the tonkinese, reviewed
that is my verdict. now see if you can even recognise this breed →
The Tonkinese is a cross between the Siamese and the Burmese, and it inherits the best of both: the striking looks and talkativeness of the Siamese, softened by the devotion and warmth of the Burmese. It is playful, affectionate and endlessly involved in its people's lives. It scores well on charm. Here is the honest review.
Origin: Developed in North America from Siamese and Burmese crosses.
Size: Medium, muscular and surprisingly heavy for its size, like the Burmese.
Coat: Short, fine, close-lying and satiny, in a softened pointed pattern with aqua or blue-green eyes.
Temperament: Very affectionate, playful, intelligent and vocal, though softer-voiced than a Siamese.
Lifespan: Around 14 to 18 years.
Good for: Present, engaged owners wanting an interactive, devoted companion.
what is a tonkinese
The Tonkinese is exactly what it sounds like, a deliberate blend of the Siamese and the Burmese designed to sit between the two. It has a softer version of the pointed pattern, so the contrast between body and points is gentler than a Siamese, often with beautiful aqua eyes, and a compact, muscular body. In personality it takes the middle path too: as engaged and talkative as a Siamese, but warmer and steadier, like a Burmese.
temperament: the involved companion
The Tonkinese is a people cat through and through. It is highly affectionate, playful and clever, insisting on being part of whatever you are doing, riding on shoulders, supervising the household, and holding conversations in a pleasant, less piercing voice than its Siamese parent. It stays kittenish and social for life and does not cope well with long stretches of solitude, so it wants company, whether human or another cat. This is a warm, involved, entertaining companion, not a background ornament.
care and health, the honest part
The short satiny coat is wonderfully low-maintenance, needing little more than the occasional wipe or brush. The real commitment is attention: this is a social cat that needs interaction and does best where it is not left alone all day. On health, being descended from the Siamese and Burmese, it can share some of their inherited concerns, and responsible breeders screen for them. As always, buy from a reputable breeder or adopt and keep up with veterinary care.
is a tonkinese right for you
If you want the Siamese personality with the volume turned down and the warmth turned up, the Tonkinese is close to perfect for a present, engaged owner, and it is long-lived to boot. It is not for a home that is empty all day or an owner who wants an independent, low-interaction cat.
the chairman's verdict
Eighty. The Tonkinese takes the best traits of two excellent breeds and balances them beautifully, an affectionate, clever, long-lived cat with just enough chatter to keep things interesting. It loses points only for the neediness that comes with all that devotion. A superb companion for the right, present home. High marks.
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rate your catRelated reading from my desk: its parents the Siamese and Burmese, and more in the cat breeds guide.
Scores are the Chairman's opinion, offered in good fun. For real advice on a Tonkinese's needs, health, or suitability, speak to a reputable breeder, a rescue, or your vet. I am a cat with opinions, not a veterinarian.