What is the origin of the name 'Tonkinese'?

Originally, it was not called 'Tonkinese' but 'Tonkanese', which comes from the musical 'The Island that Overcomes Racial Barriers, Tonka'. However, as it was common at that time to name breeds based on their supposed geographic origins, it was mistakenly believed to be derived from the Tonkin region of the Indochina Peninsula or the Gulf of Tonkin in Vietnam, and was later renamed to 'Tonkinese'. It's quite a curious origin!

What are the color variations of the Tonkinese?

Natural, Platinum, Blue, Chocolate, and Champagne are available.

Solid color: The face, body, legs, and tail are all one color.

Pointed: Parts of the body like the head, ears, legs, and tail are colored.

Mink: Uniform body color, with softer point color compared to Pointed.

Colors include Yellow, Blue, Aqua, and Green.

Tonkinese are exclusively a short-haired breed.

What does the Tonkinese look like?

It has a rounded wedge-shaped head with large almond-shaped eyes, wide-set large ears, and a body type known as semi-foreign. It has a well-toned muscular body, overall a well-balanced cat.

The coat is soft and silky, much like touching silk, and its beautiful appearance will make you want to pet it over and over. In cases of Pointed or Mink, the coloring may not be clear in kittens but as they grow, you can enjoy watching the fur change color. Taking photos might make it easier to observe these changes.

How much does it cost to buy a Tonkinese?

When buying from a breeder or cattery, it costs about 200,000 to 300,000 yen. If you find a kitten you like, it's good to visit and see it first.

In pet shops, it costs between 150,000 and 200,000 yen. However, some shops may breed indiscriminately, so it might be best to avoid buying from places where the breeding background is not clear.

Additionally, if you buy from a cattery with higher qualifications than a general breeder, the price can be higher. Catteries need to be certified by 'CAF' or 'TICA', so breeders with these qualifications are more reliable and add value. The high price is a testament to their credibility.

There are also several factors that can affect the price:

The kitten being young, having excellent pedigree, or having a rare color or pattern.

Other conditions may apply, but especially these factors tend to drive up the price.

Is it true that Tonkinese were initially siblings with the American Burmese?

It is true. The explanation of backcrossing in the basic information might have made it a bit confusing, but both breeds are offspring of Wong Mau, making them siblings. However, the specifics of whether both were male or female are unknown.

I want to know more about the personality and characteristics of the Tonkinese!

The Tonkinese has many similarities to the American Burmese. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for families with small children, and its adaptability allows it to coexist with other cats or animals. On the other hand, it is also quite affectionate, making it an ideal breed for those who want to spend a lot of time with their cat.

The Tonkinese is a talkative and intelligent cat. Its soft voice makes it easy to keep in apartments or condominiums. It loves to communicate with its owner, and will be happy as long as you spend time playing with it.

Rather than staying still, the Tonkinese prefers to move around and enjoys exercise. It loves playing with toys, and placing a cat tower would be a good idea. If you feel it is using a lot of energy, provide a high-protein, high-calorie diet and observe any changes in weight.

What diseases are Tonkinese susceptible to?

Tonkinese are susceptible to 'Lower Urinary Tract Disease (LUTD)' and 'Diabetes'.

Cats, historically, do not have a habit of drinking much water, which puts a strain on their kidneys, often leading to urinary tract diseases.

Specifically, kidney stones formed in the kidney can get stuck in the urethra or other parts, causing 'Urinary Stones' or 'Cystitis'. If you notice a decrease in the frequency of using the toilet, or see blood in the urine or a change in the color of the urine, consult a vet promptly.

While prevention is possible by being mindful of diet and water intake, some cats may still develop these conditions no matter how careful you are, so it is recommended to get regular health checks.

Obesity and lack of exercise can increase the likelihood of developing these conditions. Symptoms include suddenly drinking a lot of water or an increase in urination. As the disease progresses, symptoms such as loss of appetite or vomiting and diarrhea may appear.

You must be cautious if your cat is becoming overweight, but diabetes can also occur due to genetics or aging. While it is difficult to prevent diseases caused by congenital reasons, obesity can be prevented with appropriate exercise and diet management.

What is the lifespan of the Tonkinese?

The lifespan of the Tonkinese is about 15 years. As the general lifespan of cats is 12 to 16 years, it is quite average.