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The Tonkinese originated in Canada, the only cat breed to do so. It came
about in the early 1960's; the result of a seal point Siamese and a sable
Burmese cross breeding. It has many of the best qualities of both. The breeder
of the Tonkinese thought the show Siamese were becoming too extreme. She
tried to create a cat with qualities she liked best in both the Siamese and
Burmese breeds. A pet shop owner in the U.S. has the same goal and called
his cats Golden Siamese. The Canadian cat took this name but then changed
it to Tonkinese. In the mid 1960's the Canadian Cat Association recognized
this cat as a championship competitor. The United States granted recognition
in 1972. In Britain the Tonkinese is only recognized by one cat association.
This is a medium sized cat shaped between the Burmese and
the Siamese. He is muscular and firm. The legs are slender and in proportion
to its body. The Tonkinese eyes are aquamarines to turquoise in color, a
distinct feature of this cat. They came about due to the crossing of the
Blue eyed Siamese and the golden eyed Burmese. The Tonkinese has a luxurious
coat which in medium short. It is fine and like silk. Grooming entails a
combing on occasion to remove dead hair. This breed should also live in a
warm climate.
For championship show only five colors are allowed. They
are blue mink, champagne mink, honey mink, natural mink, and platinum mink.
There are some groups that will allow colors like the pointed Siamese or
Burmese.
The Tonkinese exhibits lively
behavior and is very lovable.
His strong personality has the Siamese curiosity. Consider having two cats
if you are often gone, as this breed does not like to be alone and can get
into trouble if lonely. The Tonkinese is also an escape artist and will find
ways to get out of the house. This breed is healthy and lives a long life.
Behavior, Health and Happiness Information
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