Tonks bring a great deal of positive energy and happiness to any home. They are great companions because they teach us by example, that "life is a garden, Dig it!". They wake up each day to a new world full of excitement and adventure, and one can see their innocent joy in living life to the fullest. They are very active and playful but not high-strung. They seem to be happiest playing tag, hide and seek, or fetch, as well as taking midday naps, lounging on a cool floor during summer, or cuddling with us during movie hours.

Not all Tonks are the same, very much like people. They have many different interests. Some are very musical and may start singing when they hear an instrument, while others protest loudly over the funny noises a dishwashing machine makes. On rare occasions, a brave few enjoy jumping into a warm bath. It is not uncommon to find a Tonk purring while enjoying a warm vibrating massage from the dryer, or discussing the finer points of feline-to-human communication with us. They have many conversational tones and facial expressions, which make Tonks really easy to understand, and a lot of fun to talk to.

One is never lonely when a Tonk is in the house. They make great "pillow buddies", and think that toes under the covers are great for playing "cat and mouse". Tonks give a lot of love, but also expect it in return. Once you give your heart to a Tonk, home life will never be the same.

The Tonkinese breed is a relatively new breed to the Cat Fanciers' Association, having been accepted in 1984. Even though the breed has only been in recorded existence for the past 40 years, it is actually much older. Many centuries ago, before they had a name, the Tonkinese Breed was depicted in, "The Cat-Book Poems of Siam", written during the Ayudha Period (1358-1767.) They were first imported to England in the 1800's, and finally landed on U.S. soil in the 1930's. The first cat to arrive was a kitten by the name of Wong Mau, who is also the great ancestor of the Burmese breed in the U.S. today.

Although originally considered a "hybrid", the Tonkinese no longer uses either of the parents breeds, (Burmese and Siamese), and continues to blend the traits of both breeds beautifully and harmoniously. The golden eyes of the Burmese mixes with the deep blue of the Siamese, creating the signature Tonkinese aqua eye color. The coat patterns are solid, mink and pointed. The Tonks have a moderate body type. They are very muscular and surprisingly heavy for their medium-sized build.

Before 2002 only Mink Tonkinese were accepted by CFA in Championship. Since then, all coat patterns are accepted. Now you can see Solids, Minks, and Points side by side in the show ring. To learn more about the Tonkinese colors and patterns please click below.