The Tonkinese Cat Breed: Appearance, Personality & Care

Most of us are familiar with the Siamese cat breed, and at first glance the Tonkinese may be mistaken for a Siamese cat by the untrained eye. This resemblance is no coincidence, as the Tonkinese breed originated from crossing pedigree Siamese cats with pedigree Burmese cats.

Established as a breed in its own right, the Tonkinese, or “Tonk” as they are nicknamed, began in Canada and has garnered popularity worldwide, including the UK. The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy officially recognised the Tonkinese breed in 1991.

While the Tonkinese shares ancestry with both Siamese and Burmese cats, its unique personality and appearance set it apart as a distinct breed. If you’re considering an oriental cat, the Tonkinese stands out for its vocal, friendly, and engaging nature.

Appearance and Physical Characteristics

The Tonkinese cat is medium-sized with a firm, muscular yet lean body that often appears more delicate than it truly is. Their heads are gently rounded with triangular features that resemble the Siamese but less pronounced. They have large, wide-set ears and oval-shaped paws, distinctive from other felines.

The coat comes in three colour patterns: "solid", where the coat is one uniform shade like the Burmese; "pointed", with a base colour and contrasting paws, mask, and tail as seen in Siamese cats; and "mink," a unique pattern to the Tonkinese. Mink patterns blend the points with the body colour in a muted, soft manner. This mink coat is highly prized in show circles but can be difficult to produce reliably.

One of the standout features of Tonkinese cats is their striking eye colours. Depending on their coat, their eyes may range from vivid green to light blue or aqua, adding to their captivating appearance.

Breed Recognition and Historical Background

The Tonkinese breed as we know it emerged from the deliberate crossbreeding of Siamese and Burmese cats. Most modern Tonkinese cats have Tonkinese bloodlines extending many generations back, securing their status as a stable breed.

While records suggest cats resembling Tonkinese types existed as far back as the early 19th century, it's unclear if those were from Siamese and Burmese parents. Although the name "Tonkinese" only became popular in the mid-20th century, the breed's development was methodical and intentional.