Tonkinese: the chatty cat

Il Tokinese Tonkinese are well known for their vocal nature: they will constantly talk when stimulated and get along well with everyone. They are considered the quintessential chatterbox. They don't limit themselves to the classic meow: many Tonkinese produce a wide variety of sounds—little trills, chirps, calls, and "responses"—almost as if they were engaging in a conversation with people. They enjoy using their language to greet their owner when they arrive home; to command attention when they want cuddles; to respond if someone speaks to them; and to express curiosity or enthusiasm with small sounds.

Origins

Initially, before being recognized as an independent breed in 1979, the Tonkinese was called the "Golden Siamese" due to its derivation from the Siamese and its silky fur. The first specimens similar to the Tonkinese probably appeared in the first half of the XX century, when some cats with intermediate characteristics between Siamese and Burmese were bred in a non-organized way. The actual breed began to develop in the 60s and 70s, Mostly in Canada and the United States, thanks to breeders who started selective programs to maintain the particular appearance and balanced character of these cats. The name "Tonkinese" recalls the Tonkin (Tonkin in English), but the race it doesn't really come from that region: the name was chosen more to evoke an exotic Southeast Asian origin.

Physical aspect

The Tonkinese is agile, muscular, of medium size, and weighs, on average, 4-6 kilograms if male; 2,5-4 kilograms if female.

The other physical characteristics are:

• The head is rounded wedge-shaped, slightly longer than wide. The cheekbones are high and flat, the bridge of the nose is slightly convex, the chin is strong, and the nose has a slight stop at eye level.
• The ears are medium sized, well opened with a broad base and oval tip, placed on the sides of the head and high up, in an alert position.
• The eyes are big, generally blue-light blue in color, other times green. The formula is that of a rounded almond on the lower eyelid.
• The coat is short, thin, close to the body, delicate and silky, luminous.
• The legs are of medium length, proportionate to the body, with slender but robust musculature, and oval feet.

Character

This is an intelligent and lively dog, very sociable and accustomed to chatting a lot with those who play with it. It doesn't like being alone and always seeks company. Therefore, it's not a suitable dog for people who spend a lot of time away from home. 

The Tonkinese tends to form a very close bond with its family. It loves:

• follow the owner around the house;
• being close to people, even just snuggling up to them;
• participate in the daily life of the house.

It's not generally an "aloof" cat: it often seeks company and interaction. And even as an adult, it often retains a puppy-like side: it loves climbing, chasing toys, exploring new environments, and interacting with people.

Cure

There are no particular pathologies reported for the Tonkinese, but it is a breed that can easily become overweight: therefore, nutrition is crucial. 

How to adopt

It is not common to find pure Tonkinese in shelters, but it can happen that they arrive:

• Adult Tonkinese given away by families;
• mixed-breed cats with similar characteristics;
• subjects coming from situations of abandonment.

You can check feline associations, shelters, and adoption networks in your area.

Image source: Wikipedia/By Edenvane – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32353084

Read also:

• Birman: The Ideal Cat for Relaxation
• The Siamese is the cat that is most attached to humans
• Somali, the most playful cat