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Tonkinese Cat Breed Information and Facts

This page is about the Tonkinese cat breed information and what it means to own one as a companion animal. If you are considering getting Tonkinese cat breed, this profile will be helpful in deciding whether or not they are right for you!

Group Crossbreed
Popularity Rank18
Reviews0
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Tonkinese cat profile picture
OriginCanada flagCanada
Other Names
What other names are there for the Tonkinese cat?
Tonk
Price
What is the cost of a Tonkinese cat?
$600 to $1000
If you choose to purchase the Tonkinese cat, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and cat finder places. If you have a Tonkinese cat for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Tonkinese gets to a happy place.
Cost Of Ownership Moderate
Breed Recognition The International Cat Association (TICA)Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA)American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA)

Tonkinese Size, Appearance and Physical Traits

Size
How big is a Tonkinese cat?
Small
The small-sized cats usually weigh 5-11 pounds and are 7-10 inches long from the nose down.
Weight
What is the weight of the Tonkinese cat?
Male: 8 - 12 pounds, Female: 6 - 8 pounds
Bite Force Weak Bite Strength: Less than or around 10 PSI
A weak cat bite strength, generally measuring less than or around 10 PSI, is often characteristic of smaller cat breeds like the Tonkinese or those with less-developed jaw muscles. Cats with weak bite strength pose a lower risk of causing significant harm during a bite. Nevertheless, understanding feline body language and proper socialization are vital for pet owners to prevent biting incidents. Cat enthusiasts researching gentle-biting cat breeds, feline bite force, or specific breeds like the Tonkinese will find this information valuable.
Body Type Semi-foreign
Tonkinese have a moderate build, more elongated than cobby cats but not as slender as foreign cats. They have a balanced appearance. Examples include the Abyssinian and Somali.
Ear Shape PointedMediumWide-set
Eye Color Blue
Hair Color and Pattern Mink pattern, which is a combination of Siamese colorpoint and Burmese solid colours; base coat is cream or fawn with coloured points on ears, face, paws, and tail; point colours include natural (sable), champagne, blue, and platinum.
Coat
What kind of coat does the Tonkinese cat have?
Medium-short
Leg Lenght Medium
Whisker Length Medium
Musculature Slender
Head Shape Round
Toe Count 5 front4 back
Eye Shape And Orientation Oval
Night Vision
Paw Size Medium
Nose Structure Straight
Neck Length Medium
Fur Texture SilkyLong
Bone Density Medium
Flexibility
High
Bone Structure SlenderFine
Tail Length Long and Tapered
Sleep Patterns ActiveLess Sleep

Tonkinese Special Abilities

Attention Span Long, social and playful
Guarding Instinct Moderate
Protection Instincts Moderate
Climbing Ability Moderate
Jumping Ability Good
Swimming Ability Poor
Water Affinity
Rescue Capability Poor

Tonkinese Health

Litter Size 4-6 Kittens
Special Needs AffectionateVocalRequires attention
Breeding Requires grooming knowledge, small to moderate litter size
Dietary Preferences Low fat, high fiber
Solo Time Tolerance Medium
Noise Sensitivity Low
Genetic Diversity Low
Sensitivity To Changes
High sensitivity
Food Motivation Moderate
Feeding Schedule Three times a dayMorning, Afternoon, and Evening
Maintenance Level Low
Exercise Needs Medium
Life Expectancy
What is the life expectancy of the Tonkinese cats?
14-16 years
Energy Level
How energetic is the Tonkinese cat?
The Tonkinese cat has a very high energy level.
Hypoallergenic
Are Tonkinese cats hypoallergenic?
No
Tonkinese cats don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing an allergic reaction. Some of the cat breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response.

Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the cat's skin) or saliva, not actually to cat hair.

Common Health Issues
Are Tonkinese cats a healthy breed?
High
Tonkineses tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Health Problems Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)Upper Respiratory InfectionsAsthma
Climate Temperate
Cold Tolerance Medium
Heat Tolerance Medium
Breeding Difficulty Medium

Tonkinese Characteristics and Personality

Common Vocalizations Social and playful meows
Interaction With Other Pets Good, very social and friendly
Facial Expression Social and playful
Tail Behavior Social and playful tail movements
Explorer Instincts Moderate
Attention Needs High
Protectiveness Moderate
Territoriality Moderate
Independence High
Response To Commands High
Adaptability To Indoor Life High
Hunting Drive High
Play Style CuriousSocialPlayful
Escape Tendencies High
Curiosity High
Hunting Skills Moderate ⏺️
Reaction To Strangers Friendly 😊
Stalking Behavior High
Aggression Level Low
Training Difficulty Moderate
Agility High
Travel Compatibility High
Activity
Moderately Active
Compatibility With Other Animals PlayfulMedium
Household Noise Tolerance Medium
Playfulness
Active Adventurer. Tonkinese are quite playful and enjoy frequent play sessions. They are curious and active, often engaging in interactive games and activities.
Trainability
Are Tonkinese cats easy to train? How hard is it to train a Tonkinese?
Highly Trainable: Tonkinese cat breeds are the most intelligent, responsive, and eager to learn, making them excellent candidates for training, obedience, and tricks. Examples of highly trainable cat breeds include Siamese, Bengal, and Abyssinian.
Lap Cat
Are Tonkinese cats lap cats?
Yes
This cat loves to sit on his owner's lap.
Temperament
What personality do Tonkinese cats have?
Curious
Adaptability
Are Ragdoll cats adaptable?
Tonkinese cats adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Affection Level
Are Tonkinese cats more affectionate?
High: Tonkinese cats are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate cats toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy cats for those in need.
Child Friendly
Are Tonkinese cats good with kids?
The Tonkinese cat is a child-friendly breed. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Dog Friendly
Are Tonkinese cats good with dogs?
Very dog-friendly: Tonkinese owners often find that their cats get along very well with the family dog.
Intelligence
Are Tonkinese cats intelligent? Are Tonkinese cats smart?
Outstanding: Tonkinese is one of the brightest cat breeds.
Social Needs
Are Tonkinese cats social?
Lots: this cat breed needs lots of social interaction.
Stranger Friendly
Are Tonkinese cats friendly to strangers?
Very: this cat breed gets on very well with strange people.
Vocalization
Do Tonkinese cats vocalize?
Frequent
This cat breed meows very often. Cats typically start to meow at around six weeks old, when they are old enough to start venturing away from their mother. Meowing is thought to be a way for them to solicit food or attention from their owner. However, cats can also meow for other reasons, such as when they are bored, lonely, or in pain. Indeed, a cat's meow can often be a sign that something is wrong and they require our help. As such, it is important that we take the time to learn how to interpret our feline friend's vocalizations. By doing so, we can provide them with the love and care that they need to thrive.

Tonkinese Grooming

Seasonal Shedding Low
Grooming Tools Needed BrushNail ClipperCombDeshedding Tool
Dental Care Moderate
Cat breeds like the Tonkinese, classified under moderate dental care needs, display a higher likelihood of encountering dental concerns compared to those with low dental care needs. Factors contributing to their increased risk may involve genetic predispositions or particular breed traits. These cats benefit greatly from a regular dental care routine, encompassing teeth brushing, dental cleanings, and veterinary check-ups, to prevent the onset of common dental problems such as gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth decay.
Grooming
How to groom your Tonkinese cat?
Low Maintenance
Occasional grooming is recommended to keep the Tonkinese coat in good condition.
Shedding
Do Tonkinese cats shed a lot?
High
If you're looking for a cat that won't leave a trail of fur everywhere they go, you might want to rethink your choice of pet. While there are some breeds that shed less than others, all cats will lose some hair throughout the year. And when they do, it can be a real pain to clean up. If you're not prepared to deal with regular grooming and vacuuming, a Tonkinese cat probably isn't the right pet for you.

Tonkinese Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Energy Level: The Tonkinese cat has a very high energy level.
  • Adaptability: Tonkinese cats adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Affection Level: High: Tonkinese cats are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate cats toward their handlers.
  • Child Friendly: The Tonkinese cat is a child-friendly breed.
  • Dog Friendly: Very dog-friendly: Tonkinese owners often find that their cats get along very well with the family dog.
  • Intelligence: Outstanding: Tonkinese is one of the brightest cat breeds.

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