Tonkinese
...Cat Breed
- History
- This Siamese-Burmese crossbreed cat was developed by an American breeder Milan Greer in the 1950s. She tried to develop a cat with qualities she liked best in both the Siamese and Burmese cat breeds.
It was another breeder, Edith Lux, who suggested the name "Tonkinese". The gulf of Tonkin is adjacent to both Burma and Thailand, suggesting the closeness of this to the Siamese and the Burmese cat breed.
- Description
- A Tonkinese cat has a long lean body similar to the Siamese, yet stockier in build like the Burmese cat. Surprisingly heavy, this medium sized cat is muscular and firm.
The legs are slender and in proportion to its body. The Tonkinese eye colors are aquamarine to turquoise, a distinct feature of this cat. The Tonkinese has a luxurious coat which in medium short. It is soft and silky.
- Temperament
- Tonkinese cats adore people, they are good-tempered and optimistic. Extremely loyal, they are very attached to their owners and enjoy being the center of attention.
This cat breed is not ideal for busy people who are out a lot. Tonkinese cats need lots of attention and affection. Consider having two cats if you are often gone as this breed does not like to be alone and can get into trouble if lonely.
These intelligent cats are very inquisitive and easier to train, they learn to retrieve, walk on a harness, tricks etc. The Tonkinese is also an escape artist and will find ways to get out of the house. With little trouble, these cats can easily open doors and kitchen cabinets.
They need to be part of the family and
are good with children and get on well with other cats and
dogs. They are not as talkative as the Siamese cats, but
will be quite vocal on their own right.
- Care
- Tonkinese cats need relatively little care. Grooming entails a brushing or combing on occasion to remove loose dead hair.
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