Tonkinese

Loved by 87% of pet parents

Lively, affectionate, and highly social, this cat thrives on attention and interactive play. Sleek appearance and vocal personality make it an engaging companion for families.

Breed Characteristics

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Playfulness

Adaptability

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.

HEIGHT

23–28 cm (male)

20–25 cm (female)

WEIGHT

3–5.5 kg (male)

2.5–4.5 kg (female)

LIFE EXPECTANCY

12–16 years

Tonkinese: Breed snapshot

Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Mammalia

Order

Carnivora

Family

Felidae

Genus

Felis

Species

Felis catus

Diet

Carnivore

"A Tonkinese isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."

Temperament & personality

Understanding Tonkinese's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.

Personality Overview

The Tonkinese is typically affectionate, social, and people-oriented, often forming strong bonds with family members and enjoying active participation in household activities. They are known for being playful and adaptable.

Key Personality Traits

Friendliness

Very sociable, enjoys people and other pets

Intelligence

Learns quickly, curious and problem-solving

Energy Level

Highly active, needs daily stimulation

Playfulness

Loves interactive games and playful activities

Adaptability

Adjusts well to changes in environment

Strengths

Affectionate with family members
Highly social and people-oriented
Intelligent and learns tricks quickly
Generally healthy with few genetic issues
Playful and active throughout adulthood

Challenges

Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
Can be vocal and demanding attention
May develop obesity without portion control
Needs regular interactive play and stimulation
Sensitive to changes in routine or environment

Protect your Tonkinese

Tonkinese are active and energetic, but they can develop progressive retinal atrophy and gingivitis. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.

Insure your pet

Intelligence & exercise needs

Tonkineses are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.

🧠 Intelligence & training

Trainability

Quick learner

Overall rating

Tonkinese cats are highly intelligent and quick learners, responding well to positive reinforcement training and interactive games. They often enjoy puzzle toys and can learn tricks or commands with consistency.

Trainable Tasks:

Sit and stay commands

Recall training

Leash walking manners

Agility course navigation

Scent tracking games

Socialization with other dogs

🏃 Exercise & energy levels

Daily Exercise

30–40 minutes interactive play

recommended per day

This breed has moderate to high energy levels, requiring daily play and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. They benefit from interactive toys and regular engagement to maintain overall health and happiness.

Recommended Activities:

Daily fetch sessions

Agility tunnel runs

Hide-and-seek games

Obedience training classes

Interactive puzzle toys

Structured playdates

Is this breed right for you?

Tonkineses are versatile cats that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Tonkinese would fit well in your home.