Tonkinese

The Tonkinese cat breed is medium sized of Oriental build with a gently rounded head with broad ears, set wide apart. The eyes are more open than the classic Oriental shape and can range from green to light blue in colour. The body is well balanced, firm and muscular. The Tonkinese cat's coat is short and close lying with a fine, soft and silky texture. The mask, ears, legs and tail, are definitely darker than the body and merge gently with the body colour. The Tonkinese cat breed comes in a range of colours.

The need-to-know

Highly active and inquisitive cat
Sociable and dependent cat
Very talkative cat

Average build cat breed
Requires grooming once a week
Non hypoallergenic breed

Needs some out-door space
May require familiarisation before living with children

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Personality

The Tonkinese cat breed has the same affectionate, friendly nature, as its close relatives the Burmese and Siamese. These cats are very people-orientated and make ideal family pets – they are said to be very inquisitive and intelligent. They can be trained to do tricks and require toys and games for amusement. They love company and if they are to be left alone for long periods of time a companion is a necessity. They are quite vocal and will chatter happily to you and follow you around.

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History and Origins

Country of Origin: USA

Other Names: Golden Siamese

The Tonkinese cat breed is the result of crossing a Siamese cat with a Burmese cat and, therefore, displays characteristics from both breeds. Mostly ignored when they were first developed as 'Golden Siamese' cat in America 1950s, it was not until the 1960s when they reappeared as Tonkinese that their popularity grew.

Health and Common Issues

Currently there are no specific inherited problems reported with the Tonkinese cat breed. As with all cats, Tonkinese cats benefit from protection against disease through vaccination and need regular parasite control and annual veterinary health checks.

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Grooming Tonkinese

Currently there are no specific inherited problems reported with the Tonkinese cat breed. As with all cats, Tonkinese cats benefit from protection against disease through vaccination and need regular parasite control and annual veterinary health checks.

Best Cat Breeds for Children

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

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