Tonkinese Cat vs Siamese Cat: Facts and Differences

There is genetic evidence to suggest that Tonkinese cats are descended from Siamese and Burmese cats, making them a near relative of the Siamese.

Continue reading to learn more about the characteristics that set Tonkinese cat from the Siamese cat.

The Tonkinese cat also lacks the unique markings of its Siamese ancestor. Moreover, whereas the Siamese cat may trace its roots back to Thailand, the modern Tonkinese cat can trace its roots back to North America, hundreds of years after the Siamese cat’s emergence.

Listed below are the key differences between the Tonkinese Cat vs Siamese Cat!

 

What are the Key Differences between Tonkinese Cat vs Siamese Cat?

Numerous centuries before the Tonkinese cat has become a recognized breed in the late 1900s in North America, the Siamese cat emerged in Thailand.

Both the Tonkinese and the Siamese are comparable in many ways. When you contemplate that perhaps the Tonkinese cat is a hybrid of the Siamese and the Burmese, it makes a great deal of sense.

Both the Siamese and the Burmese genes can be expressed in a Tonkinese cat. Some commentators believe these cats seem more like their Burmese ancestors, but others disagree.

When compared to Siamese cats, Tonkinese cats are typically smaller in size. The Tonkinese cat also lacks the unique markings of its Siamese ancestor.

Moreover, whereas the Siamese cat may trace its roots back to Thailand, the modern Tonkinese cat can trace its roots back to North America, hundreds of years after the Siamese cat’s emergence.

Breeders sought to create a new cat breed by mating Siamese and Burmese cats.

 

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What Is the Size of Tonkinese Cat vs Siamese Cat?

Size?
Tonkinese Cat	Siamese Cat
Male Tonkinese cats tend to be around 10 inches in height, while females are around 7 to 10 inches. Tonkinese cats, on the other hand, tend to exist on the shorter side, with a maximum weight of around 12 pounds.	The male Siamese cat can reach a height of 11–13 inches, while the female can reach a similar height of 10–13 inches. This cat can grow to be as long as 15 inches and as heavy as 14 pounds.

The Tonkinese is obviously a small cat than just its Siamese ancestor, although the distinction is not huge.

 

What is the Appearance of Tonkinese Cat vs Siamese Cat?

The Tonkinese cat resembles the Siamese cat in appearance, but it has less prominent colorations, a smaller size, and a more rounded head and ears.

Since the Tonkinese cat is a descendant of the Siamese, it stands to reason that perhaps the two breeds share certain physical characteristics. A distinction can be made, though it is slight.

As opposed to Siamese cats, Tonkinese cats don’t have pointy markings of color. Those who possess either a monochromatic hue or a mink tint with a moderate amount of variation. They possess short, silky fur. Color spots can be red, cinnamon, or light brown, while the fur can be blue, cream, champagne, or beige.	Similar to their ancestors, Siamese cats tend to shed a little more frequently than the average cat. Siamese cats tend to possess more distinct color patterns; cats can also have blue, lilac, or chocolate faces with cream, apricot, caramel, cinnamon, tabby, or other relatively light-colored bodies.

The typical size of a Tonkinese cat is significantly shorter than that of a Siamese. Their ears are tinier and their own forehead is broader than those of their Siamese parents.

 

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What Is the Background and Breeding of Tonkinese Cat vs Siamese Cat?

There are several distinctions between Tonkinese and Siamese cats. Since such Tonkinese cat descends from the Siamese, it stands to reason that the Siamese is the more established breed.

Background and Breed?
Tonkinese Cat	Siamese Cat
The Tonkinese is a hybrid breed descended from the Siamese and the Burmese. Since this breed of cat was brought to England in the early 1800s under the name “Chocolate Siamese,” it is reasonable to assume that it has been around for quite some time. It wasn’t until the 1960s and 1970s that the contemporary Tonkinese cat we recognize today began to emerge. North American cat breeders sought to create a new species that eschewed both the excesses of the Burmese and the Siamese. Researchers also aimed to develop a cat with a gradient of colors and icy blue eyes. Since 1984, the Tonkinese cat was officially acknowledged as a trophy breed by the Cat Fanciers Association after being initially acknowledged in Canada. The eyes of this new species of cats are a striking aqua color.	Throughout generations, Siamese cats called what is now Thailand, Siam, home. They weren’t brought to England until the late 1800s. It is speculated that this cat is among the ancient breeds now in history. In reality, the Thai book known as “Tamra Maew” (which was composed between the 14th and 18th centuries) contains a description of this very phenomenon. The ruling families of the day sought after these cats.

 

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What is the Health Issues of Tonkinese Cat vs Siamese Cat?

Although Tonkinese and Siamese cats are pretty healthy, there are some health issues you ought to be conscious of.

Because of their shared ancestry, Siamese and Tonkinese cats often have the same health problems.

They have a higher risk of developing cancer, hyperesthesia syndrome, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and heart and liver disorders.

There is evidence that Siamese cats share this susceptibility to a degenerative eye disease called progressive retinal atrophy.

Cystitis, feline asthma, and hyperthyroidism are among the conditions that are increasingly common in Tonkinese cats.

Each of these breeds, nevertheless, tends to be highly healthy and survive for a good long while. Taking your cat to the vet on a constant schedule will ensure that he or she has a lengthy, healthy, as well as satisfying life.

 

What is the Lifespan of Tonkinese Cat vs Siamese Cat?

The longevity of Tonkinese cats is yet another way in which they vary from that of Siamese cats.

The life expectancy of a Tonkinese cat is just a hair greater than that of a Siamese cat.

Cats of the Siamese and Tonkinese varieties often have shorter lifespans, with the former living for 10–16 years while the latter for 8–15 years. Although, it is not unheard of for any one of these cats to reach the age of 20.

 

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Bonus Fact: What is the Behavior of Tonkinese Cat vs Siamese Cat?

Both Tonkinese and Siamese cats are smart and friendly, but Siamese cats require extra care and seem to be considerably louder.

Differentiating between Tonkinese and Siamese cats, in terms of temperament and behavior, could be challenging.

For instance, they share a fondness for interaction between people and demonstrative affectionate gestures.

• Siamese cats, on the other hand, are typically rather more talkative, whilst Tonkinese cats are known for their placid nature.
• Some have likened the Siamese cat’s meow to that of a baby weeping. When compared to Tonkinese cats, Siamese requires slightly more care.
• It’s likely that Tonkinese cats are friendlier to other animals and people than their Siamese ancestors were.
• Furthermore, whereas Tonkinese cats are generally welcoming to new people, Siamese cats are more secretive unless they feel comfortable around you.

Those two felines have a high level of intelligence. When they aren’t kept busy, they may resort to disruptive behavior at home. Thank you for reading!

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