Tonkinese Cat Breed – All Information, Facts, Care and Price

Appearance

Known for their mysterious, glamorous appearance, the Tonkinese breed is an eye-catching breed that attracts the attention of many. The Tonk’s pointed coat, svelte limbs, and bright eyes all contribute to the allure of this cat, which has an easygoing personality.

Despite their medium size, Tonkinese dogs have surprisingly large bodies, as well as a muscular build. In general, this breed weighs between six and twelve pounds, depending on when it was bred. There are medium-sized ears on these animals, almond-shaped eyes in the center of the eye, and slim legs and feet on them. Generally, their coats are composed of short, fine, silky smooth hair that is short, fine, and shimmering and are low-shedding. Despite the fact that Tonkinese cats do not have flying fur, they aren’t considered hypoallergenic cats-and, realistically, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic pet in the first place.

There are four color categories when it comes to Tonkinese coats according to the Tonkinese Breed Association: platinum, champagne, natural, and blue. There are three types of patterns that can be found on their coats, and these categories are high-contrast point patterns, medium-contrast or “mink” patterns, and low-contrast or solid patterns. There is a correlation between a Tonk’s eye color and the coat color and pattern of the animal. The aqua-hued eyes of the Mink Tonkinese vary based on their coat color, and the blue or green eyes of the point Tonkinese vary based on their color.

Common Health Issues

While Tonks are generally considered to be one of the healthier cat breeds, all cats are still prone to some health issues despite the fact that they are generally healthy. Based on our claims data, the following are the top five health problems we see in Tonkinese cats:

1. Coughing

2. Lymphoma

3. Eye issues

4. Respiratory infection

5. Vomiting

The best thing you can do for your cat if you believe they are showing any of the symptoms above is to take them to their vet as soon as possible if you think they are experiencing any of these problems. Most if not all health issues can be treated more easily (and for less money) the earlier they are diagnosed and treated, as the earlier they are detected, the better.

A cat parent should also begin to schedule regular visits to their veterinarian just for routine checkups in order to ensure that their cat gets the best possible care. There is often a perception among pet parents that their cat does not require a lot of visits to the veterinarian as compared to a dog does. Despite this, cats’ symptoms are usually more difficult to detect, especially because they have a tendency to be naturally more apathetic, which makes it more difficult for us to notice them.

Temperament

In terms of personality, Tonks are well suited for companionship. Cold and aloof? Not these cats! These sweet kitties are always eager to share their affections with their family members and love playing with them as lap cats. Tonkinese are known for sharing traits of curiosity, intelligence and affection with their Siamese ancestors and for sharing traits of affection and energy with their Burmese ancestors.

Marilyn Krieger, a certified cat behavior consultant based in San Francisco, confirms that they are outgoing and they are certainly people cats. As much as I like cats in general, I don’t like to leave them alone without company for an extended period of time without any interruptions.”

The Tonk is a playful, smart, and social pet that enjoys spending time with his or her pet parents and controlling the day-to-day routines of their owners. The breed of dogs in this category is known for being incredibly talkative, and they expect you to listen and respond in kind. There are those who might call this breed of dog a bit bossy, but when it comes down to it, Tonkes usually have a good heart.

In addition to being intelligent and inventive, these fantastic felines are also very intelligent. Unlike his Siamese ancestors, the Tonkinese is also driven by a desire to master interactive toys and learn new tricks, just like his Siamese forefathers. It is common for Tonks to jump high and act silly to entertain their family, but that is just one of the many things they do to entertain themselves.

Tonkinese Cat Care

There is no doubt that the Tonkinese is a very easy breed to care for. In spite of the fact that the coat is short and requires very little upkeep, grooming is a rare necessity for this breed. In terms of exercise, this curious cat only needs to play regularly, and occasional puzzle toys are all he needs to keep him entertained.

In the event that you do not already have another pet in the home, consider adding a second kitty to your family — Tonkinese cats love having a playmate and companion when their owner is away. In the case that there are other animals in the home along with the Tonkinese, you can expect that the pups will immediately become friends.

The Tonkinese has a minimal grooming requirement, but the breed is prone to gingivitis, so it is important to brush teeth from an early age to ensure that it becomes a habit.

Health

As a breed, the Tonkinese is typically a healthy dog, with a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. A lot of Tonkinese dogs suffer from gum disease, bowel issues, and respiratory infections as some of their health concerns.

“Tonkinese may have a genetic predisposition to a heart disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy,” Venator says.

Breeders who are responsible for the welfare of their kittens will test them for any health issues, but it is very important that you keep your regular vet appointments and listen to the advice of the vet who treats your cat. As we age, we are more likely to develop illnesses and other health problems that need to be monitored regularly.

Look of Tonkineses

• This is a breed that was developed in order to look like a combination between a Siamese and a Burmese.

• This is the only purebred cat to have almond-shaped aqua eyes (a blend between Siamese blue eyes and Burmese golden eyes).

• He has a medium-sized body that is muscular and well-developed.

• This rug is available in three primary patterns: mink, pointed, and full color. There is a slight difference between the Siamese and the Siamese in terms of the color of their points, ears, and tails.

• There is a tendency for the color of this breed to become darker as it ages.

• There is a natural appearance of a “cowlick” on the chest.

Physical Attributes

Body

This is a medium-sized thorax displaying well-developed muscular strength without being coarse in appearance. A Tonkinese body type strikes a midpoint between body types that have long, svelte forms and those that have cobby, compact forms. It is more important to maintain balance and proportion than to focus just on size. It is important that the stomach area is taut, well-muscled, and firm.

Head

With a modified wedge shape, the head is somewhat longer than it is wide, and it has a high gentle planed cheekbone so that it appears to be a modified wedge. It is a blunt muzzle, so long as the muzzle is wide and long. The whiskers in this area are slightly curved and follow the lines of the wedge, revealing a slight whisker break. A slight stop is made at eye level. In profile, the tips of the chin and the tips of the nose occupy the same plane vertically as the tip of the chin. In the area where the nose tip meets the stop, there is a gentle rise. From the nose stop to the forehead there is a gentle contour with a slight rise from the nose stop to the forehead. The forehead is slightly convex in shape.

Ears

I would describe this alert as medium in size. The tips are oval in shape, whereas the base is broad. A person with an eared head has ears that are set on both the sides and on the top of their head. Ears with short, close-lying hair.

Eyes

Open almond shape. Located along the cheekbones and slanted toward the outer edge of the ear as it approaches. The size of the eyes is proportional to the size of the face.

Grooming and Care

In short, because Tonkinese cats have short hair, many people wonder if they shed. The answer is, yes, they do shed. Tonks, on the other hand, are different from other cat breeds because as opposed to other breeds of cats whose hair can be seen on all the possessions of their human parents, Tonks do not typically shed a lot of hair. In order to prevent your cat from accumulating an excessive amount of hair and to make sure that they are as clean and healthy as possible, it is usually a good idea to brush them about once a week in order to help minimize this amount of hair.

It can be said that Tonks are low maintenance when it comes to the overall care they require. In addition to brushing their teeth on a weekly basis, it is equally important that they brush their teeth on a weekly basis (this prevents periodontal disease), check their ears for signs of an infection (be aware of any redness or bad smells) and remove any eye discharge from the corner of their eyes (using a damp cloth and different sections for each eye).

As far as taking care of your Tonkinese goes, one of the most effective things you can do is to make sure that they are given an appropriate diet and sufficient physical activity so that they will be happy and healthy.

If your pet becomes obese, he or she will be at risk of a variety of other health problems, most of which can be prevented. Furthermore, if you give your cat a healthy diet, he will also be able to have a better coat, which could also lead to him living a longer, healthier life. In the same manner as exercise, it helps your cat’s physical health as well as stimulating his or her mind at the same time.

Tonk Name Suggestions

Being the parent of a very friendly and energetic cat means that it is only fitting that you should pick a playful name that will fit with the personality of your cat, since your cat is vivacious and friendly. There are a number of options available to you!

• Bay

• Gia

• Han

• Viola

• Jasmine

• Ginger

• Hux

• Bumi

When it comes to naming your new four-legged family member, choosing a name can be a rather daunting task. Creating a shortlist of names you like would be a great way to help you make this important decision, and once you meet your new cat, you may be surprised at how quickly you’ll learn which name suits them best once you’ve met them.

Diet and Nutrition

It is important to note that Tonkinese cats are at risk of obesity like many other cats of today, so an appropriate balanced diet in moderation must be provided to them. It is also important to consider other health risks related to Tonkinese cats when choosing the right food for your cat. It is worth noting that there are many foods that are formulated for dental health, as well as those that are formulated to balance urine pH to prevent bladder stones from forming. For more information on what food your cat should eat, you should ask your veterinarian.

Tonkinese Attributes

Despite the fact that Tonkinese seem to be lean, medium-sized cats, you will undoubtedly be surprised by their weight when you pick one up for the very first time. They weigh between six to twelve pounds on average, and due to their muscled bodies, these cats tend to appear smaller than their actual weight because they are able to trick the eye by appearing to weigh less than what they actually weigh.

Tonks are known to jump to great heights due to their muscular build, but don’t worry, these cats aren’t known to be mischievous cats! Because of their muscular build, Tonks have the ability to jump to great heights. It is most likely that they will not use their jumping ability to get into trouble because of this. If they are powerful enough, they are more than likely to use their powerful legs to propel themselves onto someone’s lap or shoulder.

In terms of the environment in which these cats live, they should spend the majority of their time indoors. In order to prevent your cat from catching any type of disease or illness, you should keep him or her indoors so that they don’t get hurt by other animals and so that they are not exposed to any dangerous situations. Having said that, since your cat will spend all of their time indoors, it is essential that you provide them with items that will be able to stimulate their minds and bodies as much as possible. It can be as simple as placing various toys around the house, building scratching posts, or hiding treats throughout the house.

There is no doubt that you have already guessed that the Tonkinese cat personality is centered around being outgoing, happy, and extroverted. Since these cats are typically devoted to spending time with other people, it is not uncommon for them to not do well if they are left alone for long periods of time. The cats generally thrive in environments where they can spend time with their human friends often, or if they have another cat or a cat-friendly dog around the house to keep them company, so that they are kept company by their human friends.

It is also possible for Tonkinese cats to have an easy-going temperament in addition to being intelligent. It is well known that these cats are social butterflies with a great deal of patience when it comes to interacting with people, especially when they are given attention from those people. Tonkinese are usually great in the company of families with children because of their even tempers, making them a great choice for families.

In addition to selecting a cat that is patient and tolerant towards children, it is crucial that the children are taught how to play and interact appropriately with their pets in order to ensure a long and fulfilling relationship with them. Whenever there is an interaction between your child and your pet, it is always a good idea to supervise it, and to teach your kids how to be gentle with the cat while they are around. If you want some good tips on how to behave around cats, you might want to consider not pulling on their tails or ears, not approaching them while they are eating, and not laying across them while they play.

Living Needs

You have to pay a lot of attention to your Tonkinese dog if you want to make him happy. The Tonk is the perfect companion for those who are looking for a constant companion who will follow them from one room to another, cuddle up on their shoulders, and participate in their daily activities as well. It is often difficult to leave these sweeties alone during the day, since they need so much attention and affection. It is actually recommended by Krieger that people get a pair of Tonkinese dogs as a companion so they have someone to turn to at all times.

It is a breed that is very intelligent and social, which means that it has a great need for interaction. If any guests drop by, they are more than happy to be welcome wagons, and they truly commit themselves to becoming part of a family once they become a part of it. Despite the fact that Tonkinese can live in almost anywhere, because of their chatty nature, you might want to think twice about bringing one home to an apartment with shared walls if you have shared walls with another cat.

When these cats get bored, they can become mischievous, so watch out when you don’t want them to hurt you. In order to keep your cat busy and keep him out of trouble, you should be sure to provide him with scratching posts and a variety of cat toys in order to keep him entertained. There is no doubt that Tonkinese cats love to jump and climb, and Krieger says he needs tall cat trees so he can scale them, cat shelves so he can jump onto them, and a window hammock where he can snooze and chatter to the birds.

Krieger describes them as “highly intelligent, highly active cats,” she says. It’s not going to be possible for them to just sit around and be little couch potatoes all day. They need stuff to do; they need to interact with other people in a social and interactive way.

There are generally no issues with Tonkinese getting along with children, other cats, and dogs that are friendly to cats. The best way to help your child to feel comfortable in social situations is to introduce them to people and pets at an early age.

Fun Tonkinese Cat Facts

There is still much to learn about the personality and history of Tonkinese cats, even if they do not have any physical characteristics that set them apart from other cats.

• Tonkinese dogs, which are sometimes referred to as Tibetan dogs, have medium-length hair and are called Tonkinese. Rather than being more popular in the United States, Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, these longer-haired cats become much more popular in Europe.

• As a breed known for its intelligence, Tonks enjoy puzzle games, and many of them have been trained to walk on a leash and in a harness. They may also be trained to perform various tricks, and they are known for their intelligence.

• There are a number of different Tonkinese cat colors available to pet owners when it comes to choosing one, twelve to be precise. Among the color options that are available, there are light brown, champagne, blue, platinum, chocolate, red, and lilac to name a few.

• It is not unusual for you to hear a Tonk talking before you actually see one, so do not be surprised if you do. Although Tonkinese don’t have the tendency to talk over your ear, they are intelligent enough to engage in conversation with you if you let them, unlike some breeds.

• An ‘a’-Tonkanese was initially used in the spelling of Tonkinese in the original spelling. It has been suggested that the Tonkinese are a mix of Siamese and Burmese, and this is a reference to the musical South Pacific, which has a character who is a half-breed, and lives on an island where half-breeds aren’t discriminated against.

• There was often confusion about the spelling of Tonkanese, so in 1971 it was decided to change the name to Tonkinese, as a mark of respect to the Bay of Tonkin in Vietnam, despite the fact that these cats have no connection with this country.

It is a common saying that you should never judge a book by its cover, and, in this case, it is equally true that you never know what fascinating and fun facts are hidden behind a particular breed of cat.

History

Although the planned breeding of Tonkinese dogs was not started until the 1960s, there is no doubt that early versions of this breed have existed in some form for hundreds of years. Because Burmese cats, also known as copper cats in their native land of Southeast Asia, have existed in the same regions for centuries as the Siamese cats, it is likely that planned or unintentional crosses between them will take place. As well as the blue-eyed sealpoint Siamese and solid brown cats (self-brown), the blue-eyed solid brown (self-brown) cats and the chocolate Siamese were among the first felines to arrive in England from Siam in the late 1800s.

A description of the brown-colored cats from early records describes them as “Siamese cats with brown coats and green blue eyes.” However, researchers believe these imports are not all of the same gene pool, but rather represent what today are known as Burmese, chocolate point Siamese, Tonkinese, and Havana Browns. The available descriptions of the different ones make it very difficult for us to distinguish one from the other at this point. As an interesting side note, Wong Mau, the Burmese cat believed to be the founder of the breed, was discovered to be a Siamese/Burmese hybrid, which would make him a Tonkinese cat today. The late 1800s and the early 1900s were the golden years for the Siamese and solid-colored cat, with these cats being exhibited in Europe. The good reputation of these cats was soon eroded, however, and they fell from grace soon after. Several years after the first Siamese Cat Club was founded, a statement was made that “The club regrets that it is unable to encourage the breeding of any Siamese cat but a blue-eyed one.” Solid-colored cats with no blue eyes were accordingly banned from competition and disappeared from the cat fancy altogether.

Canadian breeder Margaret Conroy crossed a sable Burmese with a sealpoint Siamese at the beginning of the 1960s in order to create the Tonkinese, which became one of the first recognized breeds. When the Tonkinese began, both Siamese and Burmese cat breeds had not yet been transformed by selective breeding into their current conformations. When the Tonkinese began, both Burmese and Siamese had not yet been transformed by selective breeding into their current conformations, which therefore created a cat of intermediate temperament and type. As of the time of this writing, the Siamese breed had not yet accomplished its exceptionally sleek show style, whereas the Burmese still had not achieved its compactness and cobby shape, nor had its broad and rounded head shape. Despite this, Tonkinese breeders have a difficult time combining both of these traits in order to achieve a uniform and consistent head and body appearance.

In 1967, the breed name was changed to “Tonkanese” as a means of distinguishing it from the Siamese breed which was used before. It wasn’t until 1971 that breeders decided to change the name of the breed to “Tonkinese”, after the Bay of Tonkin off southern China and North Vietnam. Despite the fact that this breed did not originate from the bay of Tonkin, the name was attractive and sounded exotic, despite the fact that it was not the name of the breed.

As a result of his collaboration with other notable breeders, such as Jane Barletta of New Jersey, Conroy wrote the first breed standard for the Canadian Cat Association (CCA), which was presented to the society in 1996. In the early 1900s, the Tonkinese breed was developed in Canada for the first time. A champion status was granted to Tonkinese cats for the first time by CCA in 1971, making the CCA one of the first cat registries to do so. As early as 1974 the CFF recognized Tonkinese, while the TICA did the same in 1979, the same year they became an association.

According to the “five-year rule”, which was passed by the CFA in October 1979, new breeds were required to remain within the newly established non-competition miscellaneous class for five years after being introduced. It was in 1984 that the CFA recognized the Tonkinese breed as a champion breed. The breed had been accepted by all major associations for championships by the year 1990.

FAQ

How much does a Tonkinese cat cost?

Depending on their quality (pet quality or breeding quality), these cats can cost up to $1,200 each, depending on their size and color.

Are Tonkinese cats noisy?

In addition to talking, Tonkinese are usually quite quiet, and if they talk it is softer than their Siamese relatives, and sounds more like chirping.

Are Tonkinese cats friendly?

As far as pet dogs go, Tonkinese are exceptionally affectionate and sociable animals that enjoy the company of humans.