Tonkinese cat

Other names: Tonkinese

The Tonkinese cat is a breed that arose as a result of crossing the Siamese and Burmese cats. Very friendly, affectionate and inquisitive.

Characteristics of Tonkinese cat

Brief information

• Hybrid of Siamese and Burmese cat;
• Another name for the breed is Tonkinese;
• A distinctive feature of mink-colored cats is aquamarine eyes;
• Protective and active.

The Tonkinese cat is a beautiful breed with a soft hazel coat color and aquamarine eyes, which has collected the best qualities from the Siamese and Burmese cats. They have a complaisant character, grateful, attached to all family members. Tonkinese cats are very playful, happy to communicate with children.

Story

Breeders of two countries – Canada and the USA – simultaneously took up the breeding of the Tonkinese breed of cats. Canadian breeders managed to do this a little earlier than their American counterparts – around the 60s. 20th century

Of course, when breeders undertook to breed a new breed, it was not even called Tonkin in the minds of breeders. Both American and Canadian specialists set themselves the task of breeding a Burmese type cat. Representatives of the new breed had to have the color of a Siamese cat, but at the same time be of a strong physique. And the breeders of the two countries, without saying a word, went the same way in an attempt to get a new breed – they began to cross Siamese and Burmese cats. When the result was achieved, both in America and Canada, these cats were called golden Siamese. And later renamed the Tonkinese cat (tonkinese).

In the USA, this is now one of the most beloved and popular cats, but in Russia this breed is not particularly common.

Breeding Tonkinese cats is associated with certain difficulties – usually only half of the kittens in the litter have the necessary mink color. So, only they can participate in the further breeding of the breed.

Tonkinese cat Appearance

• Colors: true mink (brown background, chocolate markings), champagne mink (beige background, pale brown markings), platinum mink (pale gray background, dark gray markings), blue mink (blue-gray color, gray-blue markings).
• Eyes: large, almond-shaped, set obliquely, expressive, bluish green (aquamarine), the lower eyelid is slightly rounded.
• Coat: short, shiny, thick, soft, silky, lying close to the body.
• Tail: not thick, wide at the base, slightly tapering towards the end, the tip is blunt, the length of the tail corresponds to the distance from the sacrum to the shoulder blades.

Behavioral features

The Tonkinese cat, despite the fact that it originated from the Siamese, has a very light and docile character compared to them. She did not inherit fits of jealousy and vindictiveness from the Siamese “relatives”. Tonkinese are very soft and obedient, so there are no special difficulties with their upbringing.

Representatives of this breed are companion cats. They quickly and firmly become attached to the owner and are ready to accompany him everywhere. Tonkinese are happy to walk on a leash, but at home alone, on the contrary, they do not like to stay. Therefore, it is best to take the cat with you for walks in the park or on a trip to the country.

Tonkinese cats are very inquisitive and playful. However, it is not in their nature to tear the sofa in the game or scratch the closet in search of interesting places. These cats love to sit on the owner’s shoulder, surveying the surroundings.

Tonkinese are not shy, they are sociable and easily converge with strangers. So if there are often guests in the house, then the Tonkin cat is the best pet.

Tonkinese cat Health and care

Tonkinese are very easy to care for. This is probably one of the easiest breeds to care for. These cats have short hair, so it does not have to be brushed for hours. It is enough to brush it once or twice a week. Sometimes you can comb out the Tonkinese and just with your hands. At the same time, from time to time you need to moisten your hands, then all dead hairs are easily removed.

Tonkinese cats do not need to build a specific bathing schedule. Water procedures are carried out as needed. It is enough to wipe the pet’s ears with a damp cotton swab to remove dirt. It is important to remember that only surface dirt should be removed. In no case should you go deep into the ear canal.

Tonkinese are characterized by excellent health. However, there are a number of diseases that Tonkin cats are predisposed to. For example, they have a low overall immunity to upper respiratory diseases. Therefore, you need to monitor the air temperature in the house, try to avoid drafts so that the cat does not catch a cold.

From their “relatives” – Siamese – Tonkin cats adopted a tendency to problems with teeth. To exclude such diseases, it is necessary not to ignore the scheduled examinations of the veterinarian.

Conditions of detention

In the warm season, Tonkinese cats can be walked on a leash and harness, but the owner should be very careful when walking: cats that are too independent can get into unpleasant situations. For example, it has been noticed that representatives of this breed are quite brave and are not at all afraid of cars.

Tonkinese cats are not prone to diseases, therefore, in order to maintain the health and activity of a cat, it is enough to choose a quality food. In addition, visit the veterinarian twice a year.

Tonkinese cat – Video