| The Tonkinese breed is widely considered a | | | | particularly high strung or stressed out. Tonkinese |
| 'newer' breed, a cross between a Burmese and a | | | | are social creatures. They enjoy their humans and |
| Siamese, though some dispute this saying the | | | | get along well with other pets and children. |
| breed existed in the 1800s. The first known | | | | Tonkinese do not like being left alone and it is |
| Tonkinese was Wong Mau, a descendant of | | | | recommended that if they are going to be left |
| ancient Burmese. Wong Mau was bred with a | | | | alone for long periods of time, there should be |
| Siamese and over time, the Tonkinese was bred | | | | two Tonkinese in the home. It is also useful to |
| into its own separate breed but it was not | | | | have a cat condo around for exercise and play, |
| recognized as a distinct breed until 1984. This cat | | | | and to keep them out of trouble stemming from |
| is a medium sized breed with males weighing eight | | | | boredom. Tonkinese tend to have almost no |
| to twelve pounds and females six to eight pounds. | | | | genetic medical concerns though they are more |
| Tonkinese (affectionately referred to as 'Tonks') | | | | prone to gingivitis than other breeds. |
| have a short, thick coat that requires no more | | | | There is a website that has great information on |
| maintenance than once weekly brushing and come | | | | Tonkinese and most other breeds of cats. It has |
| in three colors: pointed, mink and solid. The pointed | | | | details that pertain to a cat breeds health, |
| coat is much like a Siamese and the solid is much | | | | grooming, living conditions, best food choices and |
| like a Burmese. However, the mink is unique to | | | | more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, |
| the Tonkinese. It is a combination of a Siamese | | | | and can be found at this url: |
| coat and a Burmese coat but not a blend. Usually, | | | | By Robert W. Benjamin |
| one half (legs only or the body) is one coat and | | | | Copyright © 2007 |
| suddenly, it becomes the other. | | | | You may publish this article in your ezine, |
| The Tonkinese personality is described as 'the | | | | newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is |
| best of both worlds'. From their Siamese side, | | | | reprinted in its entirety and without modification |
| they take curiosity and intelligence. From their | | | | except for formatting needs or grammar |
| Burmese side, they take their easy-going | | | | corrections. |
| personality. They are active and stubborn but not | | | | |