Tonkinese

The sociable Siamese and Burmese mix with aqua eyes

The Tonkinese is a cross between the Siamese and the Burmese, and it takes the best of both: the Siamese’s grace and the Burmese’s solid build, in a mink coat. Breeders in North America, and later in Britain, developed it from the 1960s onwards.

Tonkinese are known for their aqua eyes and their love of company.

Tonkinese at a glance

Origin: North America and Britain
Size: Medium
Weight: Usually 2.5 to 5.5 kg
Lifespan: Often 12 to 16 years
Coat: Short, fine and silky
Colours: Three patterns: solid, mink (the classic, with aqua eyes) and pointed

Personality scorecard

Energy: 4 out of 5
Affection: 5 out of 5
Chattiness: 4 out of 5
Grooming needed: 1 out of 5
Good with children: 5 out of 5
Good with other pets: 4 out of 5

Our own rough guide. Every cat is different.

What they look like

A medium, muscular cat, neither as slim as a Siamese nor as stocky as a Burmese, with a modified wedge head, medium ears and almond-shaped eyes. The mink pattern is the signature: a soft, blended coat with slightly darker points, and aqua-blue-green eyes. Solid Tonkinese are all one shade, and pointed ones look like a Siamese with a warm-toned body.

Personality

Sociable, playful and talkative. Tonkinese love company, follow their people around and enjoy climbing, chasing and games of fetch. Their voices are usually softer than a Siamese’s. They are good with children and other pets, but they do not like being left alone.

Care and grooming

Minimal grooming: a weekly rub with a soft brush. Give them company, play and climbing space. Measure meals, as the Burmese side can be prone to diabetes, and keep up with dental checks.

Health to know about

Generally healthy, but because of the parent breeds, dental disease, breathing problems, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and, in some lines, diabetes can occur. Ask breeders about health testing.