Tonkine Cat, Characteristics And Care
The Tonkinese cat is a feline very attached to its owner and loves to play, so it will constantly attract the attention of its master.
There are many different breeds of cats, each with different physical characteristics and varying personalities.
So today we want to talk more about the Tonkine cat. A cat that at first glance may look ordinary, but it’s not at all.
Let’s learn more about the Tonkine cat
Source
The Tonkinese cat appeared in Canada, after a cross between a Siamese and a Burmese, around 1930. Therefore, it is not a very old breed.
The first specimens were known as golden Siamese, as their appearance was very similar to that of the Siamese. However, its distinguishing features were in its orange fur.
People saw him as a Siamese and preferred to choose a thoroughbred rather than accept a cross that, at first glance, looked like the same breed.
Thus, around 1960, crosses of both cats were performed again and the genetic characteristics stood out a little more.
Thus, they gained people’s acceptance and then received the Tonkinese name.
A few years later, he was accepted by the CCA (Canadian Cat Association) and the Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA). With that, it was officially considered as a new breed of cat, which lasts until today.
Physical characteristics
They can measure about 28 centimeters at the withers and weigh between 2.5 and 5.5 kilos. Its fur, much like that of the Siamese, is short and very dense.
Also, it is generally light and dark brown at the edges. Other color varieties are acceptable, such as grey, gold, beige and white.
Its head is usually longer than it is wide, which is unusual in cats, although its rounded shape matches this feature.
Your eyes will always be between blue and greenish tones, with an almond shape.
Its tail is narrow, without large amounts of hair, and although it is long, it is in harmony with the length of its body.
Ears are pointed, with oval tips, and medium in size. In this way, they have ideal proportions in relation to the head.
And your nose will always have the darkest shade of coat, between intense shades of chocolate or pink.
Personality
Physically, it can easily be mistaken for a Siamese, but if there’s one thing that sets this cat apart, it’s its overwhelming personality.
Both races have strong personalities, but many claim that Tonkinese bring together the best of the two.
He is an attached cat: he will have a favorite person, his owner, with whom he will want to spend as much time as possible and share a thousand and one adventures. He is not a quiet cat. In other words, likes affection and playing.
He is always excited and needs attention so he can play or keep company. It adapts very well to other animals and people, although, due to its dynamic and active nature, it cannot live very well with very calm or passive pets.
health and care
This cat is healthy and strong by nature, although it is prone to gingivitis and has problems with anesthesia.
Because of the similarities with the Siamese cat, being its descendant, there are diseases that it inherited and that can present more complications.
For example, there is amyloidosis, asthma, heart disease, problems with megaesophagus and feline hyperesthesia. However, these are just propensities, and not all cats of this breed will suffer from them.
As necessary care, and given your tendency to gingivitis, we should pay attention to your oral hygiene, which should be reviewed at least once a week.
It is also necessary to make periodic visits to the veterinarian to analyze it. For the rest, the care required will be the same as for any other breed.
Due to its pleasant and vital character, it is not recommended to leave it in small spaces. Therefore, it is recommended to adopt him if you have a garden or outdoor space in which he can play.
If you have a small apartment and like this breed, you might want to consider having two cats or another pet related to it. Anyway, he will live unforgettable moments by your side.
