| Tonkinese Stats |
 |
Color: Mink (moderate color contrast with aqua eyes), pointed (high color contrast with blue eyes) and full color (least color contrast with green eyes). CFA accepts the colors natural (seal), blue, champagne (chocolate) and platinum (lilac) in all three patterns. TICA recognizes cinnamon and fawn as well.
Grooming: Like all shorthaired cats, Tonkinese are wash-n-wear. There should be no need for a bath unless the cat gets into a substance that has to be removed. Routine nail trimming and occasional brushing should be all you need to do. Some owners recommend a rubber curry brush.
Best Home: The ideal home for a Tonkinese is one with people around. They tend to get along fine with children who have been taught how to handle cats as well as other cats and dogs. An active, noisy household is usually not a problem. If the guardian?s schedule requires him or her to be away for long periods of time, it would be a good idea to make sure the cat has an animal companion, preferably another Tonk. Be prepared to give lots of attention when returning home, however; the cat will insist on it.
National Breed Club: Tonkinese Breed Association; www.tonkinesebreedassociation.org
Personality: Friendly, affectionate, playful, mischievous, talkative.
Appearance: The Tonkinese is an intermediate cat, neither compact like the Burmese nor svelte like the Siamese. Its muscular, medium-length body is surprisingly heavy. The head is a modified wedge, slightly longer than wide, with visible cheekbones. Instead of the straight profile of the Siamese or the distinct nose break of the Burmese, the Tonk has a slight curve from the top of the head to eye level, where there is a gentle stop before the nose begins. Eyes are almond-shaped but rounded on the bottoms.