Shorthair cat Medium size 3-6 kg
Tonkinese
A friendly, playful blend of Siamese and Burmese that loves people and other pets - not one to leave alone all day.
Match with your household
See match detail → Quick overview
Medium
Size
3-6 kg, 20-25 cm
High
Activity
Lively and interactive
Low
Alone-time tolerance
Very social, dislikes solitude
Easy
Handling
Clever and people-focused
Low
Coat care
Short coat, minimal grooming
Good
Fit with kids
Playful with children
Excellent
Other pets
Loves the company of other pets
Light
Health burden
Dental and respiratory watch
The Tonkinese typically weighs 3-6 kg, stands 20-25 cm, and lives 13-16 years.
Consider this breed if…
you want a chatty, affectionate cat that acts almost like a small dog,
someone is home much of the day, or a second pet keeps it company,
you have other friendly cats or dogs for it to bond with,
you like an interactive cat that plays fetch and learns tricks.
Do not consider this breed if…
the home is empty 9-10 hours daily with no animal companion,
you want a quiet, undemanding cat that keeps to itself,
constant talking and attention-seeking would wear on you,
you cannot budget for possible dental or airway care over its life.
A typical day with a Tonkinese
- 7:00 · MorningGreets you loudly, wants breakfast and company
- 9:00 · MidmorningFollows you room to room, supervises everything
- 13:00 · NoonNap in a warm sunny spot
- 17:00 · AfternoonActive play, fetch or a puzzle toy
- 19:30 · EveningLap time and chatty conversation
- 22:00 · NightCurls up in bed with its people
Family and environment
Kids Good
Playful and sturdy; teach gentle handling.
Other cats Excellent
Thrives with a feline companion, especially when you work.
Dogs Good
Bonds well with calm, cat-friendly dogs.
Apartment Ideal
Happy indoors with play and company.
Seniors Conditional
Affectionate, but needs a lot of interaction.
First cat Great fit
Easy to handle and forgiving of beginners.
Busy household Conditional
Long empty days call for a second pet.
Health data provided by RealVetCost Overall health burden Light
Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.
View the full health profileTop health concerns
Feline asthma Airway inflammation causing coughing and breathing difficulty
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) Thickening of the heart muscle; genetic screening exists for some lines
Dental disease Plaque and gum inflammation; routine dental care helps
Lymphoma A cancer of the lymphatic system seen in some Oriental lines
Similar breeds - by reason
Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.
One parent breed, similarly affectionate and people-focused
Burmese
A people-oriented, dog-like cat that follows you around and is easy to care for - dislikes long days alone.
View profile →
The other parent breed, more vocal and slender
Siamese
A loud, intensely social cat that demands attention and conversation - wonderful company, but not one to leave alone.
View profile →
Another friendly, social pointed shorthair
Snowshoe
An active, people-focused cat that wants interaction and does best in a busy home - not one to leave alone all day.
View profile →Frequently asked questions
How much does a Tonkinese cost in the US?
Pet-quality kittens from reputable breeders commonly run $600-$1,500, with show and breeding lines costing more. Across a 13-16 year life, food, litter and routine vet care typically add $10,000-$18,000 or more, and a chronic problem like asthma or heart disease can add thousands on top.
Can a Tonkinese be left alone all day?
Not comfortably. This is one of the most people-oriented cat breeds, and long empty days tend to leave it lonely, bored and sometimes destructive. If you are out for full workdays, keeping two cats or another compatible pet makes a real difference.
Are Tonkinese cats vocal?
Yes. They inherit the talkative streak of their Siamese ancestry, though usually softer in voice than a Siamese. Expect regular conversation, greetings and demands for attention. If you want a silent cat, this is not the breed.
Do Tonkinese get along with dogs and other cats?
Usually very well. They are sociable by nature and often prefer a household with company, whether that is another cat or a cat-friendly dog. Introductions should still be gradual, but this breed rarely wants to be an only pet.