Meet the Tonkinese

The Tonkinese came about as a result of deliberate inter-breeding in the 1960′s, the goal being a “best of both worlds” between Siamese and Burmese. Simultaneous efforts in the US and Canada, and a mid-80′s move to breed only within this new breed classification, resulted in recognition in 2001, moving them from “hybrid” to an established breed.

As exhibition rules changed, the Tonkinese met opposition; this breed highlighted the very traits bred out of the modern forms of Siamese and Burmese. Their bodies are midway between the stocky cobby types and the elongated Oriental types. They offer twelve different color patterns. They have adaptable Beta personalities instead of the driven Alpha temperament.

“Tonk” fans (who have steadily grown in numbers) don’t see this as a controversy. They see this as the point.

Pictured: Best of Breed GC, BW, NW PURRTEK’S MOSCATO, Platinum Point Tonkinese Male
Photo: © Chanan

While Tonks are gorgeous cats with a short, sleek, thick coat that is lovely to view and touch, it’s the unique Tonk personality which continues to win hearts and minds.

These are social creatures, who must have interaction with others.

A neglected Tonk will read us chapter and verse of the unfairness and indignity we are showing over the last five minutes. Then they will instantly forgive us when we suspend our other activities for the more important task of playing with them… and hugging them.

Because it’s not just play they crave. Tonks generally make wonderful lap and cuddle cats. This makes them benign rulers with willing subjects. Most Tonk fans have at least two, in addition to other cats, dogs, and children. Tonks are interactive marvels, happy to make suggestions to anyone. And usually getting their way.

Tonk fans feel the “best of both worlds” scenario is played out in their home every day. Sometimes this is a highly active, explosively athletic, cat, who races through the house at warp speed. Other times, this is a teddy bear cat, pulling us back for one more hug.

They are a good strategic choice for the cat fan needing to win over a cat skeptic. Tonk fans have many tales of how their Tonks won over a reluctant romantic partner, who then becomes the first one to suggest… another Tonk! It’s not in a Tonk’s nature to take rejection philosophically.

In fact, Tonks don’t accept rejection at all. It’s second nature for them to mount a charm campaign to win over even the most reluctant of souls. Then they graciously accept the new fan’s humble acknowledgment of their greatness, and bear no grudges.

This “friend I haven’t met yet” aspect of the Tonk personality also makes them a good choice for greeter cats, store cats, and other cats who like meeting the public. Most people feel they “look like a breed, but what kind?” which intrigues the Newbies and moves Tonk fans to share their passion.

When we do all the right things for our Tonks, we will have one of the easiest cats to keep happy. Their recently hybrid nature means a sturdy genotype along with the purebred predictability. Their ready assessment and acceptance of other creatures means few conflicts in the home. And they have been known to win over even the Scroogeiest of hearts.

Tonks need a cat tree or other sturdy piece of cat furniture, access to the couch and beds, lots of friends and lots of toys. So don’t subject a Tonk to being the only cat alone in a home all day.

Due to their popularity, a Tonkinese mix might appear in a shelter near you. Because of their beautifully balanced qualities, the Tonkinese influence is probably strong, and their distinctive appearance makes them reliably recognizable.

Want a Tonkinese? Find an ethical breeder who cares about their cats, or check out the cats needing homes at Purebred Tonkinese Rescue. Check North America at Petfinder.com to see if there’s a mix nearby, just waiting for a home.

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