Cat breed · Shorthair
Tonkinese
A Siamese–Burmese cross that combines the best of both: lively, warm and deeply involved with its household.
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Breed characteristics
- Group
- Shorthair
- Origin
- Canada / United States
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 3–5.5 kg (6–12 lb)
- Height
- 20–25 cm
- Lifespan
- 14–18 years
- Coat
- Short, close-lying, mink-patterned
- Temperament
- SociablePlayfulTalkativeClever
History
Deliberately developed in North America in the 1960s to blend Siamese type with Burmese substance.
Appearance
Moderate body with aqua or gold eyes and a soft mink coat pattern.
Exercise and activity
Several daily play sessions; responds well to clicker training and harness walking.
Care and grooming
Minimal coat care; plan for company or a feline companion.
Health considerations
- Amyloidosis
- Asthma
- Gingivitis
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Obesity
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Tonkinese
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: Several daily play sessions; responds well to clicker training and harness walking. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Amyloidosis, Asthma, Gingivitis, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Obesity), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- International Cat Care — cat health, behaviour and welfare advice