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Tonkinese cats, affectionately known as Tonks, are a crossbreed of two popular color-point cats. They were conceived as a breed that would be the best of both, and their fans say they are exactly that. With origins in Thailand, England, Canada, and New Jersey, these globetrotting cats like nothing more than a welcoming home and a warm lap.
History
It is often said that the Tonkinese was first recognized in The Cat Poems, or Tamra Maew, which may have first been composed as long ago as the 12th century, according to The International Maew Boran Association (TIMBA). However, TIMBA reports that the Tamra Maew does not feature a cat matching the characteristics of the Tonkinese [8]. Instead, the Tamra Maew shows the parent breeds of the Tonkinese: the Siamese and Burmese [8].
Tonkinese cats are a cross between a Siamese and a Burmese, and all of the above occurred naturally in Thailand to begin with [8]. Tonks were probably imported to Britain in the 1880s as “chocolate Siamese,” but they were not recognized as a separate breed [2, 3, 10, 11]. The first time Tonks were intentionally bred was during the 1950s and early 1960s [1-3, 6, 9, 10]. Cat fanciers Jane Barletta of New Jersey and Margaret Conroy of Ontario collaborated to establish the breed [2, 7, 10]. The Canadian Cat Association was the first to recognize the breed in 1971, using the standard written by Barletta [10].
Breed Characteristics
Appearance
Tonkinese cats have an appearance that is intermediate between the two parents breeds, although their traits vary along a spectrum from more Siamese-like to more Burmese-like. Tonks have a color-point pattern, like both parent breeds, but they can have three different variations of color-point patterning. This is because Siamese and Burmese cats have two different partial, temperature-sensitive albinism genes that both give them color-points [6]. Siamese cats have two copies of the recessive cs version of the gene which causes high-contrast color-points [6]. Burmese cats have two copies of the recessive cb version which causes low-contrast color-points, almost a solid-colored pelt [6].
Because Tonkinese cats are a cross between these two breeds, they can have three combinations: cs cs, cb cb, or cs cb [6]. If they have the cs cs genotype, their pattern will look like a Siamese cat’s, and this is called “point” in Tonks [6]. If they have cb cb, they will have the Burmese pattern which is called “solid,” although it isn’t quite a solid color [6]. The cs cb genotype produces a coloration called “mink,” which is the preferred coloration in Tonkinese [6]. It has a darker body color than a Siamese but lighter than a Burmese.
Eye color in Tonkinese is coordinated with their pattern. Point cats tend to have blue eyes like Siamese, and solids have chartreuse eyes inherited from the Burmese. Minks have striking aquamarine eyes. [2, 3, 7, 9] Coat color is even more variable. There are four traditional show colors: platinum/lilac, champagne/chocolate, natural/black, and blue [2, 3, 5, 6, 9]. However, the breed can also come in other colors and even have tabby and tortoiseshell points [1, 4, 7].
The Tonk body type is intermediate between the svelte, angular Siamese and the stocky Burmese. They are slim yet muscular, with a head that is gently wedge-shaped. [1, 4, 7] Their muzzle is short with an angle to the nose that comes from the Burmese side [1, 4]. Their fur is short, silky, and dense [1-4, 7, 9, 11]. Purrfect for petting!
Personality
The Tonkinese is a highly social and affectionate breed [1-3, 5, 7, 9, 10]. They are very playful but also love to snuggle [2, 3, 5, 7, 10]. They do not, however, like to be alone [2, 3, 5, 10]. Fortunately, Tonks tend to get along with everyone, including children and other animals, so if you have another pet to be their friend, they won’t be lonely while you’re away [2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11].
Like their Siamese forebears, Tonks are smart and curious, which can lead them into trouble, especially if they get bored [2, 3, 7, 11]. They are known for their knack for opening doors [11]. Keep these active cats occupied with puzzle toys, plenty of interactive playtime, and maybe even teaching them tricks [2, 5, 9, 11]. They also have some of the talkativeness of Siamese, so be ready for lots of lively conversations [2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11]!
Tonk Life
Perhaps the hardest thing about caring for a Tonkinese is making sure you catproof the house before you get one [3, 10]. You should do that for any cat, but as Tonks are both active and particularly inquisitive, just moving things to a high shelf may not be enough.
Tonks require very little grooming. Their coat is of a quality that they can pretty much take care of it themselves. However, their pelt can benefit from a weekly brushing to remove loose hair. [1-5, 9, 11] Your clothes and furniture will benefit, as well.
Tonkinese are a generally healthy breed, but there are some health problems that crop up from time to time. Tonks are prone to gingivitis, so it is a good idea to start brushing their teeth as kittens so it doesn’t become a necessary but horrible battle later in life [2, 5, 9]. This breed can also be sensitive to anesthesia [9]. Irritable Bowel Disease is more common in Tonks as well [2, 5]. If you have concerns about your cat’s health, always consult your veterinarian.
Remember, even purebred cats end up in shelters and rescues, so adopt, don’t shop, for your new best friend! If you are in the U.S., this Facebook group is specifically for people looking to rescue a Tonkinese.
Fun Facts
- The Tonkinese was named after either the Tonkin region or the Bay of Tonkin in Vietnam. It has nothing to do with the cat, but the choice of name may have been related to the Vietnam War. [2, 9, 10]
- The largest litter of kittens ever born was to a Tonkinese cat–19 kittens! The average for a queen is 5. [2]
- According to J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World website, the 2nd most popular Patronus is a Tonkinese Cat. This may indicate that the witch or wizard is “a curious and loving person.” [12]
Works Cited
- Alderton, D. (1992). Cats: The visual guide to more than 250 types of cats from around the world. Dorling Kindersley: London.
- Braaksma, H. (n.d.). Tonkinese. DailyPaws. https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-breeds/tonkinese
- Cat Fanciers’ Association. (n.d.). About the Tonkinese. CFA. https://cfa.org/tonkinese/
- Edwards, A. (2006). The ultimate encyclopedia of cat, cat breeds, and cat care. Hermes House: London.
- Fratt, K. (2019, July 23). Tonkinese: Cat breed profile. The Spruce Pets. https://www.thesprucepets.com/tonkinese-cat-full-profile-history-and-care-4694353
- Martino, L. (n.d.). Tonkinese genetics: Color, coat pattern, and eye color. Tonkinese Breed Association. https://www.tonkinesebreedassociation.org/tonkgenetics.html
- The International Cat Association. (2018, August 13). Tonkinese breed. TICA. https://www.tica.org/breeds/browse-all-breeds?view=article&id=884:tonkinese-breed&catid=79
- The International Maew Boran Association. (n.d.). Thai Tonkinese. TIMBA. http://www.timba.org/thaitonkinese.html
- Thornton, K. C. (2017, August 14). Let’s talk about the Tonkinese cat. Catster. https://www.catster.com/cats-101/lets-talk-about-the-tonkinese-cat
- Tonkinese. (n.d.). PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/cat/breeds/c_ct_tonkinese
- Tonkinese. (n.d.). VCAHospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cat-breeds/tonkinese
- Wizarding World Team. (2019, November 25). What your Patronus says about you. Wizarding World. https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/what-your-patronus-says-about-you
Published November 14, 2021
