Tonkinese cats love to be around people. Their intelligence and energy levels mean they need lots of mental stimulation and opportunities to play. Tonkinese cats crave affection and attention, so as long as they are well socialised as young kittens they’ll enjoy being held, carried and cuddled. Unlike their Siamese cousins, Tonkinese cats are not aloof on first meeting and have been known to greet visitors at the door.
Facts & advice
Tonkinese
The Tonkinese cat is a sociable, affectionate breed with a love of exploring
Vital stats
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| Size: | Medium |
| Coat: | Short-haired |
| Life span: | 15 – 18 years |
| Temperament: | Sociable, affectionate, chatty, goofy |
Tonkinese personality & temperament
Goofy and friendly, Tonkinese cats are wonderful family pets, and affectionate companions.
- Settling a new Tonkinese cat into your home is an exciting yet challenging time. It might even be a little overwhelming if you’ve never owned a cat before.
- Tonkinese cats are energetic and entertaining. They love to climb, play, explore and create mischief. They’re also talkative cats; many owners find their Tonkinese cats are constantly chattering, meowing and purring - doing just about anything to get your attention.
- This breed have affectionate personalities and love to receive fuss and attention. They’re happy to settle on your lap while you stroke them or to snooze on a cushion, as long as they’re near you. But don’t expect them to stay still for long.
- As with their Siamese cousins, Tonkinese cats rely heavily on their owners for comfort. They struggle if they’re left alone, and they can easily get bored, anxious and depressed.
Tonkinese food & diet
Your Tonkinese cat needs the right diet to make sure they’re healthy and happy. As with all cats, Tonkinese’s are carnivores and their food needs to be animal-based protein.
- In the wild, cats hunt and eat small mammals so to keep your Tonkinese cat healthy, you’ll need to feed them as close to their natural diet as possible. This means feeding a complete, balanced diet which is suitable for the current life stage of your cat.
- It’s important to keep your cat hydrated. Experiment with indoor water fountains and a range of water bowls for your Tonkinese cat. Wide, shallow ceramic bowls are good as they don’t taint the water and the whiskers don’t touch the sides.
- Digestive issues are a common concern for cat owners, so it’s important to monitor your pet for evidence of gastrointestinal problems. Experiment with some brands of food which are suitable for sensitive stomachs and remember to make any dietary changes slowly and gradually rather than all at once. If the problem is still occurring, it’s a good idea to speak to your vet.
- Always keep an eye on their calorie intake to prevent overfeeding. If you’re already feeding your Tonkinese cat a high meat diet, and giving them appropriate portions, chances are they’re not actually hungry! Instead, try to distract and entertain them when they communicate with you, and only feed the recommended amount on the food packaging.
- Because of their foodie personalities, Tonkinese cats can be predisposed to obesity and their slender frame can make it seem like they’re underweight. However, these cats are supposed to be slim and streamlined, so don’t be tempted to overfeed them.
- Adult Tonkinese cats weigh between 6-12lbs (2.5kgs- 5.5kgs) but you should always check with your vet if you’re unsure of the ideal weight for your cat.
Tonkinese grooming & coat care
Tonkinese cats have beautiful smooth coats and rarely shed their fur, but they do still need some grooming attention from you.
- The Tonkinese cat is a lean and lithe medium-sized cat. Their sleek, smooth coat is often ‘pointed’ meaning their ears, face and tail is a darker shade, and their bodies are lighter. Their fur can be four different colours: natural, blue, platinum and champagne.
- Your feline will mostly be able to manage their own coat care, but you should still groom your Tonkinese cat once per week. If they’ve been introduced to grooming at a young age they’ll love the attention and a chance to bond with you.
- As well as brushing their coat, you should also check your Tonkinese cat’s ears and brush their teeth. Regular grooming sessions will also give you a chance to check for skin issues, lumps and bumps and parasites like fleas and ticks. It’s important to start building this routine from the kitten stage.
- There are some non-traditional variations of coat colour for a Tonkinese cat, including cream, apricot, tortoiseshell, red, fawn, caramel, apricot and cinnamon.
- It takes around a year for a Tonkinese cat to reach physical maturity, but around six months for them to grow to their full height. Their coat, however, changes until they are around two years old. It’s only as an adult that their markings and colours are set
Tonkinese training & behaviour
Tonkinese cats are an intelligent, energetic breed and they love getting attention from their humans.
- Tonkinese cats have a strong hunting instinct, and they love to pounce, track and attack their toys.
- As with most cats, Tonkinese cats will benefit from outdoor access. Some owners may worry about theft, and therefore may prefer to offer supervised access or provided an enclosed cat-safe garden.
- Tonkinese cats are very active, and they love to play with their owners. It’s important that you can give them a dedicated time every day to engage in play. While you are working or out of the house they should have access to interactive games, toys, and cat trees to keep them entertained.
- Due to their intelligence, it’s easy to train Tonkinese cats and they take well to litter tray training. They can learn to play fetch or perform such tricks as jumping through hoops. As with all training, you’ll need lots of patience, skill and positive reinforcement.
Common Tonkinese health conditions
As a cat owner you will want what’s best for your pet’s health so they can live a long, happy life. Like all breeds, Tonkinese are prone to certain health conditions. To help you be more aware and prepared for these potential ailments if they should arise, we have put together information on the health issues that we see the most in Tonkinese.
Hyperthyroidism is one of a number of hormonal disorders that can affect Tonkinese. It occurs when the thyroid glands, which are located in the neck, produce too much thyroid hormone. This most commonly occurs as a result of a benign (non-cancerous) tumour of the thyroid gland, although a cancerous tumour known as a thyroid adenocarcinoma can also occur. Surgery, longterm medication, radioactive iodine therapy or diet changes can be used to effectively manage the condition, meaning the cat can live a normal and comfortable life.
Like most breeds, Tonkinese may suffer from gum and dental disease during their lifetime. Gum disease occurs when some (or all) of a tooth’s deep supporting structures become inflamed. This begins when food, bacteria and minerals accumulate along the gum line, leading to the build-up of a brown scale known as tartar. When this undermines the gum the condition is called gingivitis. Eventually, small spaces can form between the gums and the teeth creating pockets of space for bacteria to grow, resulting in what is known as periodontal disease. The bacteria from infected gums can spread around the body and damage the liver and kidneys. This condition can be prevented with basic routine care such as feeding cats dry food and brushing their teeth, helping them to lead a normal, pain-free life.
Tonkinese, like other cats, can suffer from problems in the lower respiratory tract (the trachea and the lungs). Feline asthma, for example, occurs when allergies and irritants cause the lower airways (bronchi) and lungs to become inflamed and sensitive. Symptoms include coughing and wheezing. While asthma is not curable, it is manageable with various long-term medications including tablets, injections and even inhalers.
Heart disease in cats refers to when the heart’s structures aren’t working as they should be. There are two categories of heart disease: congenital (meaning the cat is born with it) and acquired (meaning the disease develops later in life). Congenital heart diseases include defects in the wall of the heart, abnormal valves and blood vessels. Tonkinese are prone to a disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can lead to heart failure. Whilst this condition is not curable, it can be treated with lifelong medication.
Conditions that affect a cat’s bladder and urethra are collectively known as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), which is more commonly referred to as cystitis. Tonkinese can suffer from these conditions, which can be caused by stress, not urinating enough, infections and bladder stones or crystals. Cats suffering from cystitis make frequent, painful attempts to urinate, and blood is often found in the urine. Treatment depends on the cause, but cats diagnosed with cystitis will usually require pain relief, access to plenty of water, special diets and perhaps some help to reduce stress.
What to know before you buy or rehome a Tonkinese cat
Tonkinese cats make loyal and loving pets, but there are few things to consider before bringing one home.
- Their energy levels and love of climbing means they struggle to stay inside, and not being mentally stimulated means they are prone to boredom, destructive behaviour and depression. A good idea is to devote lots of dedicated play time for your cat every day, provide a regular rotation of cat-safe toys, and create a secure outside space for your cat to play in and explore.
- If your cat is well socialised with other cats, then you could consider buying or adopting two Tonkinese cats at the same time, from the same litter ideally. They often bond well with each other and can enjoy the company. Ensure both cats have their own separate set of resources, such as water bowls, food bowls and litter trays, to avoid any competition.
- Purchasing comprehensivecat insurance for your Tonkinese cat should always be considered. Once they’re yours, you’re responsible for everything in their lives, including their health and wellbeing. Knowing you can access the best care for your pet no matter their age will be a big weight off your mind.
Tonkinese frequently asked questions
The Tonkinese cat is a product of breeding two Southeast Asian cats, the Siamese cat and the Burmese cat. Tonkinese cats have the best qualities of both cats.
The Tonkinese cat was first bred in the 1960s. The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) recognised the breed in 1983.
They are very intelligent, energetic and loving which make them very trainable, with the right positive reinforcement techniques. Tonkinese cats can learn to walk on a leag, play fetch and perform tricks.
Tonkinese cats are extremely friendly and they love to interact with humans – family members and strangers alike.
The Tonkinese name is sometimes shortened to ‘Tonks’, and the medium-haired Tonkinese cat is named the Tibetan cat.
Tonkinese insurance considerations
Tonkinese cats sometimes suffer with certain health conditions and may require treatment. Petplan cat insurance offers peace of mind that they will always be protected.
We always offer these things as standard:
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy & pet therapies
Along with physiotherapy, which is covered within the Vet Bills benefit, we also cover Pet Therapies like herbal medicine, homeopathy and acupuncture. You can also claim for hydrotherapy, up to £500 per illness/injury in dogs and cats (no additional limit for rabbits).
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