The Tonkinese Cat: Not Exactly Two Peas in a Pod!

The Tonkinese cat is one of the oddest Siamese-related breeds - rarely are two kittens in a litter ever alike!

The breed was first commercialized in the United States in the 1960s when a Siamese was crossed with a Burmese cat, although these cats occur naturally in Asia's feral feline population.

To understand the breed's appearance, you need to know that the breed looks a little different depending on whether it is American or British. In the UK, the Burmese cat is lithe and delicate, while in the US, it is quite the opposite, so the cross between the Burmese and Siamese will obviously be different too.

What does the cat look like? In the US and Canada, it's a chunky Siamese, in different brown shades known as 'mink' colours, merging to Siamese pointing of course. In the UK, on the other hand, recognition by the breed clubs is taking longer. However you do have a huge choice of colours shading to a darker colour where the Siamese have their 'points'.

The cat is a bit disconcerting. Basically it looks like a Siamese cat, only with a much heavier build. Because it's a hybrid, its offspring are unpredictable. When 'Tonks' have kittens, you get some that look like a Siamese, others like a Burmese, and some like a true Tonkinese cat.

What they do have in common are green or greenish blue eyes, rather than the intense blue of the Siamese.

If what you're looking for is a big, strong-boned Siamese look, this cat may be for you. It does have a few clearly Siamese characteristics: generally, this breed is quite demanding and strong willed. And, it can retain the strong, strident voice of the noisiest of Siamese. Breeders also suggest that due to their love of company they might get lonely in a single cat household or one where you are out most of the day. Although I have known some jealous felines who would rather not share you!

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