Tonkinese

I knew Tonkinese were talkative. I underestimated what that meant. My girl has a running commentary on everything — feeding time, my phone calls, the television, birds outside the window. It's never a problem noise-wise, but it's constant. I've learned to love it but in a shared living situation I c…

We got our Tonkinese as our first cat together as a couple. She has been the centre of our household ever since. We both work from home and she supervises every video call, sits between us at dinner, and sleeps pressed against one of us every night. She's made our flat feel like a proper home. Canno…

The Tonkinese is an extraordinary cat, but I have a demanding job and live alone. He needs attention and stimulation I couldn't consistently provide. When I'm home he's brilliant, but I felt guilty every time I worked late. He's now re-homed with a family who are home more and thriving. Know your li…

My Tonkinese learned his name, come-when-called, and three simple tricks within the first month. Not because I worked hard at it — because he was curious and engaged enough that training felt like a game to him. He still performs his tricks for visitors because he enjoys the reaction. Highly intelli…

The coat is the easiest thing about Tonkinese ownership. A quick brush once a week and he looks immaculate. No matting, minimal shedding, clean and odour-free. The personality requires more management than the coat — this is definitely a cat that needs regular engagement and enrichment. But grooming…

Most cats hide when visitors arrive. Our Tonkinese sprints to the door to investigate. He climbs onto laps of guests who have explicitly said they don't like cats and proceeds to change their minds. He's never scratched a visitor or acted fearfully. His confidence is absolute and completely endearin…

Our Tonkinese is the social director of our household. He introduces himself to every visitor, mediates between our two other cats, and loudly announces our arrivals home. He has strong opinions delivered with great enthusiasm. If you want a quiet cat, look elsewhere. If you want a lively, engaging …

My Tonkinese and my seven-year-old are made for each other. Both have unlimited energy, love to run, and invent games that only they understand. The cat keeps up with the child in a way our previous, calmer cat couldn't. He's never been rough or reactive — just enthusiastic. A brilliant match for en…

I did not expect to laugh this much at a cat. My Tonkinese has developed an entire repertoire of behaviors that are deliberately performed for effect — a particular meow when he wants something specific, a dramatic collapse when ignored, an offended walk when told no. He's comedic, self-aware, and c…

I love everything the Tonkinese promises — Siamese intelligence with Burmese warmth — and my boy delivers on every count. He's talkative but not relentlessly loud, affectionate but not desperate, and clever in ways that occasionally leave me impressed. He learned to open certain doors within his fir…