The only breed to originate from Canada, the Tonkinese was developed in the early 1960's by crossing a Seal-point Siamese and a Sable Burmese. The Tonkinese is an inquisitive, active, loving and responsive cat.
The
mating of two Tonkinese will produce an average litter of four kittens, and
usually producing two Tonkinese, one Burmese and one Siamese offspring.
The coat displays elements of both ancestral parents, with a rich Burmese
body colour and Siamese points. Tonkinese colours are called "Mink" and natural
Mink remains the most popular (also called Sable or Seal). Other colours are
Honey, Champagne (also called Chocolate), Platinum (also called Lilac or Frost)
and Blue. Three coat patterns - Solid or Sepia, Pointed and the famous Mink -
but all "Tonk" coats have that silken mink feel. The Tonkinese coat requires
little work to maintain its luxurious texture - a few sweeps with a rubber cat
brush and an occasional bath are all that is required.
The colourful personality of the Tonkinese make them ideal companions. They
will take possession of your lap and shoulder, and they will supervise your
activities. They are warm and loving, highly intelligent, with an incredible
memory and senses that are akin to radar. They are strong willed, and their
humans are wise to use persistent persuasion in training them.
They are naturals at inventing and playing games, using favourite toys to
play fetch, and delighting in games of tag with each other. Of course
hide-and-seek is a favourite game, which they play with humans as well as other
Tonks. They become your "door greeter" and will happily entertain your guests.
They have been described by enthusiastic owners as part puppy (following their
owner around the house), part monkey (their "acrobatics" are legend!), and can
sound like an elephant running through your house when they choose. In short:
they quickly take over and run your house and your life! Their affectionate ways
are impossible to ignore, and they quickly endure themselves to family and
visitors.
Be aware that Tonkinese are great jumpers and climbers, getting to those
seemingly inaccessible high places with ease.
These cats are firmly convinced that humans were put on earth to love them;
these are the cats that know they belong.
Tonkinese are a little more "rounder" looking than a Siamese. Natural Mink
Tonks all have aqua coloured eyes (not blue like Siamese) - they are the only
cat with that colour eye. Pointed Tonks have bright blue eyes (sky blue to
violet) and Solid Tonkinese have chartreuse eyes (green-gold to yellow-green).
Their colour deepens (both coat and eyes) and finally matures at about 18 months
to 2 years old.
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