are exceptionally sociable and affectionate, thriving on human companionship.

They are often found following their human companions from room to room, eager to “help” with daily chores, or simply overseeing activities from a nearby perch.

Tonkinese are expert cuddlers, loving nothing more than to curl up in a lap, lounge beside their human in bed, or even ride on a shoulder, offering warmth, soft purrs, and undivided attention.

Beyond their affectionate nature, Tonkinese are highly energetic and playful. They possess an athletic build and a boundless enthusiasm for climbing, jumping, exploring, and engaging in interactive play sessions.

Intelligence is another hallmark of the Tonkinese. They are highly inquisitive and quick learners, capable of mastering puzzle toys, learning tricks like fetch, and even demonstrating surprising feats such as opening doors or turning off lights.

While generally less insistent than their Siamese relatives, they are chatty and communicate their needs and desires through a wide range of sounds, often speaking when spoken to and expecting a response.  

A frequently observed characteristic is their “dog-like” behavior. This extends beyond their trainability to include their devotion, their enjoyment of interactive games like fetch, and their tendency to greet and entertain visitors, assuming guests have arrived specifically to see them.

This “dog-like” nature signifies that they are highly interactive and require significant engagement from their human companions, making them less suitable for individuals seeking a more independent or aloof feline.  

Their sociable nature extends to other pets and children. Tonkinese generally get along well with other cats, cat-friendly dogs, and children, especially when socialized from a young age.

However, their intelligence and high energy come with a caveat: a Tonkinese can become mischievous if bored or left without sufficient attention. They are clever and can find their way into cabinets or even outside if not adequately stimulated.

Care Guide

Diet

A Tonkinese cat’s diet should consist of high-quality, animal-based protein as the primary ingredient, providing the essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals crucial for their overall health and energetic lifestyle.

Despite their active nature, their predisposition to overeating means owners must be diligent about portion control and structured feeding to prevent weight-related health problems.

Exercise

Tonkinese cats are naturally active, playful, and athletic, requiring regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being.

They are not content to simply lounge all day; they need outlets for their energy. A minimum of 30 minutes of structured, interactive play per day is often recommended.  

Engaging them in activities that mimic hunting, such as chasing wand toys, playing fetch, or interacting with puzzle feeders, is highly beneficial.

Environment & Enrichment

Tonkinese cats are adaptable and can thrive in various living situations, from apartments to larger homes, as long as their environment is rich in stimulation and companionship.

They crave attention and interaction from their human family members, making a home where they receive plenty of company ideal.  

To cater to their active and inquisitive nature, providing vertical spaces is crucial. Cat trees, shelves, and perches allow them to climb, jump, and observe their surroundings from elevated vantage points, satisfying their natural instincts.

Their strong social needs mean a lack of companionship can lead to stress or behavioral problems; therefore, proactive enrichment and social solutions are vital. If a Tonkinese is left alone for extended periods, they are prone to developing separation anxiety.

To help alleviate this, owners can leave a radio or television on to create the illusion of company, provide a safe hideaway like a kitty condo or box with a piece of the owner’s scented clothing, and engage in interactive play rather than just cuddling to build confidence.

For households where owners are frequently away, considering a second feline companion can provide much-needed social interaction and significantly reduce the risk of anxiety and unwanted behaviors.  

Grooming

The Tonkinese boasts a short, fine coat that is relatively low maintenance, making their grooming routine straightforward.

A weekly brushing with a rubber brush or soft-bristled brush is usually sufficient to remove loose hair, minimize shedding, and distribute natural skin oils, keeping their coat healthy and gleaming.

While coat grooming is minimal, dental health is a significant breed-specific vulnerability for Tonkinese cats. They are more prone to dental diseases such as gingivitis and periodontal disease. Therefore, consistent, proactive dental care is crucial.

Mental Stimulation

Mental stimulation is paramount for the well-being of a Tonkinese cat. As highly intelligent and active felines, their minds require as much exercise as their bodies.

Providing adequate mental enrichment helps keep them content, reduces the likelihood of unwanted behaviors like aggression or destructiveness, and contributes to both their physical and mental health.

A lack of mental engagement can lead to significant behavioral problems, emphasizing the need for consistent, varied enrichment.

Health Concerns

Is This Breed Right for You?

FAQ

Are Tonkinese cats vocal? 

Yes, Tonkinese cats are known for being quite chatty. They have soft, melodic voices, often described as less harsh than their Siamese relatives, but they are certainly not shy about expressing their needs and desires. They will speak when spoken to and expect a response, engaging in lively “conversations” with their human companions.  

Do Tonkinese cats shed a lot? 

No, Tonkinese cats are considered low to medium shedding. Their short, close-lying coat requires minimal upkeep. While no cat is entirely non-shedding, the Tonkinese sheds very little, making them a relatively clean choice for many households.  

Are Tonkinese good with kids and other pets? 

Yes, Tonkinese cats are generally very friendly and sociable, making them an excellent choice for families. They typically get along well with children, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs, especially when properly socialized from a young age. Their patient and easy-going nature allows them to adapt well to multi-pet households.  

Are Tonkinese cats high maintenance? 

While their physical grooming needs are low due to their short coat, Tonkinese cats are considered moderate maintenance overall because of their significant social and mental needs. They demand a high level of attention, interaction, and mental stimulation. Owners must be prepared to dedicate time to play, training, and enrichment to keep them happy and prevent boredom-related behavioral issues.  

Can Tonkinese cats be trained? 

Absolutely! Tonkinese are highly intelligent and respond exceptionally well to training. They are quick learners and can be taught a variety of tricks, including playing fetch, walking on a leash, and responding to commands. Positive reinforcement and consistent, short training sessions are most effective with this breed.  

What are common health issues for Tonkinese? 

Tonkinese are generally healthy, but they are predisposed to certain conditions. These include dental diseases (gingivitis, periodontal disease), Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and amyloidosis.

They may also be prone to feline asthma, hyperthyroidism, hypokalemic myopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and crossed eyes (strabismus). Regular veterinary check-ups and proactive care are essential for managing these risks.  

Bonus Facts

A Tonkinese cat named Shun Gon makes an appearance in the classic Disney film “The Aristocats”.  

Despite their name, the Tonkinese cat has no direct geographical link to the Bay of Tonkin in Vietnam. The breed was originally named “Tonkanese,” inspired by an island in the musical “South Pacific” where “half-breeds” were safe and accepted.  

Tonkinese cats possess a “belly flap,” also known as a primordial pouch. This extra skin on their abdomen serves to protect their belly during fights and provides additional room if the cat happens to overeat.  

Known for their cleverness, Tonkinese can be quite crafty. They have been known to figure out how to open doors or cabinets in their quest for exploration or delicious snacks.  

The beautiful mink-like coat of a Tonkinese cat undergoes a fascinating transformation. It can take up to two years for their full body color to develop, and their coloring will continue to darken as they age.  

References

“Tonkinese”. Governing Council of the Cat Fancy. Retrieved 31 January 2024.

Jump up to:^{a b c d e} “Cat Fancier’s Association: Breed Profile: Tonkinese”. Retrieved 5 November 2024.

Houle, Tori (15 December 2014). “The Tonkinese”. Pet Health Network. Retrieved 1 January 2020.

Jump up to:^a b “Tonkinese Standard” (PDF). Governing Council of the Cat Fancy. Retrieved 31 January 2024.

“WCF – World Cat Federation”. wcf.info. Retrieved 23 July 2023.

The International Cat Association (1 May 2004). “TICA: Tonkinese Breed Standard” (PDF). www.tica.org. Retrieved 5 November 2024.

Helgren, J. Anne (1997). “6: The Recognized Breeds”. Encyclopedia of Cat Breeds. Barron’s Educational Series, Inc. p. 220. ISBN 0-7641-5067-7.

Albasan, H.; Osborne, C. A.; Lulich, J. P.; Lekcharoensuk, C. (2012). “Risk factors for urate uroliths in cats”. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 240 (7): 842–847. doi:10.2460/javma.240.7.842. PMID 22443437.

Jump up to:^a b “Tonkinese Genetics: Color, Coat Pattern, Eye Color”. www.tonkinesebreedassociation.org. Retrieved 2 January 2020.