Tonkinese

Tonkinese?  Siamese?  Burmese (Not to be confused with Birmans)?  What gives?

It is confusing.  A Tonkinese is a cross breed between Siamese and Burmese cats.  The current version of this hybrid (acknowledged by breeders and cat breeding associations) came to be in the mid 1960s.  Though many fans of the Tonkinese will tell you that this cat breed has existed since the early 1800s, as it is genetically similar to the chocolate brown Siamese of the time.  Some will even say that it has existed for much longer, naturally, in the streets of its original Asian homeland.  Either way, the Tonkinese is a much loved breed.

Fans say that Tonkinese cats bring the “best of both worlds” together.  An affectionate, enthusiastic, involved and vocal pet, who loves both snuggling and playing.  They are said to be less anxious and demanding than a Siamese, and also less loud.  They’re still very chatty, just more meow – less bellow.

A Tonkinese cat is medium sized, trim, and very muscular.  So muscular, that they are often surprisingly heavier than they appear to be.  Tokinese cats have a moderately wedge-shaped head and large wide-set ears.

Tokinese come in 12 colors total, with a long list of tints, contrasts and patterns factoring in to their descriptions.  They are a pointed breed, though the points will be more visible on some contrasts and patterns than others.

Many would say that the distinct aqua eye color is a defining characteristic of a Tonkinese, but only certain coat colors and patterns possess it.  Tonkinese cat’s eyes come in a variety of colors from gold to green to blue, and will generally depend on their coat.