Tonkinese Cats 101 : Fun Facts & Myths
Channel: Kitten Life
Date: 19/11/2020

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In today's video, we are going to talk about some interesting facts and myths, about the Tonkinese Cat.

It is often said that the Tonkinese is the only breed to originate from Canada, that is misleading. As a recognised breed of cat, the Tonkinese actually originated in England - where they were known as Chocolates. In 1902 the Siamese Club wrote "One great object of the Siamese Club is to encourage the distinct breeding of the Royal cat of Siam, and the Chocolate cat of Siam, - both beautiful in their own way, but recognised as distinct breeds." The earliest known Chocolate breeders were Mr & Mrs Hurbert Young of Harrogate in Yorkshire. Records show that Young's Chocolate queen, Lady Siam, was successfully shown at the 1888 Crystal Palace Cat Show. The more well-known English breeders of Chocolates, in the late 1800s, were Mrs & Miss Sutherland whose famous Chocolate stud was Prince of Siam.

In the 1960s collaboration, between Canadian and American breeders revived the breed; and in 1967 the newly formed Canadian Cat Association became the first registry to accept the breed, under the name Tonkanese (later changed to Tonkinese).

Here are some interesting facts about the Tonkinese Cats:

1. How Many Kittens Does A Tonkinese Have? 

On 7th August 1970, Tarawood Antigone, a four year old Tonkinese, owned by Valerie Gane of Oxfordshire, gave birth to nineteen kittens. Unfortunately four were stillborn, and fifteen surviving kittens, consisted of 1 female and 14 males.

A normal litter size for Tonkinese is between 4 and 8 kittens.

2. How Long Do Tonkinese Live?

Bill Mainz of Rockville Centre  obtained his male Tonkinese, named Dickens, from the Baikal cattery in Manorville. Dickens was born on 24th December 1991. Sadly Bill had to say farewell to Dickens on 9th December 2013, just two weeks before his 22nd birthday. Brenda and Eddie Cadman also had their Tonkinese cat but their Brown Tonkinese, Hugo passed away in May 2018, less than three months from his 23rd birthday. 

Tonkinese generally live between 13 and 18 years, whereas the average life expectancy of an indoor cat is between 9 to 15 years. Sadly some breeds now have a shorter life expectancy than they used to, possibly due to excessive breeding for type or in-breeding.

3. TONKINESE Cat's Behaviour.

They are normally active and very curious.

They tend to be very vocal. Owners might be concerned for excessive and undesirable crying or meowing, especially at night.

4. TONKINESE Cat's Attention Needs:

Cats in general tend to require a lot of attention. Owners who are home often or are able to participate in activities with this cat breed will be delighted. Try to spend 10-15 minutes actively involved with this breed several times a day. Daily exercise will help maintain its body weight and keep its muscles toned and strong. Toys are important to allow the cat to stay active and engaged.