Variety:
Tonkinese cats
Country of origin:
United States of America
Colours:
Colors. Stains on muzzle, ears, legs and tail are darker than the rest of the body
Personality:
Affectionate, loving, intelligent, active, playful
Weight:
2,5–5,5 kg
Longevity:
19-20 years
Other names:
Tonkinese cat, Tonkinese cat
Tonkinese cats are very similar in character to their relatives, the Siamese and Burmese cats. Tonkinese cats are very fond of the company of people and can be kept in families with small children. These cats are very affectionate and intelligent – you can easily teach them various tricks. Tonkinese cats are very sad when left alone in the house – it is very important for them to always have a master around. This breed adapts very quickly to changes in living conditions, so you can take them with you when you travel.
Breed history
The Tonkinese cat is a relatively new breed of cat, a cross between Siamese and Burmese cats. The first cat of the breed was named Wong Mau, brought from Burma to San Francisco in the 1930s by the American Dr Thompson. In America, it was thought to be a Siamese cat. Later, Wong Mau was bred to a Siamese cat, and a brown kitten born in the litter was bred to its mother. The kittens born in the litter were very different: some resembled Siamese cats, some resembled Burmese cats and some resembled Tonkinese cats. For some reason, the kittens with Tonkinese characteristics were not mated, and for some time the breed died out. In the 1980s, British felinologists started to revive the Tonkinese cat breed.Today, we can be happy that the breed has gained quite a lot of popularity – although Tonkinese cats are very popular in the USA, there are also representatives of the breed in Europe.
Tonkinese cat: appearance
Tonkinese cats are medium-sized, usually weighing between 2,5 and 5,5 kg. They are characterised by a rounded head with a wedge shape. The muzzle is blunt and the whisker pads prominent. The ears are widely spaced, broad at the base and tapering towards the back. The eyes are usually blue-greenish, but may vary from blue to green. The body of Tonkinese cats is well balanced, robust and muscular. The legs are thin but muscular and the hind limbs are longer than the front. The tail is thin and should reach the shoulders when bent over the side. The coat is short, close-fitting, silky in texture and shiny. The markings on the muzzle, ears, legs and tail are darker than the fur on other parts of the body. These markings should blend gently with the main coat colour. Tonkinese cats can be a variety of colours, with the cat’s coat becoming darker with age.
Tonkinese cat: character
Tonkinese cats are very affectionate and affectionate, and they value the company of humans. Owners of Tonkinese cats claim that they are very intelligent and can anticipate several actions of their owners. In a new home, this breed of kittens adapts very quickly, soon becoming attached to their new family members and constantly monitoring their behaviour. They are very peaceful pets and always try to avoid conflicts. Tonkinese cats get along with all members of the family, as well as with the pets in the house. If she encounters an unfriendly dog or an aggressive cat, she will simply walk away without trying to find out who is superior and stronger. Tonkinese cats sense their owners’ emotions, and if an action by a Tonkinese cat upsets or angers the owner, the cat will never repeat it.Tonkinese cats get on well with children: even if the children are too rough with the cat, the Tonkinese cat will not show any disapproval or aggression.