ORIGIN

In the pedigree world, the Tonkinese emerged from crossing Siamese with Burmese, however the breed occurs naturally in South-East Asia. The idea was to breed cats who were not too extreme, neither too cobby nor too svelte, intelligent but not highly strung. Tonks are sociable, intelligent and curious like their Siamese side, and calm and adaptable like their Burmese ancestors. They like to talk, but their voices are less strident than the Siamese.

In the early 1960s, a Canadian breeder crossed a sable Burmese with a seal point Siamese, which produced a cat of intermediate type and colouring. She renamed this hybrid Siamese a Tonkanese. The spelling was changed in 1971 to Tonkinese after the Bay of Tonkin in Southeast Asia.

Caring for Tonkinese is as easy as feeding a well balanced feline diet, providing a scratching post and insisting that they use it is also imperative, and of course the all important visit to the vet for check-ups and inoculations. Toys and interesting cat tree will help keep them occupied when you're having to do other things to do besides playing with your Tonk. Working humans find two Tonks will keep each other company as well as lessen the mischief one bored Tonk can get into. Keeping your cat indoors and neutering or spaying are essential elements for maintaining a healthy companion and most importantly will extend the life expectancy of your cat.

TEMPERAMENT

Tonks are sociable, fun loving, involved cats. They are dog cats in that they are people oriented like a dog with the convenience of a cat. They have the intelligence and curiosity of a Siamese with the more laid back personality of a Burmese. If you want a couch potato cat known for its independence this is not the cat for you. They do have a strong personality and can be stubborn, but they are so lovable it's hard to get angry with them. Although active and muscular they are not high strung and are very happy cats. They are very social. They like people, other cats, children and dogs. They do not like living alone without attention.

Frequently people have two so they can entertain each other if you work. They bond easily so they adjust well to new owners. They adjust well to living inside as they love people. If left to roam outside they may be stolen or contact a health problem. They usually play fetch and will jump to your shoulder. The shoulder trick is fun early in the morning while you are getting dressed for work! A cat tree is a good way to help exercise them. They love being high and running up and down the tree helps use some of their excess energy. They hate closed doors and want to know everything that goes on.

GROOMING

The short thick coat does not require much maintenance. Their coat is sleek and soft and you may want to occasionally give it a bath. They should be brushed and usually enjoy it as part of their human interaction.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do they talk a lot?

This depends on your point of reference. If you have known a Siamese - not as much. If you are used to a sedate, quiet longhair - a lot. Tonkinese talk in sentences and paragraphs. They tend to carry on conversations as opposed to talking to themselves. They expect you to listen.

Do they change colour as they get older?

Like Siamese and Burmese, they get darker as they get older. The facial mask starts on the nose when the kitten is a few days old.

Do you comb their fur to get the curly-cue on their chest?

No. The cow-lick on the chest occurs naturally.