Buyer question
How long does a Tonkinese live?
Our Animal Library gives the Tonkinese a lifespan of 12–16 years.
Source: the Tonkinese page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Tonkinese in the Animal Library
The detail
A Siamese and Burmese cross developed in North America, with a medium build and aqua eyes in its mink colors. Tonks are outgoing, playful and sociable, softer-voiced than a Siamese and more active than most shorthairs.
- Origin
- Canada and US, 1960s
- Best fit
- Active families
- Temperament
- Outgoing, playful, social
What to weigh
A Tonkinese wants company and activity and gets into mischief when bored. Its trusting nature makes it an indoor-only cat, and gum disease is common in the breed.