Tonkinés
Siamese × Burmese cross. Distinctive aqua pattern. Active, sociable, talkative character.
Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA
Mizuu editorial teamupdated on October 14, 2026Not yet reviewed by a vet. Are you a vet? Review itReport an error
Ideal for
- Families with time for petting
- Flats
- Those looking for a sociable cat
Reconsider if
- ×Homes where it would be left alone for many hours
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Is the Tonkinés a good match for you?
Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).
Estimated cost of ownership
45-75 €/month
Premium food 22-32 €, litter 10-15 €, prorated vet and vaccinations 12-18 €, antiparasitics 4-6 €, toys and a contingency fund 8-12 €.
History and origin
A Canadian breed resulting from the cross between the Siamese and the Burmese, with an intermediate mink pattern. Owing to its dual heritage it shares predispositions from both breeds, such as feline asthma and gingival problems.
Temperament and character
Character typical of its breed. Sociable or reserved depending on the individual. Early neutering (4-6 months) is the best preventive measure.
Living together
Children: good with respectful ones. **Other cats:** sociable if living together from a young age. **Dogs:** possible if the dog is calm.
Life stages of the Tonkinés
Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 14-17 años.
Kitten
0-6 months
Socialisation, vaccination, deworming and enrichment given its active and demanding character.
Junior
6 months-2 years
Neutering, dental/gum health and respiratory monitoring.
Adult
2-10 years
Respiratory monitoring (asthma), dental health, weight control and an annual check-up.
Senior
11+ years
Renal and endocrine screening, dental care and a geriatric diet.
Care
Brushing: according to coat (short = weekly · semi-long = 2-3 times · long = daily).
Litter tray: One litter tray per cat plus one extra (N+1 rule), in quiet spots away from food.
Feeding: quality wet + dry food.
Vet: annual check-up + blood work from 7 years of age.
Care in detail
Nutrition
Premium food high in animal protein to match its activity, with wet food for hydration. Portion control; it is muscular and active, but also greedy.
Grooming
Minimal: its short, satiny coat only needs a weekly brushing or a rubber grooming glove. It barely sheds. Dental hygiene and checking of ears and nails.
Training
Very intelligent, sociable and talkative. It learns tricks, harness walking and to fetch objects with positive reinforcement. Extremely attached and demanding of attention and interaction.
Exercise
Medium-high energy. A climber and playful; it needs daily play, high perches, interactive toys and company. Prolonged loneliness causes it stress and vocalisation.
Breed-specific health
Health tests recommended for this breed: Echocardiography for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM); GM2 gangliosidosis genetic test (Burmese lineage); Amyloidosis screening (Siamese/Burmese lineage); Ophthalmological examination (strabismus) and craniofacial examination (Burmese head defect in breeding); Dental assessment. Life expectancy 14-17 years.
Health predispositions for this breed
Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.
Common diseases in cats
Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.
Screening and prevention for the Tonkinés
Recommended tests and screenings
- Echocardiography for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- GM2 gangliosidosis genetic test (Burmese lineage)
- Amyloidosis screening (Siamese/Burmese lineage)
- Ophthalmological examination (strabismus) and craniofacial examination (Burmese head defect in breeding)
- Dental assessment
Prevention
Early neutering, vaccination and deworming. Genetic screening for gangliosidosis in Burmese lines before breeding. Dental hygiene, a quality diet and plenty of company and play given its demanding character.
Check-up schedule
Annual check-up with cardiac auscultation; renal and hepatic blood work from 7 years of age. Cardiac and genetic screening recommended in breeding animals.
Warning signs
- !Lethargy, rapid breathing or fainting (heart)
- !Tremors or lack of coordination in kittens (gangliosidosis)
- !Vomiting or loss of appetite (liver/kidney)
- !Persistent meowing or anxiety from loneliness
- !Inflamed gums or bad breath
Tonkinés gallery
Frequently asked questions about the Tonkinés
How long does a Tonkinés live?
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How much does a Tonkinés weigh?
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Where does the Tonkinés breed come from?
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How much exercise does a Tonkinés need?
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Is the Tonkinés good with children?
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Who is the Tonkinés NOT recommended for?
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What health problems does the Tonkinés have?
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What is the Tonkinese's character like?
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Does it cope well with being left alone?
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What hereditary health problems should I watch for?
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Does it need a lot of coat maintenance?
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Is it good with children and other animals?
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Learn more about cats
Practical veterinary guides to support your Tonkinés.
Sources and references
Content compiled from official breed standards and leading veterinary sources.
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