CAT FANCY LINKS
New Zealand Cat Fancy Inc
Australian Cat Federation
Fédération International Féline
The Cat Fanciers Association
The International Cat Association
Canadian Cat Association
Governing Council of the Cat Fancy
Cat Federation of South Afica
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The Tonkinese is a breed derived from the Siamese and Burmese breeds. The unique Tonkinese 'mink' pattern
arises because of the incomplete dominance of either the Siamese or Burmese genes. A mating between a Siamese
and a Burmese will always produce offspring intermediate in colour between the two breeds.
When two tonkinese are mated, however, offspring resembling the parent breeds in colour are often produced -
Solid patterned (low contrast) kittens the colour of the Burmese and pointed kittens the colour of a Siamese.
Because a Tonkinese programme concentrates on developing a unique body shape and personality for the
Tonkinese all the colour patterns will eventually have this body shape and could not be mistaken for either Siamese or
Burmese.
The Tonkinese 'type' breeders are aiming for is intermediate between the Burmese and Siamese breeds. Not as
rounded and heavy as a Burmese, nor as pointed and extreme as a modern siamese. As the standards for the
Siamese and Burmese vary from country to country, so does the standard for the Tonkinese.
The name 'Tonkinese' is derived from the Bay Of Tonkin, a place half way, more or less, between the two
countries, Siam and Burma.
The Tonkinese is an affectionate, energetic, intelligent, extrovert cat. They are also very adaptable and are often
trained to ride around in cars or walk on a leash.
If you cannot find your Tonkinese kitten, look up! They love high places. They also like riding around on the
shoulders of their owners.
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TONKINESE LINKS
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