Tonkinese

Weight: 6 - 12 pounds
Life span: 15 - 20 years
CFA rank: 11

Breed History | Background:

Reigns as one of the world’s oldest feline breeds with historical references dating back to the Ayudha Period in the late 1300s.
The first known Tonkinese was named Wong Mau in the 1930s. This cat was bred with a Siamese.
The name “Tonkin” is the ancient name of Vietnam.
Imported to England in the early 1800s from Asia.
In the 1960s, the Gulf of Tonkin became a household phrase due to the Vietnam War. This is the body of water located on the east coast of the peninsula that housed Burma and Siam (now called Thailand).
First recognized and accepted as a cat breed by the Canadian Cat Association in the 1980s.
Achieved championship status by the Cat Fanciers Association in 2002.

Cat Look:

Bred to look like a pleasing blend between a Siamese and Burmese.
Only purebred cat to have almond-shaped aqua eyes (a blend of the blue-eyed Siamese and the golden-eyed Burmese).
Body is medium sized and muscular.
Comes in three primary patterns: mink, pointed and full color. Points on the face, ears and tails are slightly darker than the Siamese.
Color tends to get darker as this breed gets older.
A “cowlick" look on the chest occurs naturally.

Behavioral concerns:

Active, intelligent and athletic.
Prone for being mischievous, especially if bored. Able to open doors.
Touted for have the smarts and inquisitiveness of a Siamese with the laid-back personality of a Burmese.
Benefits by regular exercise, learning tricks and playing interactive games with people like fetch.
Extremely chatty and loves being in the spotlight.
Capable of turning on and off lights and mastering dog-like tricks.
Would rather “help” you with chores than sit calmly in your lap.
Enjoys the company of visitors, other cats, children and dogs.

Grooming:

Suggested Nutritional Needs:

Medical conditions seen:

Fun Facts:

Also known by the popular nickname of “Chocolate Siamese.”
Jane Barletta, one of the early promoters of this breed, single-handedly gave the Tonkinese national recognition when she extolled its many talents while being a contestant on the game show, Jeopardy! in the 1960s.

Glossary