The Tonkinese is a beautiful and unique breed, known for its striking aqua eyes and a blend of traits from its Siamese and Burmese ancestors. Medium in size, Tonkinese cats have a well-balanced, muscular build that gives them surprising weight for their size. Their bodies are a blend of the slender, elegant Siamese and the more robust Burmese, resulting in a cat that is neither too slim nor too stocky.
Their coats are soft, short, and silky, requiring little grooming. Tonkinese cats come in a variety of colours and patterns, but they are most well-known for their mink shades, with darker points on their faces, ears, legs, and tails. These cats also have an alert, intelligent expression, and their slightly rounded heads and medium-sized ears give them a sweet appearance.
Tonkinese cats are highly sociable and affectionate, often described as being as playful and interactive as dogs. They are curious and love to be involved in whatever their humans are doing. Whether it’s helping out with chores or playing with toys, Tonks are energetic but not overly hyperactive. They thrive on companionship, so having a second Tonkinese or plenty of interactive toys can keep them entertained when you're not around. They are known to enjoy games like fetching, a behaviour more typical of dogs than cats.
While the Tonkinese breed is relatively new, it has roots that trace back to the early 1800s when crossbreeding between Siamese and Burmese cats began. Some believe that the modern Tonkinese reflects the original appearance of the Siamese breed before breeders developed the long, slender look of today’s show Siamese.
With their friendly, playful nature and easy-going temperament, Tonkinese cats make wonderful companions. They are less aloof than many other breeds and are more likely to greet you at the door or curl up next to you on the couch. For anyone looking for an active, affectionate, and social pet, the Tonkinese is a great choice.