A BREED PROFILE OF THE TONKINESE

 

This is not intended to be a history of the Tonkinese Cat (there are many such articles on this subject to be found on the internet, books etc.) but more of what a Tonk cat is AND if you are intending on buying a kitten why you should (or should not) consider a Tonkinese. SO more of what a Tonkinese is like  -  what makes them tick  -  what makes them so great?

 

A Tonkinese cat is simply a cross between a Siamese and a Burmese which blends the best of both breeds. The sharpness of the Siamese is lost producing a cat which is a little rounder and more muscular but still elegant. Coming in a wonderful variety of colours an patterns (brown, blue, chocolate, lilac, red and cream) the tortie pattern in brown,blue chocolate and lilac) and not forgetting the fabulous tabbies tonks bred in all of these wonderful colours. Tonkinese cats come in the original mink, pointed and solid coat patterns too...what a variety ?

The Tonkinese has eyes of aqua blue when fully mature (at around 18months) but all babies start off with blue eyes which change over the coming months. Although the pointed patterned variety of tonkinese will often keep their true blue eyes  whereas the mink coat pattern tonks have eyes of aqua and the solid coat patterned tonks have eyes that eventually become a more greeny/blue.

 

Tonkinese  cats are mischievous inquisitive, full of fun and are a delight to be with. They make great climbers sometimes taking daring leaps in their quest for adventure and finding those inaccessible places. They are energetic in short bursts, chasing one another around the house, up and down the stairs etc. They love to play and even chasing a piece of string will keep them amused for ages. They are a natural antidote to the stresses of the day. its very hard not to smile when they are seeking out your attention, whether for food, companionship or playtime. It has long been known that the simplest act of stroking a cats fur will reduce stress levels , they have been used as therapy for sometime now with cats being taken into rest homes etc.  Here again the Tonkinese comes into its own as it loves nothing more than to catch a few zzz's of an evening (or daytime) cuddled up on a lap. The Tonk is not a hissing, spitting cat but a completely laid back animal that relishes attention and adores being stroked. Tonks are very very sociable cats..they thrive on company INFACT they demand it !! A Tonkinese left alone all day without a friend be it human or feline is a VERY unhappy cat. So if you work away from home for long hours at a time you should without any doubt buy a pair of kittens. Tonks bond very quickly and are very affectionate, they also have a placid agreeable friendly nature and are extremely loving. It is these qualities that endear them to people.

 

SO to sum up !!  If you love cats, how could you not love a Tonkinese, a demanding cat yes  but you will find that you give your time readily as by this simple act you will reap the benefits of a loyal and loving friend. A special cat always waiting to greet you and who is blessed with a kind and loving nature AND last but by no means least  a tonkinese cat is a truly beautiful animal not only in body but also in temperament .    Bring a little Tonk (or two) into your life !!  you will not regret it.