Canada
Hybrid
Medium
8-10 in
6-12 lbs
12-16 years
Meet the Tonkinese
Tonkinese cats are known for their playful, outgoing, and affectionate nature. They love being around people and are often found following their favorite humans from room to room. They are intelligent, social cats that thrive on attention and companionship.
Where It All Began
The Tonkinese breed was developed in Canada in the 1960s by crossing Siamese and Burmese cats. Breeders wanted to create a cat that combined the best traits of both breeds—the Siamese look and voice with the Burmese personality.
Personality
🏃 An Active Lifestyle
This breed needs daily, vigorous exercise — long walks, runs, or active play — to stay happy and well-behaved.
- ✓ 60+ minutes of exercise daily
- ✓ Fenced yard or open space preferred
- ✓ Mental enrichment / training games
✂ Grooming Needs
Grooming is easy — an occasional brush and bath is usually all that is needed.
- ✓ Short coat is easy to maintain
- ✓ Brush weekly to remove loose hair
- ✓ Clean ears as needed
- ✓ Trim nails every 2-3 weeks
- ✓ Regular dental care recommended
❤ Keeping Healthy
Generally healthy, but regular vet care can help prevent common issues.
- • Regular vet checkups
- • Dental care is important
- • Watch for respiratory issues
- • Maintain a healthy diet and weight
$ Cost of Ownership
Owning a Tonkinese is moderate compared to many pedigree breeds.
Purchase Price: $700 - $2,200
Monthly Cost: $40 - $100
First Year Cost: $900 - $2,200
Lifetime Cost: $10,000 - $15,000
👍 Pros
- Extremely affectionate
- Playful and fun-loving
- Great with families and pets
- Intelligent and interactive
- Beautiful eyes and coat
👎 Cons
- Can be vocal
- Needs lots of attention
- May follow you everywhere
- Not ideal if left alone long
- May not suit very young kids
💡 Did You Know?
Tonkinese cats often have aqua eyes and a "mink" coat that can range from light to dark.
Compare Tonkinese
See how the Tonkinese stacks up against other breeds to find your perfect match.
