The Tonkinese, an energetic and affectionate cat, a cross between the Siamese and Burmese.
The Best of Both Worlds
The Tonkinese is a captivating cat breed, the result of a deliberate cross between the Siamese and the Burmese, combining the best qualities of its two illustrious ancestors. Developed in Canada in the 1960s, this breed is known for its soft coat with colors intermediate between the two parent breeds and its often unique aqua-colored eyes. The Tonkinese is cherished for its sociable, playful, intelligent, and very affectionate temperament, making it a dynamic and devoted companion.
This 'people-made' cat integrates perfectly into family life, bringing joy and interactivity into the home.
Our Feline Specialist's Advice
By the CatName.com team, published on October 14, 2025.
My personal tip : The Tonkinese's short, silky coat is easy to maintain, with weekly brushing sufficient to keep it shiny. However, what distinguishes the Tonkinese is its intense need for interaction. This is a very intelligent and curious cat that needs a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Provide interactive toys, regular play sessions (it loves to fetch!), and opportunities to climb. It does not tolerate loneliness and may become destructive or develop behavioral problems if ignored. This is a cat that needs to be an integral part of family life.
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Identifying the Tonkinese: Key Characteristics
The Tonkinese is recognizable by its unique aqua-colored eyes and silky coat.
The Tonkinese is a medium-sized cat, with an athletic and muscular body, more elegant than the Burmese but less slender than the Siamese. Its silhouette is balanced and graceful. Its head is a modified wedge shape, with prominent cheekbones and an alert expression. Its eyes are particularly remarkable for their color.
Size: Medium-sized cat, with a muscular and well-proportioned body.
Coat: Short, fine, soft, and silky, very close to the body. Colors come in three pattern categories: Mink (body color lighter than points, with aqua eyes), Point (strong contrast, light body, dark points, blue eyes), and Solid/Sepia (low contrast, body slightly lighter than points, gold or green eyes). Colors include natural (sable), champagne (chocolate), blue, and platinum (lilac).
Head: Modified wedge shape, with rounded contours and a muzzle that is neither too long nor too short.
Eyes: Large, almond-shaped, generally aqua-colored, but can be blue (for Points) or gold/green (for Solid/Sepia).
Ears: Medium-sized, wide at the base, slightly rounded, set well apart.
Tail: Medium-long, tapering towards the tip, well-proportioned to the body.
Dimensions and Key Information (Tonkinese)
Characteristic
Male
Female
Average
Size (at shoulder)
25 – 30 cm
22 – 28 cm
22 – 30 cm
Weight
3.5 – 5.5 kg
2.5 – 4 kg
2.5 – 5.5 kg
Life Expectancy
12 – 16 years
12 – 16 years
12 – 16 years
Diet
Strict carnivore
Strict carnivore
High-quality kibble and wet food
Litter Size (kittens)
-
Variable
Generally 4-6
These figures indicate that the Tonkinese is a medium-sized cat, with a good life expectancy, reaching full physical maturity around 1 year of age.
Behavior: Sociable, Intelligent, and Balanced
The Tonkinese is the harmonious result of crossing the Siamese and the Burmese, inheriting the best qualities from both parents. It combines the intelligence and vivacity of the Siamese with the gentleness and placidity of the Burmese, making it a cat with an ideal temperament: affectionate, sociable, and very well-balanced. Tonkinese are known for their great curiosity and their need for interaction, loving to be at the heart of family action.
Very attached to their owners, Tonkinese are devoted companions who constantly seek human company. They love cuddles, perching on their owners' laps or shoulders, and are capable of forming very strong bonds. Their meow is softer than that of the Siamese, but they remain communicative, expressing their needs and desires with charm. They get along very well with children and other animals, making them excellent family pets.
The Tonkinese is an intelligent and playful cat who enjoys interactive games and mental challenges. It retains its youthful energy for a long time and loves to explore its surroundings. If you are looking for a cat that combines the elegance and intelligence of the Oriental with unparalleled gentleness, the Tonkinese is an excellent choice. For those who like active and curious cats, the Abyssinian also offers a dynamic temperament and a thirst for exploration, while being visually distinct. The Tonkinese is a breed that promises a life full of affection and entertainment.
Origin and Adaptability
The history of the Tonkinese is a beautiful example of breed creation through selective breeding. In the early 1960s, in Canada, breeders, notably Jane Barletta and Margaret Conroy, sought to create a new breed by deliberately crossing Siamese and Burmese cats. The goal was to obtain a cat that would combine the best physical and temperament qualities of both breeds, and that would exhibit intermediate coat color and eye color.
The breed was officially recognized by the CFA and TICA in the 1980s, quickly gaining popularity. The Tonkinese is a highly adaptable cat that thrives in an apartment or house, provided it receives a great deal of love, attention, and stimulation. Its sociable nature and need for companionship make it an excellent choice for active families who can dedicate time to it and include it in their daily activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Tonkinese
What is unique about the Tonkinese's colors and eyes?
The Tonkinese comes in three coat pattern types: Mink (body color lighter than points, aqua eyes), Point (strong contrast, light body, dark points, blue eyes), and Solid/Sepia (low contrast, gold or green eyes). The aqua eye color is a unique characteristic of the Mink variety.
What is the temperament of the Tonkinese?
The Tonkinese is a very sociable, affectionate, loyal, intelligent, and extremely playful cat. It is less vocal than the Siamese but more so than the Burmese. It loves human companionship and gets along very well with children and other animals, disliking loneliness.
How do you groom the Tonkinese's coat?
Its short, silky coat is very easy to maintain. Weekly brushing is ample to keep it clean and shiny and to remove dead hair.
Is the Tonkinese prone to specific health problems?
As a robust hybrid breed, the Tonkinese is generally healthy. However, like its parent breeds, it can be predisposed to dental problems, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and, in rare cases, renal amyloidosis. Regular veterinary check-ups are important.
What is the life expectancy of a Tonkinese?
The average life expectancy of a Tonkinese typically ranges between 12 and 16 years, with good care and a balanced diet.
