Tonkinese Cats
Fast 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 Cat and well proportioned Burmese Cats. Milan Greer and Edith Lux are credited for developing the modern Tonkinese - domestic cats with unique ' mink-coats' and stunning aquamarine eyes.

Origin	This cat breed was created in the 1930's in the United States of America.
Classification	Classified by some associations as a Foreign-type and others describe it as an Intermediate-type (not cobby or svelte). It is a domestic hybrid breed.
Coat Colors and Patterns	GCCF: recognizes the solid colors: i.e. Cream, Blue (gray), Brown, Chocolate (ruddy brown), Lilac (soft mushroom), Red, Tortoiseshell and Tabby. CFA: recognizes 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. Patterns** include Pointed (Siamese coat pattern); Mink (Unique to Tonkinese) and Solid (Burmese coat pattern)
Coat Characteristics	Tonkinese cat's coats are short, soft, luxurious, silky and fine. The hair lies flat against the body.
General Features	Body: The body-shape is described as been between that of the Burmese and Siamese cat (medium-long & firm). These cats are medium boned and the muscles are well developed. The tail which tapers at the tip is medium long and not thick. Hind legs are longer than the front legs. Eyes: Well spaced eyes are peach-pip shaped and slightly slanted. Eye-color varies from aquamarine blue and green. Ears: Tonkinese cats have medium-sized ears with rounded tips, a broad base and the ears slant forward. Head: These cats have a medium-sized head, shaped like an equilateral triangle, (slightly longer than wide), with rounded contours. The muzzle is angular and medium in length.

Weight	The average weight of a healthy cat will be between 2.5 - 5.5 kg (5.5 - 12.1 lbs)
Temperament	Tonkinese cats are people cats! They are lively, friendly, playful, gentle and warm. Fun cats to watch and be around. They make excellent pets! The Tonk is affectionate with their owners and fairly sociable with other cats. They have strong personalities and can be stubborn at times. Tonkinese cats enjoy company and require lots of attention - they dislike solitude. They are also described as intelligent, quite vocal and extremely curious cats.
Child Friendly	Yes, but preferably older children. Younger children need to be taught how to handle cats and kittens.
Animal Friendly	They do get on well with other pets.
Ideal Home	Tonkinese cats are suited to indoor (they actually love to be inside) and outdoor living, but 'outdoors' as described below. Many cat breeders have contracts that stipulate that the cat must be kept indoors only. Indoor cats need an 'adventure zone' to prevent boredom. Outdoors: An enclosed garden, one that is covered on all 4 sides and includes the roof. If your cat has direct access from your home to a large enclosure of this type it will be possible to allow some access to the 'outdoors'.
Cat Grooming	This little shorthaired beauty is a fairly low maintenance cat. Their short coats do need 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.
Cat Food and Nutrition	The choice of cat food is up to you, but do buy a good quality, well balanced pet food.
Life Expectancy (Avr)	Tonkinese cats have a life span of 15 - 18 years - a long life expectancy.