Breed Information: Tonkinese

Breed Description: The Tonkinese is the result of crossing the Siamese with the Burmese. This medium-sized cat is medium-bodied in every way. It is neither long and svelte like the Siamese, nor rounded and cobby like the Burmese, but somewhere in between. This cat is quite muscular and surprisingly heavy. Its head is a modified wedge, with a slight dip between its almond-shaped eyes and prominent whisker pads. The Tonkinese has a short, glossy coat that is soft and silky to the touch.

History & Origin: In the United States, the Tonkinese and the Burmese can both be traced back to Wong Mau, a small brown cat imported to California from Rangoon (Burma) by Dr. Joseph Thompson in 1930.

Character & Temperament: The Tonkinese exhibits characteristics from both the Burmese and the Siamese-most often the Burmese. Although it can be willful and mischievous, it is good-natured, friendly and gets along well with other household pets. This breed is very good with children and has a quiet, pleasant voice that is seldom heard. Clever, active, and intelligent, the Tonkinese needs a lot of companionship and does not like to be left alone for long periods.

Colors: Three distinct coat patterns, mink, full-body, and pointed-that come in four different colors: deep brown, blue, champagne and platinum.

Coat Type: Medium-short in length and lying close to the body.

Color: This breed's short coat can is easy to maintain with weekly brushing. Claws should be trimmed and ears cleaned only when necessary.

Health Considerations: Prone to upper respiratory diseases as kittens; sensitive to anesthesia and vaccines.

Trivia: Although relatively new to the United States, the Tonkinese was depicted in "The Cat-Book Poems" of Siam during the Ayudha period (1258-1767).