Cat
Breed Description:
The Tonkinese breed of cat blends the best features of its ancestors into a stunning, medium-sized cat that has remained dense and muscular. The Tonkinese breed of cat may retain the coat pattern of its Burmese predecessor, and gold-green eyes, or you may find this breed displaying the pointed pattern of its Siamese ancestor, with blue eyes. For the Tonkinese breed of cat the “mink” coat pattern is the coveted look for this breed. When combined with the unique aqua eyes they become show-stoppers. Of course the Tonkinese breed of cat is intelligent, and possesses what very often can seem like a sense of humor. They are embedded with the sense that they are here to love and be loved. In the United States, Tonkinese and Burmese can trace their beginnings back to Wong Mau, a small walnut colored cat imported to California by Dr. Joseph Thompson in 1930.
Temperament:
The Tonkinese breed of cat are ideal companions. This breed will possess the space wherever you choose to relax. When you choose to become active they will gladly maintain the spectator posture. Warm and loving, and as incredibly intelligent as they look they will seem to remember everything and possess the "sixth sense" recognized in felines. Do not be fooled by the playfullness of the Tonkinese breed of cat; trust and know that they are strong-willed. Persistent persuasion will be one of the necessary keys in their training. Their affectionate ways are impossible to ignore and they quickly endear themselves to family and visitors.
For the Tonkinese breed of cat owners the defining trait of the Tonkinese breed is not in the standard but the personality. The Tonkinese breed of cat is two types of cat in one body. One mode is active, but not hyper, with a muscular body. The second mode is cuddly and loving. The Tonkinese breed of cat reqiires an owner who enjoys the benefits and affection of a lap cat as well as the antics of an acrobat. The Tonkinese breed of cat requires and demands your attention. The Tonkinese breed of cat prefers at least one playmate, as a result of this consider a second Tonk.
Weight:
Tonkeniese breed of cat is medium-sized.
Health Problems:
The Tonkinese breed of cat are a healthy breed because they started as hybrids without a lot of inbreeding. Many of the founding breeders of the Tonkinese breed of cat were successful in eliminating lines that appeared to have genetic problems.
Living Conditions:
The Tonkinese breed of cat are indoor only cats. The Tonkinese breed of cat will require careful preperation of your home prior to their delivery. Security is a key and you do not want these cats getting "out" so keep door closed and windows screened. Remember the Tonkinese breed of cat are unusually intelligent, they often tend to be curious as well. The Tonkinese breed of cat are affectionate with their owners and visitors and are described as playful cats without being hyperactive. All cats seem to love a great mystery and the Tonkinese breed of cat is no exception, so keep them entertained even while you are out. Suggested toys and cat trees have been said to work wonders.
Exercise:
Unlike most breeds of cat the Tonkinese breed of cat are reported to engage in fetching, as well they will often be found perched on the highest object in your home. Do not be alarmed when the Tonkinese jumps on your shoulders; this breed is known for its love of heights.
Origin:
There is an understanding of possibility the for what we now recognize as the Tonkinese breed of cat may have been some of the chocolate Siamese of the 1800's. The foundation cat of the Burmese breed, Wong Mau, had a natural mink coat pattern. Cristy Bird, a Siamese breeder, photographed feral cats on the streets of Bangkok this year, with the mink coat pattern and aqua eyes associated with Tonkinese.
The name is not related to the Tonkin region of Indochina. When the breed was first established in Canada, the breed name was actually spelled "Tonkanese," which was a reference to the island in the musical South Pacific where "half-breeds" suffered no discrimination. The mistaken idea that the name was a geographical reference paralleling the Siamese and Burmese breed names resulted in a gradual switch to the current spelling, under which the breed was recognized by the US registering associations. 