A charming blend of Siamese and Burmese, Tonkinese are intelligent, affectionate and people-focused felines, who’ll eagerly run across the room to greet you before asking for a cuddle.
Personality and temperament
An outgoing and sociable cat, Tonkinese are loved for their even-balanced nature. While they’re the first to look for action and attention, ‘Tonks’ are equally happy to curl up on your lap for the afternoon. These friendly felines love greeting you at the door to ask you about your day with their impressive vocal trilling. They seemingly speak in full sentences, waiting for an answer. It’s just one of the charming quirks of this playful breed. Tonks thrive on this kind of human interaction and don’t do well in homes where they’re left alone for long periods of time.
Size and appearance
Being a blend of Siamese and Burmese, Tonks are a beautiful, medium-sized cat with a slender but muscular body. Males weigh around 6kgs or so, with females weighing slightly less – both are heavier than they look due to their muscles. The hallmarks of this striking breed are their arresting aqua or green eyes, shaped like almonds, and their shimmering coat that comes in mink and solids patterns. Surprisingly, they’re quite low-maintenance; a weekly brush is all that’s needed to keep their fur healthy and glossy.
History
A relatively new breed, Tonkinese were bred by crossing a Siamese with a Burmese in the 1950s. Originally called a “Golden Siamese’, they were largely ignored in the cat world until the 1960s when the first Tonk appeared at cat shows across America under the name, Tonkinese. Since then, Tonks have been actively bred and developed in Australia and New Zealand, with the official breed standard continuing to evolve as the breed gets more popular.
Health conditions that can affect this breed
Generally a healthy breed, Tonkinese can be prone to some inherited, conditions including:
- Respiratory infections (especially in kittens)
- Eye problems, including cataracts and dry eye
- Amyloidosis (rare liver condition)
- Dental disease
Regular vet check-ups and care can help manage these conditions and keep your Tonkinese healthy.
Food and exercise
These adorable furballs are active and full of energy, so they need a quality, high-protein diet and access to fresh water. Portion out the food into two servings a day to avoid overeating – they love their food as much as they love their cuddles.
Tonks crave interaction in any form. Games of fetch, puzzle toys and regular playtime will help stimulate their mind and keep them sharp. Climbing trees, interactive toys and lots of time with their humans will help avoid boredom-induced mayhem.
Grooming and maintenance
A Tonk’s fur is low-maintenance, especially as it resists matting. As they shed lightly year-round a wipe with a soft chamois cloth will help loosen fur. However, a powerful vacuum cleaner can make all the difference to your couch.
How to groom your Tonkinese
- Coat type: short, silky and close-lying
- Fur: brush weekly with a soft cloth or rubber grooming mitt
- Nails: trim every 3-4 weeks
- Ears: check weekly for dirt or wax build-up
- Eyes: wipe gently to remove any discharge
Training and space requirements
Tonks are intelligent and eager to hang with their human, so training can be a fun experience that doubles as playtime. Positive reinforcement, including treats and praise, as well as engaging sessions are key.
Apartment-living can suit your Tonk if there is enough vertical space to explore. Invest in climbing trees, tunnels and scratch pads, but keep in mind what Tonkinese want more than anything is facetime with the humans of the house. As long as they get that, they can adapt to most loving spaces.
Best suited for…
Tonkinese are sociable, agreeable little things who love chatting, playing and receiving endless cuddles with their humans. They suit families and anyone who spends the majority of their day at home, so they aren’t let alone for too long. Otherwise, cue mischief.
