Size
Medium
Muscular body, heavier than it looks
Eco 247 · Breed Explorer
The Tonkinese the sociable aqua-eyed charmer
Part Siamese, part Burmese, all personality. The Tonkinese is clever, chatty and happiest right in the middle of family life.
- 12–16years life expectancy
- Lowgrooming needs
- Highsociability
Meet the Tonkinese
The best of both worlds
The Tonkinese comes from crossing the Siamese and the Burmese. Breeders in Canada and the United States developed it in the 1960s and 1970s, aiming for a cat between its two parents in looks and temperament.
Tonkinese come in three patterns: point, like a Siamese; solid, like a Burmese; and mink, in between. Mink Tonkinese often have striking aqua eyes.
- A cross between the Siamese and the Burmese
- Famous for aqua eyes in the mink coat pattern
- Social, chatty and clever, but softer-voiced than a Siamese
Tonkinese kittens
From kitten to full-grown
Every Tonkinese starts out as a bundle of curiosity. Kittens grow quickly, and the cat you see above is what yours will grow into.
Always choose a registered breeder. A good breeder will have your kitten vet-checked, vaccinated and microchipped, and will happily answer your questions and introduce you to the parents.
The essentials
The Tonkinese at a glance
Colours
Mink, point & solid
In chocolate, champagne, blue, platinum and more
Coat
Short & close-lying
Soft and silky, with little undercoat
Grooming
Low
A weekly stroke with a soft brush
Life expectancy
12–16 years
Often longer with good care
Personality
Social & playful
People-focused, clever and talkative
Temperament, honestly
Your new shadow
Tonkinese are outgoing, clever and affectionate. They follow their people from room to room, talk to them and want to join in.
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Sociable
Greets visitors and wants to be part of everything.
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Chatty
Loves to talk, with a softer voice than a Siamese.
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Clever
Learns tricks, opens doors and enjoys puzzle toys.
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Playful
Plays fetch and stays active well into adulthood.
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Affectionate
A devoted lap cat once the games are over.
A Tonkinese-friendly home
Life with a Tonkinese
A Tonkinese needs company, things to explore and a safe place to do it.
Never alone for long
Tonkinese hate being left alone. They suit homes where someone is often around, or a second cat for company.
Room to explore
Cat trees, shelves and puzzle feeders keep a clever Tonkinese busy and out of mischief.
Safe indoors
Friendly and trusting, Tonkinese are best kept indoors or in a cat enclosure, which also suits local cat curfews.
Photos kindly supplied by
Appleisle Tonkinese
Adult and kitten photos: Appleisle Tonkinese.
Ready for life with a Tonkinese?
Busy cats deserve thoughtful basics. From plant-based cat litter to everyday essentials, Eco 247 helps you care for your Tonkinese, sustainably.