The Tonkin cat is a hybrid of the Siamese breed and the Burmese breed (American type). In appearance, the Tonkin breed, respectively, is something in between its ancestors: its outlines are more rounded than the Siamese, and its weight and size are less than those of the Burmese. The mass of the Tonkin cat is 2.5-5.5 kg.
Breed history
This is an artificially bred breed of cat. Tonkin cats, or Tonkinese, are a hybrid species descended from Siamese and Burmese cats, with pronounced features of Oriental breeds. They appeared in Canada (originally called the golden Siamese cats), where in the early fifties, began active breeding and improvement of the breed. In 1960, it was recognized and isolated as a separate breed. Today it is practically the most common and at the same time very popular and beloved breed of cat in America and Canada.
Distinctive external features
Body of medium size with perfectly built musculature has rounded forms peculiar to Burmese cats and high elegance inherited from Siamese ancestors. They have a well-developed chest, a strong convex back and a powerful loin. The grace of the breed is emphasized by long, exquisite, perfectly straight legs with neat oval shape paws, and hind legs are noticeably longer than front ones.
The head is massive, elongated in form of wedge with high cheekbones, round cheeks and well-developed chin, looking from side like a triangle. The muzzle is of equal length and width. The whiskers are long, well visible, and their pads are conspicuously prominent. The ears are long and comparatively large, with rounded tips, which stand wide apart (closer to the sides of the head), relative to each other. They have very sparse hair, so they seem transparent. Have a noticeable slope forward. The eyes are large and very beautiful both in shape (almond-shaped, slanted) and color (aquamarine, turquoise, sea wave). Their color should be even and shiny. The slit of the eyes is elegantly directed to the outer edges of the ears. An interesting fact is that the color of the eyes can change markedly when the light changes or the head is turned. Therefore, the true hue can only be assessed in calm, natural light.
This breed is short-haired with a soft, glossy or matte coat with no undercoat. Its beautiful tail, thickened at the base and tapering toward the end, is equal to, or often longer than, its body length.
Despite the fact that these cats can be a fairly large range of colors, recognized only three colors of fur: Siamese (classic point), Burmese (solid), mink (mink). Despite the fact that all colors are recognized, only mink cats can participate in exhibitions and professional breeding. In this case, the coloration usually consists of two parts: the basic color of the whole individual and darker color on the tip of its tail, ears, and paws.
Color Classification
- Natural - warm brown as the main color and dark chocolate as a complementary color;
- Platinum - light silvery gray (or gray-pink) primary color and dark gray secondary color;
- Blue - blue primary with dark gray secondary;
- champagne - light beige (or yellow) base and pale brown extra.
Sometimes a complex color of honey mink is allowed - cream or apricot shade of primary color with bright red as an additional and tortoiseshell pattern on the coat.
Main Character Traits
Tonkinese cats are active and sociable, intelligent and curious, but also obedient and have a very gentle nature. From their Siamese ancestors they have not inherited vindictiveness, nor are they hysterical and jealous. They feel very attached to their owners, especially to small children, they like to play with them and go for walks, they do not tolerate loneliness. They walk excellently on a leash, they are not timid, they like to get acquainted with new people, examine and study them. These cats are well amenable to training, and there is even an opinion that they understand everything they are told, and still have the ability to psychic. Help to establish harmony in the family in which they live. In some countries, they are attracted to treat some diseases.
Their owners should be aware of a certain feature of cats, which is that the cars and vehicles in general, it perceives in conjunction with people, and can, without thinking to run out to meet them.
Disadvantages of the breed
Individuals with tail defects and kinks, very tall legs or vice versa, too stocky and stocky, and those with round eyes or squinting eyes are considered to be inappropriate to the generally accepted standard. Yellow eyes and white spots of hair on the body are also considered unacceptable.
In order to preserve the individuality of the breed, it is not recommended to interbreed with other species.
Care of Tonkin cats
As with other breeds, their care consists of regular brushing, ear brushing, and other hygiene procedures. They should be washed only if they get dirty. Their coat loses its shine after water procedures.
In general, Tonkin cats have fairly good health and long life expectancy. But studies have deduced its low resistance to colds. It also needs to be taken for regular checkups and oral cavity treatment.