Group Classification: Shorthair
Country of Origin: Canada and U.S.
Date of Origin: 1960s
Weight (M): 9-12 lbs.
Weight (F): 6-9 lbs.
Life Expectancy: 15 years

History
Wong Mau was the first documented Tonkinese, but since she was the founder of the Burmese breed (imported from Rangoon) her hybrid characteristics were bred out of her progeny. In the 1950s, breeders in Canada began controlled programs to create the hybrid of the Burmese and a Siamese and the U.S. followed shortly thereafter.

Today, all major registries accept the Tonkinese, but they vary in which colors they accept.

General Description
Tonkinese have a softly contoured body rather than the sleek angles of their Siamese ancestors, but they are lighter than their other ancestors, the Burmese. With a medium build, these cats have graceful ears with oval tips. Their head is a moderate wedge and they have aqua eyes, a blue-green color unique to this breed. A Tonk's tail is the same length as its body and ends in a gentle round. Legs are slim and well-muscled, a good description for the cat as a whole. Tonkinese are strong cats.

Colors
Tonkinese cats come in one of four colors (natural, blue, champagne and platinum) recognized by CFA; TICA also recognizes cinnamon and fawn. Each of those colors is available in three different patterns (tortoiseshell, tabby and tortie tabby) as well as solid.

Easier to remember is point, mink or tabby pattern (and that the color of this cat is based on the point color (not the background).

Coat
Tonk coats are short, silky and lie close to the body. Healthy cats have a gleam to their fur.

Notable Features
Aqua eyes are unique to the Tonkinese. Many Tonk kittens are not born with their final eye color and it may take as long as two years for the color to settle at one permanent shade. The aqua color can range from greenish blue to bluish green. Also unique is the way their point markings gently shade to merge with the rest of their body.

Health and Care
Tonks have dense short hair that requires nothing more than a good petting to look its best. Bathe only when necessary.

Personality-wise, the Tonkinese is not as aggressive or as noisy as the Siamese, but many owners do report the same demands for attention (as well as an impish streak!). Overall, this is a playful breed. They are friendly, adapt easily to noise and/or change of circumstance, and very conversational.

Their outgoing personalities have made this a very popular breed and their adaptability means just about every family situation will be ideal for a Tonk!

Resources
The Tonkinese Breed Association at www.tonkinesebreedassociation.com