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From: Linda Martino <[email protected]>
Subject: rec.pets.cats:  Tonkinese  Breed-FAQ
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                              The Tonkinese Cat

    _________________________________________________________________

  The Tonkinese is a man-developed breed which is a cross between the
  Siamese and Burmese. It is a socially oriented cat which enjoys
  people, other cats, dogs, and children. It is medium in size and very
  muscular. They remind many people of the old apple-headed Siamese of
  twenty years ago.

    _________________________________________________________________

  Author: Linda Martino, [email protected]
  Copyright 1996 by Linda Martino.  All Rights Reserved.

    _________________________________________________________________


    * Physical Description
    * Temperament
    * History
    * Care
    * Frequently Asked Questions
    * Recognition
    * Breed Clubs

    _________________________________________________________________

Physical Description

   Body

  The ideal Tonkinese is intermediate in type, being neither cobby nor
  svelte. It should give the impression of an alert, active cat with
  good muscular development. The cat should be surprisingly heavy. While
  the breed is to be considered medium in size, balance and proportion
  are of greater importance. Females usually run 6-8 pounds and males
  8-12. They are very muscular so appear lighter than they are.

   Head

  The head is a modified wedge, the muzzle is blunt with a slight
  whisker break.

   Eyes

  Tonkinese are the only pedigree cats with aqua eyes. Eye color varies
  from blue to green/gold. The eyes are an open almond shape.

   Coat

  The coat itself is short and lies very close to the body. It is very
  silky and has a wonderful feel.

  Coat pattern refers to the color of the coat in relationship to the
  color of the points (extremities). Both Siamese and Burmese are called
  pointed cats because their points are a different color than their
  body. In Siamese there is a lot of contrast between coat and points.
  In the Burmese this difference can be so small as to not be noticeable
  and most people do not consider them a pointed cat. It is most
  noticable in the dilute colors and as kittens, whereas the adult Sable
  color appears to be solid.

  Tonkinese have three coat patterns: pointed, mink, and solid. The
  three kittens in the illustration have the same color _Natural_ (look
  at the ears), but each have a different coat pattern. From left to
  right they are: natural point, natural mink, and natural solid.
  Natural is a color name described in the next section.

    * _Pointed_ - a Siamese coat pattern - It has a strong contrast
      between the points and body.
    * _Mink_ - unique to the Tonkinese - It is a medium contrast between
      the Siamese and Burmese. The contrast between body and legs is
      less abrupt than with Siamese.
    * _Solid_ - a Burmese coat pattern - This is not a true solid cat
      but one of weak contrast.

  Only the Mink can be shown as it is the most different from the two
  parent breeds, but all three coat patterns are registered cats.
  Because of genetics, all three coat patterns will continue to exist
  and cannot be eliminated from the breed.

   Colors

  Tonkinese, Siamese, and Burmese share the same four colors although
  they call them different names. The colors refer to the point color
  (face, ears, legs, and tail). The difference between the three breeds
  is the color of their bodies not the color of their points.

  The Platinum is the same color as a Siamese Lilac. It has a body of
  pale, silvery grey with warm overtones with blue-grey noses & pads and
  frosty grey points.

  The Blue has the same color name in a three breeds. It has a body of
  soft grey-blue with warm overtones with blue-grey noses & pads and
  blue-grey points.

  The Natural is the same color as a Siamese Seal and a Burmese Sable.
  It has a body of medium brown with dark brown noses & pads and dark
  brown points.

  The Champagne is the same color as a Siamese Chocolate. It has a body
  of buff-cream with cinnamon-brown noses & pads and medium brown
  points.
    _________________________________________________________________

Temperament

  As pretty as Tonkinese are, their personality is even better. A whole
  book could be written on the Tonkinese personality. Tonks are
  sociable, fun loving, involved cats. They are dog cats in that they
  are people oriented like a dog with the convenience of a cat.

  They have the intelligence and curiosity of a Siamese with a more laid
  back personality of a Burmese. If you want a couch potato cat known
  for its independence this is_ not_ the cat for you. They do have a
  strong personality and can be stubborn, but they are so lovable it's
  hard to get angry with them. Although active and muscular they are not
  high strung and are very happy cats.

  They are very social. They like people, other cats, children, and
  dogs. They do not like living alone without attention. Frequently
  people have two so they can entertain each other if you work. They
  bond easily so they adjust well to new owners. They adjust well to
  living inside as they love people. If left to roam outside, they may
  be stolen or contact a health problem.

  They usually play fetch and will jump to your shoulder. The shoulder
  trick is fun early in the morning while you are getting dressed for
  work! A cat tree is a good way to help exercise them. They love being
  high and running up and down the tree helps use some of their excess
  energy. They hate closed doors and want to know everything that goes
  on.
    _________________________________________________________________

History

  Documents exist which indicate the Chocolate Siamese of the 1800s were
  actual Tonkinese, but the first known Tonkinese was Wong Mau in the
  1930's who was the ancestress of the Burmese. She was bred with a
  Siamese and was the only known cat of her kind. Over the years the
  Burmese and Siamese breeders carefully bred out the Tonkinese
  characteristics which resulted in the two breeds of today. From the
  1950's to 1970's some breeders started to cross breed Siamese and
  Burmese forming the Tonkinese of today. There was a lot of controversy
  though as Burmese and Siamese breeders were trying to eliminate the
  characteristics that made up the Tonkinese. They were first accepted
  as a recognized cat breed by the Canadian Cat Association(CCA) and
  then by the Cat Fanciers Association(CFA) in 1984. Some people still
  feel there is no need for this breed but try telling that to a
  Tonkinese owner.
    _________________________________________________________________

Care

   Grooming

  The short thick coat does not require much maintenance. Their coat is
  sleek and soft and you may want to occasionally give it a bath. They
  should brushed and usually enjoy it as part of their human
  interaction.

   Special Medical Concerns

  In general Tonkinese are healthy cats with no known common genetic
  problems. As a Siamese derivative they share in common health issues.
  They are prone to gingivitis and brushing with a child's toothbrush is
  useful. Care should also be taken by your vet when anesthesia is used.
  As kittens they sometimes get upper respritory infections (colds), but
  these are not usually serious.
    _________________________________________________________________

Frequently Asked Questions

  _"Do they talk a lot?"_

  This depends on your point of reference. If you have known a Siamese -
  not as much. If you are used to a sedate quiet long hair - a lot.
  Tonkinese talk in sentences and paragraphs. They tend to carry on
  conversations as opposed to talking to themselves. They expect you to
  listen.

  _"How much do they cost?"_

  Tonkinese sold as pets usually cost $350-500. Sometimes breeders will
  have older cats available to a good home for much less; these can be
  excellent pets. Most breeders will not let them go until they are 12
  weeks old, although this varies with the breeder.



  _"Do they change color as they get older?"_

  Like Siamese and Burmese, they get darker as they get older. The
  facial mask starts on the nose when the kitten is a few days old. It
  then spreads over the face and darkens with age. The kitten on the
  left in the above kitten photo is Casper Ghost also shown in the head,
  eye color section. You can see how the color has spread and his body
  has also gotten darker.

  _"Where did the breed's name come from?"_

  I have been told it come from the Gulf of Tonkin which is a location
  near Siam (Thailand) and Burma. But it's not in between so who knows.

  _"Do you comb their fur to get the little curly-cue on their chest?"_

  No. The cow-lick on the chest occurs naturally and I've never seen a
  Tonk without one.

  _"Where do I find a breeder?"_

  Either contact one of the breed clubs below for a reference in your
  area, check with your veterinarian, or attend a cat show in your area
  to see if there are any local breeders.
    _________________________________________________________________

Recognition

    * American Cat Association (ACA)
    * American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA)
    * Canadian Cat Association (CCA)
    * Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA)
    * Cat Fanciers' Federation (CFF)
    * The International Cat Association (TICA)

    _________________________________________________________________

Breed Clubs

  _Tonkinese Breed Association (USA)_ CFA affiliated Tonkinese breed
  club. The national club publishes a newsletter, "Aqua Eye", and awards
  to CFA's highest scoring Tonkinese kitten, adult, and premier.
  Secretary: Sheryl Zink, 6427 Singing Creek Lan, Spring TX 77379
  e-mail: [email protected]

  _Tonk's West_ A regional west coast club of Tonkinese lovers who are
  organized to help the breed. Secretary: Barbara Sickler 29392 Timothy
  Dr. Dana Point, CA 92629 e-mail: [email protected]
    _________________________________________________________________

   Tonkinese FAQ
   Linda Martino, [email protected]
   Updated April 24 1996

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