 The
Tonkinese blends the best features of its ancestors into one
beautiful, medium-sized cat that is remarkably dense and muscular.
Whether appearing in the coat pattern of its Burmese predecessor,
with sparkling gold-green eyes, the pointed pattern of its Siamese
ancestor, with glittering blue eyes, or the “mink” coat pattern
seen in the show ring, with its unique aqua eyes, the Tonkinese is
an intelligent, gregarious cat with a sense of humor. These cats are
firmly convinced that humans were put on earth to love them; these
are the cats that know they belong. They purred their way through
seven years and four presentations to the board of directors of The
Cat Fanciers’ Association in their pursuit of championship status,
achieving their goal in 1984. Although new to modern competition,
this is the same breed depicted in "The Cat-Book Poems of
Siam" during the Ayudha Period (1358-1767), and imported to
England in the early 1800s as “Chocolate Siamese.” 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.
The colorful personality of the Tonkinese make them ideal
companions. They will take possession of your lap and shoulder, and
they will supervise your activities. They are warm and loving,
highly intelligent, with an incredible memory and senses that are
akin to radar. They are strong willed, and their humans are wise to
use persistent persuasion in training them. They are naturals at
inventing and playing games, using favorite toys to play fetch, and
delighting in games of tag with each other. Of course hide ‘n seek
is a favorite game, which they play with humans as well as other
Tonks. They become your “door greeter” and will happily
entertain your guests. They have been described by enthusiastic
owners as part puppy (following their owner around the house), part
monkey (their “acrobatics” are legend!), and can sound like an
elephant running through your house when they choose. In short: they
quickly take over and run your house and your life! Their
affectionate ways are impossible to ignore, and they quickly endear
themselves to family and visitors.
Caring for Tonkinese is as easy as feeding a well-balanced feline
diet, clipping their nails weekly (providing a scratching post and
insisting they use it is also imperative), using a rubber brush to
groom them, and of course the all important visit to the vet for
check-ups and inoculations. These are indoor only cats, and a
thorough inspection of your home prior to your Tonks’ arrival, to
make certain screens and doors are secured, will help insure they
remain indoors. “Cat proofing” your home, much as you would for
a two-year old human on the loose, is bound to save you frustration.
Toys and an interesting cat tree will help keep them occupied when
you have other things to do besides playing with your Tonk. Working
humans find two Tonks will keep each other company as well as lessen
the mischief one bored Tonk can get into.
Tonks wear a rainbow of colors, and no matter which color in
whatever coat pattern you may choose, be assured you are joining an
enthusiastic fan club of admirers of this breed. You are about to
embark on the most joyful experience of your life — enjoy!
Pricing on Tonkinese usually depends on type, applicable markings
and bloodlines distinguished by Grand Champion (GC), National or
Regional winning parentage (NW or RW) or of Distinguished Merit
parentage (DM). The DM title is achieved by the dam (mother) having
produced five CFA grand champion/premier (alter) or DM offspring, or
sire (father) having produced fifteen CFA grand champion/premier or
DM offspring. Usually breeders make kittens available between twelve
and sixteen weeks of age. After twelve weeks, kittens have had their
basic inoculations and developed the physical and social stability
needed for a new environment, showing, or being transported by air.
Keeping such a rare treasure indoors, neutering or spaying and
providing acceptable surfaces (e.g. scratching posts) for the
natural behavior of scratching (CFA disapproves of declawing or
tendonectomy surgery) are essential elements for maintaining a
healthy, long and joyful life.
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