The Tonkinese Cat

The Tonkinese Cat is a breed that was created by crossing the Burmese cat with the Traditional Siamese cat in the U.S. The first cats, bred in the1930's, were called "Golden Siamese". It wasn't until the 1960's that the name was changed to "Tonkanese" after the island in the musical South Pacific. Over the years the name was misspelled with the assumption that the cats were named after the Tonkin region of Indochina, and "Tonkinese" was the name used to register the breed in 1974. This is a small, sweet, and highly domestic cat created by mixing two beloved breeds. The result is an active, people-oriented, and vocal Siamese type drive, with the soft, sweet and fragile personality of the Burmese. A very special breed that makes for truely lovely company.

 Cool Cat Facts...
Tonkinese are not named for the Bay of Tonkin in Indochina. They were originally named "Tonkanese" with an "a", after the Island in the musical "South Pacific" where it was said that "mixed-breeds were always welcome"! The name was misspelled with an "i" so often that over time it just stuck!                                                              

Is A Tonkinese Cat Right For You?

The Tonkinese Cat is recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), the world's largest cat organization. It is a relatively uncommon pure-bred or "pedigreed" domestic cat breed. The Tonkinese comes in various shades of brown, cream, blue and red, either solid or with darker points. Ideally, the points are more subtle and shaded than those of the Siamese. The coat is unusually soft and has the texture and look of mink. Shedding is average and only occasional grooming is desired. The breed is known for its exceptional personality. Playful, sweet, talkative and loving, the Tonk is a fine companion, getting along with dogs, other cats and children equally. These are slender, graceful, smallish-sized cats that have few breed-related health issues. Because it is active and loves interaction the Tonkinese is a superb family cat that does well with considerate children, is extremely affectionate, and likes to be included in all family activities.

Tonkinese Cat Breed Standards

Head Shape: The head is longer than it is wide. It is a modified wedge which forms an equilateral triangle when seen from the front. Forehead and nose are slightly convex, giving a unique look to the face. Muzzle is medium length, neatly formed, full and with a firm chin and smooth cheeks. The ears are medium to large in size, taller than wide with medium width to the base and rounded tips. The eyes are almond shaped, wide and brilliant, slightly angled. Eye color may be any appropriate to coat color.
Body and Tail: Small, solid and well-rounded. Should look neither stocky, nor delicate. Some individuals can be quite lean and muscular. The legs are of medium length, slightly longer in the back, with medium size, oval shaped feet. The tail is slim and of medium length, with rounded tip and no taper. It must not be whippy.
Coat: The fur is very short in length. Very soft, close to the body and very shiny.
Pattern: This cat comes in solid, mink or pointed pattern, and in four shades- blue, champagne, platinum, and a dark brown called mink. Tabby or tiger type markings are highly undesirable.
Overall Appearance: This should be a hard-bodied, lean and muscular cat with remarkable heft for the size. Graceful and exotic overall. The coat is short, soft and sleek with remarkable sheen. A neat little package of a cat with a charming and affectionate personality.

Inside Cat or Outside Cat?

Wondering if you should allow your cat to go outside unsupervised? Well there are definitely some pure breeds that should never be outside cats. Hairless breeds like the Sphynx are extremely vulnerable and should always be supervised outdoors. Docile breeds like the Burmese may not be able to defend themselves. All cats allowed outdoors are exposed to diseases and parasites that they would not otherwise encounter. Fred Flintstone put his saber-tooth out every night, but the cat jumped right back in the window - and he was a saber-tooth! Still, most of us feel a little envy when we see our domestic companion out on some high perch, sniffing the breeze of liberty, and there is no doubt that cats love their freedom. So what do YOU think ....Inside Cat or Outside Cat? Comment Here...

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