Tonkinese Cats
Cat Facts

Whilst Tonkinese Cats may have existed in the Far East centuries ago, the cat we know today was created using a perfect blend of the elegant Siamese Cats and the well proportioned Burmese Cat. These domestic cats are characterized by their unique 'mink coats' and the most stunning aquamarine eyes.

This cat has a medium long body with well developed and firm muscles and a medium long, moderately thick tail that tapers to the tip. The hind legs are longer than the front legs. The head is medium-sized, shaped like an equilateral triangle, with rounded contours. Eyes are peach-pip shaped and slightly slanted and the eye-color varies from aquamarine blue and green. The Tonkinese cat has medium-sized ears with rounded tips, a broad base and the ears slant forward.

If you intend to breed or show your cat, you will need to check the breed standards in your country as the accepted coat colors differ in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF- UK) only recognizes the solid colors: i.e. Cream, Blue (gray), Brown, Chocolate (ruddy brown), Lilac (soft mushroom), Red, Tortoiseshell and Tabby. The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA- USA) only accepts mink colors: Platinum mink (pale silver, dark gray); Blue mink (blue gray, slate points); Natural mink (brown ruddy highlights & brown points); Champagne (cream beige, brown points) and Solid and Pointed versions.

The Tonkinese has a short coat that is soft, luxurious, silky and fine and the coat pattern includes: Pointed (Siamese coat pattern); Mink (Unique to Tonkinese) and Solid (Burmese coat pattern).

Personality and Temperament

Tonks, as they are fondly called, love attention and loathe solitude. For this reason, they would be more suited to a family rather than a single-owner household. They are people-cats and known for their tolerance of children. They are fun cats to watch and be around and they make excellent pets! They are sociable towards other cats and animals.

This is a breed with a colorful temperament - highly intelligent, affectionate, lively, active and playful and yet gentle and warm. These cats are also known to be stubborn and difficult to train. They are quite vocal, but the good news is that they have melodious voices.

Tonkinese Cat Information

Indoor or Outdoor Cats

Tonkinese cats are suited to indoor (they actually love to be inside) and outdoor living. If your cat is permitted outdoors, you need to ensure that it is an enclosed garden, (or an enclosure) one that is covered on all sides and this includes the roof.

Cat Care and Cat Grooming

This shorthaired beauty is a fairly low maintenance cat. Its short coat needs to be brushed once a week to keep it in tip-top condition. Our comprehensive cat care pages will assist with all your cat's grooming needs.

Cat Health Concerns

The Tonkinese is a healthy cat breed, but some cats are prone to:

• Upper respiratory infections and
• Gingivitis. Gum disease can be avoided by good dental health.
• It would appear that they are sensitive to anesthetics and certain cat vaccines.

It is always worth investing in cat insurance - you just never know when you may need drastic veterinary intervention. To keep your cat healthy, an annual visit to the vet for vaccinations, de-worming teeth cleaning and a general check-up is advised. All cats need to be vaccinated against infectious feline diseases.

Cat Diet and Nutrition

The choice of cat food is up to you, but do buy a good quality, well balanced pet food. The breeder will normally provide you with guidelines on cat nutrition and the best cat food for your new Tonkinese kitten. You also need to provide your cat with fresh drinking water every day.

The Average Weight

The average weight of a healthy cat will be between 2.5 - 5.5 kg (5.5 - 12.1 lbs)

Life Expectancy

Tonkinese cats have a life span of 15 - 18 years - a long life expectancy.

For more information about Tonkinese cats:

Tonkinese Breed - stunning pictures of cats

About Tonkinese Cats - origin and history

Tonkinese Kittens for Sale - a cat breeder directory

Tonkinese Cat Pictures Courtesy of:

© Theresa Fouche Photography

Top: Loeloeraai Yamka Yahzhi Tonkinese Breeder: J Grobbelaar; Owner: S Schwartz

Bottom: Sp Ch Loeloeraai Tolinka Amitola. Blue Solid Tortie Tonkinese Owned and Bred: Jeanine Grobbelaar