Tonkinese
The Tonkinese is a cross of Siamese and Burmese, and it sits genetically between them in a literal sense: the Siamese point gene and the Burmese sepia gene are variants of the same gene, and a cat with one of each shows the intermediate mink pattern — a soft body colour with visible but subdued points and aqua eyes.
It weighs 2.5 to 5.5 kilograms and is deceptively heavy and muscular. Because of that genetics, a Tonkinese litter reliably produces mink, pointed and sepia kittens in a predictable ratio, all of them Tonkinese. Temperament combines both parents at full strength: extremely social, vocal, busy and insistent on being part of everything.
3 tonkinese photos, newest first
Living with a tonkinese
Ask for the Burmese hypokalaemia DNA test, which identifies the episodic muscle weakness that runs in Burmese lines.
They should not live alone. Both parent breeds are intensely social and the Tonkinese takes it from both sides — a single cat in an empty house becomes vocal, anxious and destructive. Keep two.
Gingivitis and early dental disease are common. Toothbrushing from kittenhood pays for itself.
Asthma occurs more often than in cats generally; investigate coughing.
They are athletic and love height. The coat is short and close and needs only a weekly once-over.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual cats vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.
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