Tonkinese Cats and Kittens

They will often be called Tonks for short. Like many old cat breeds, the exact origin of the Tonkinese cat is not well known. Depending on which historian you talk to, you will get a variety of different answers. What is known is that these cats are a mix between a Burmese Cat and a Siamese Cat. It is believed that they have been around at least since the 18th century, but the name given to the cat is not taken from the Tonkin area of Southeast Asia.

Disposition

Canada is commonly cited as the place where these cats originate. The cats are known for being muscular and trim, and they are heavier than their appearance suggests. This is due to their body, which is very well developed. They have a paw that is oval in shape, and their head is shaped like a wedge. The ears of the Tonkinese cat are large, and sit on the outer portion of the cat's head. These cats are known for their high intelligence, curiosity, and their interest and affection towards humans. While these cats can be playful, they are not hyperactive. However, they can become mischievous when they are bored or left alone.

These cats will work well when they are exposed to toys, a cat tree, or another Tonkinese. Any of these things can keep the cat busy while its owner is away. Another thing which makes these cats distinct is that they can engage in the game of fetching, something which is unusual among cats. These cats love heights, and they will sometimes jump on the shoulders of their owner. The personality of these cats are more closely related to the Burmese rather than the Siamese, and they are not very demanding or high strung.

Appearance

A Tonk can come in a large number of patterns and colors. However, the three primary colors that will be found with this breed are solid, pointed, and mink. Among owners and cat enthusiasts, the mink color is the one that is preferred and most desirable. Other colors which are desirable among this breed include blue and platinum. When it comes to eye color, the Tonkinese will generally have an color that is either green or gold. The eyes can also sometimes be blue. If the cat lives in a cooler climate, the coat will generally be darker in color than a cat that lives in a warmer climate.

Trying to produce a mink colored kitten by breeding two mink colored adults will often not work. The reason for this is because the mink color comes from having a single gene from a solid Burmese pattern and a Siamese pattern which is pointed. When a kitten doesn't meet the standards of the breed, it will often be sold as a pet, and the asking price will generally be much lower than with cats that meed the breed standard.

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