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  1. Cat Breeds

Tonkinese Cats

A tonkinese cat looking very curious A beautiful tokinese cat with a shiny coat A young tonkinese cat with its bright green eyes

Breed Rating (2 Reviews)

Appearance
Friendliness
Hardiness
Garden
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History

The Tonkinese is the result of a Canadian breeding program set up in the 1960s. One of the key players was Jane Bartlett, who set out to create a breed somewhere between a Burmese and a Siamese, but, at the same time, similar to earlier naturally-occurring Tonkinese cats.

At the same time, Canadian breeder Margaret Conroy also set up a program. She had a timid Burmese female that she was worried about sending out to a stud. She instead decided, on recommendation from a judge, to breed her Burmese female with a Siamese. Bartlett and Conroy began to work together, and from there the Tonkinese breed was developed and established.

Behaviour

Tonkinese are strong-willed cats who love attention and affection. They follow you everywhere and anywhere. They are highly intelligent and can be trained (although owners point out that lots of patience and perseverance is required). They are extremely sociable, and hate being left on their own. They are also very vocal - not surprising given their Siamese and Burmese genes.

Varieties

Natural (a medium brown), champagne (a paler beige), blue, platinum, red, cream, caramel, apricot and tortoiseshell.

Breed Details

  • Status: Common
  • Place of Origin: USA
  • Rough date of Origin: 1950s
  • Hair length: Shorthair
  • Activity Level: High
  • Vocalness: High
  • Child friendly: Good with children
  • Intelligence:
  • Playfullness: Playfull
  • Grooming Requirements: Less than once per week
  • Weight: 2.5 - 5.5kg
  • Size: Medium
  • House Cat or Outdoor Cat: House Cat
  • Pet Compatibility:
  • Social Needs:

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Tonkinese Pictures

Two tonkinese cats on kitchen side
Benny & Ty
Theo, cream with Chocolatw Points
Teddy
Lotsie, lilac tonk

Latest Reviews For Tonkinese (2 of 2)

5 Stars:

2

4 Stars:

0

3 Stars:

0

2 Stars:

0

1 Star:

0

Average rating:

Based on 2 Verified Reviews

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I have owned 4 Tonkinese - Julia,

I have owned 4 Tonkinese cats and I adore the breed. They are sweet and social. They are truly beautiful either taking I have owned 4 Tonkinese cats and I adore the breed. They are sweet and social. They are truly beautiful either taking after the Siamese or the Burmese in looks and behavior. Burmese like to retrieve and are considered to be the most dog-like of cats. Siamese are very vocal especially when they are wanting attention. I like to have two Tonkinese at all times. They play, cuddle and enjoy each other's company. They are very low maintenance. I like to brush them often just to have the bonding time. I didn't answer the "garden friendliness" because I am not sure what that means. Tonkinese are indoor cats.

These are the most entertaining, funny, cheeky cats very active and love to climb. - Catherine,

I would recommend getting two tgey need the company.