Tonkinese

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, close-lying, fine and silky coat

The Tonk sits neatly between its two parent breeds: firmer and rounder than the modern Siamese, lighter and longer-lined than the Burmese. It is a medium, muscular cat that feels solid in the hand, with slim legs, oval paws and an expressive tail. The head is a softly modified wedge with a blunt, rounded muzzle, medium ears with oval tips and gently almond-shaped eyes. The short coat is soft and silky with a glossy sheen, often compared to mink. In the signature mink pattern the body is a warm shade that blends gently into darker points, with eyes of aqua blue-green.2431

Personality what they are like

A warm, confident and busy cat that likes to be involved in whatever is going on. Tonks tend to claim a lap or shoulder, keep an eye on household routines and greet visitors as if the guests came to see them. They are talkative, though their voice is gentler than a Siamese, and they often play fetch and other games. Most get on well with children, other cats and cat-friendly dogs, and can show a stubborn streak.24153

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. Tonkinese are energetic and playful, known for galloping around the home, and enjoy climbing to high spots, puzzle toys, fetch and learning tricks. Give them tall cat trees, interactive toys and daily play; a secure outdoor run is a good extra outlet.245

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Easy. Brush weekly (or two or three times a month) with a rubber or bristle brush to lift loose hair and bring up the shine. Start tooth brushing in kittenhood and keep up regular nail trims and ear checks.2435

Home where they are happiest

Does well indoors with plenty of vertical space, tall scratching posts, perches and toys to keep a busy mind occupied. A safe enclosed outdoor run can be a bonus.45

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete, balanced cat food with portions matched to age, activity and body condition, with treats kept occasional. Combining good food with daily play helps keep them trim.345

Company who they like around

High. Tonkinese want company and do not like long spells alone, so they suit homes where someone is often around or where another cat can keep them company.542

The story where it all began

Cats with the Tonkinese look appear in the Thai Cat-Book Poems from the Ayutthaya period, and some of the brown 'chocolate Siamese' brought to the West in the 1800s were probably of this type. The best-known ancestor is Wong Mau, a cat taken to the United States in 1930 who helped found the Burmese and is now thought to have been a Tonkinese herself. The modern breed began in the 1950s and 1960s when Margaret Conroy in Canada and Jane Barletta in the USA separately crossed Siamese and Burmese to get a cat that sat between the two. First known as Golden Siamese, the breed was renamed Tonkinese and recognised in Canada in the 1960s. CFA accepted it for registration in 1982 and granted championship to the mink pattern in 1984, adding the pointed and solid patterns in 2002. In Britain it was recognised by the GCCF in 1991.12345

Recognised by the official bits

CCA (Canada)

First recognised in Canada; CFA gives 1960, Wikipedia and GCCF give 1965 as the year the breed was named and recognised3

CFA

Accepted for registration 1982; mink pattern to championship 1984; pointed and solid patterns added to championship 20022

TICA

Fully recognised with a breed standard4

GCCF

Recognised 1991 (Cat Association of Britain from 1983); Section 5 (Burmese), Group 23

WCF

Recognised1

FIFe

Not on the FIFe list of recognised breeds6