The pictures below are thumbnails. Please click on any one to see a larger version.
This attractive cat breed is a deliberate (human created) cross between a Traditional or Classic Siamese Cat and a Burmese cat. The Traditional Siamese is also called an “Applehead”. The head of a Traditional Siamese is apple shaped compared to the “wedgie”, wedge shaped Modern Siamese. Some think the Modern Siamese is more true to the original Siamese and some think the opposite. Siamese cat history tells me the true Siamese cat is the traditional.
The early history of the cat breeds is often vague. In my opinion, Tonkinese cats are all about coat color and coat pattern and how they interact. Lets look at the two terms first as they are not self explanatory. Coat color means the color of the extremities of the cat (the “points”). Coat pattern means the relationship of the base color to the color of the points. There are 4 coat colors and 3 coat patterns (see table below), making 12 combinations.
The origin is a little hazy. You will find, therefore, variations to a similar theme. It is believed that there were Tonkinese Cats in the 1800s but at the time they were considered, apparently to be Siamese Cats (Traditional Siamese cats as we now call them). It is said that the first Tonkinese cat was imported into America in 1930. The cat was a mink hybrid called “Wong Mau”. This cat was also the founding cat of the Burmese breed (notice the overlap in breeds). This is the way I see the history of Tonkinese Cats:
| Time | Event |
| 1800s | Tonkinese believed to exist – probably an overlap between Burmese, Siamese and Tonkinese |
| 1930 | Wong Mau – first known Tonkinese. I presume this is established through a distinct genetic code? |
| Early 1900s to 1950 | Tonkinese characteristics bred out of Siamese and Burmese leaving 2 distinct breeds |
| 1950s to 1970s | Siamese and Burmese are merged again to form the Tonkinese |
It is interesting to note that the Tonkinese characteristics were breed out of the Siamese and Burmese. It would seem (and these are my thoughts only) that there was an overlap in the three similar breeds, Siamese, Burmese and Tonkinese (perhaps they were all variations of the same breed).
This may have occurred naturally or by breeders breeding one with the other. A decision was made to make the breeds more distinct. Then to re-create the Tonkinese. There appears to have been some controversy on this “strategy” (if it in fact was discussed in that way). The decisions would have been made by cat breeders with the co-operation ultimately of the major Cat Registries.
This is the important bit. I wonder if the terminology could have been a bit be clearer? I have introduced it above. Here is a chart, which may or may not help.
| Color | Tonkinese |
| Coat color (the color of the extremities) |
|
| Coat pattern (i.e. relationship of coat color to extremities) | Pointed – strong contrast between body and points like the SiameseMink – medium contrast between body and points – Tonk characteristicSolid – weak contrast almost solid like the Burmese |
| Comment | the Mink coat pattern is the only pattern that can be shown as it is distinct from the coat patterns of the other 2 breeds |
| Eyes | from blue to green/gold |
The point to note is this. The color appearance of these three breeds (Siamese, Burmese and Tonkinese) is about (a) the base color and its density (how dark or light it is or to put it another way how solid or dilute the color is) (b) the pointing, meaning the color of the extreme “points” of the cat such as ears, end of tail etc. and (c) the contrast between the two elements (this is referred to as the “coat pattern” see the chart above).
The contrast between the base color and the points is a notable feature of all three breeds. The Siamese has high contrast and the Burmese has low contrast. Tonkinese Cats are in between with a wide spread of color and contrast combinations (12 as mentioned above). This, in my opinion, is what gives the breed its appeal. Other than the Tonkinese character.
As expected the Tonkinese cat’s character falls in between the 2 parent cats. The Siamese is a little highly strung and demanding the Burmese less so. The Tonk leans towards the Burmese character. Perhaps the justification for the Tonkinese cat is that she combines the best of both parent breeds. One last point. The points are the same for Siamese, Burmese and Tonkinese. The terminology varies slightly. This may help to clarify:
- Burmese body color (“coat pattern”)- the names of the patterns, it seems, vary depending on the cat registry. The biggest registry, the CFA recognise these colors: sable (natural), champagne, blue and platinum.
- Siamese and Burmese – the point colors are the same for these breeds. For the Siamese cat the 4 point colors are: seal, chocolate, blue and lilac. These colors on a Burmese cat are: brown or sable (the USA version of brown), chocolate or champagne (the USA version or chocolate), blue and lilac.
If you are interested in buying and are seaching for breeders, a Tonkinese breeder world list might interest you. This is meant to be a comprehensive list.
Clubs:
CLUB DU TONKINOIS:
http://www.club-du-tonkinois.
Special mention:
TONKERLAND:
Tonkinese in Italy – Valeria Genesini – Corso Porta Mare, 89 – I-44100 Ferrara – Italy
Sources:
- CFA
- Cat Fanciers
- Wikipedia
I owned a Tonkinese cat back in the 1980’s. He was the smartest, sleekest, vain, fastidious most ferocious cat I’ve ever owned. I adored him. He was very dog-like, even hard core “dog men” we’re attracted to him. Tho he was fixed, he could chase away the roughest toms. And balance? NEVER had to worry about any fragile nick backs. He knew how to get out of the house when he wanted by using tricks to get attention. He learned to use the toilet by himself. ( as a kitten he’d watch me. He went everywhere with me). One night my mom forgot to put the litter box inside, so he used the toilet! NO JOKE!!! He would walk with my dad thru the garden and listen to him talk about his roses. ( I’ll always regret the day I moved Mischa,with me, to New Mexico. I took my dad’s pal away from him, and I knew he was attached to Mischa.) He was so playful, kind, intelligent, interesting and people oriented cat I’ve ever owed. I could go on and on about this cat. I can’t say all Tonkinese are so amazing as Mischa was, but if you like or want something like this, try a Tonkinese!
Fantastic comment. It helps us understand Tonkinese cats. Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences.
If you’re interested in getting one, you’re in for a treat. Just realize they are very social cats and crave attention. I envy you. I’m unable to own a cat right now, and it’s hard to live w/o one. My mom is 94. She’s in good health, but no longer steady on her feet. Unfortunately, cats are known to get underfoot and she can’t have that possibility around.
This is a very attractive cat indeed. And I just have to say, hats off to Ms. Helmi Flick. These are stunning pictures. Yes the subjects are beautiful, but to be able capture their gracefulness in print is truly impressive.