Reptile & Amphibian Forums

for almost 6 yrs, i had a wonderful stray, ^Kleo^, who just passed on. She was my first kitty...

Now, I just got a new kitty, a 6 mo. male Tonk, named Rigby.
I have questions...being new to the breed and was glad to find such a site! He is SO different than my Kleo, and not sure if cuz he's so young, or male, or just a Tonk. By far, MUCH more energetic.

I have 3 main questions:
1) i know this sounds stupid, but do Tonks get hairballs? they barely seem to shed...

2) why does he bite card board boxes with such fury?

3) he's an "only" child. It would be hard for me to have 2 in the apartment by myself, but i'm wondering if he NEEDS another buddy? He is SO distraught when i leave go to work. How long can a tonk be left alone? I used to leave Kleo home alone for occassional over-night trips (just one night), but i don't think i can with Rigby. Would he do better with another cat? Would he then be able to tolerate a night alone?

any help, i'd appreciate. thanks

Hi there...and congrats on Rigby...

Yes, Tonks get hairballs, but not as much as some other cats, Bentley is a little over two and I think he has only yacked up maybe 3. The kittens 8 mos, and 6mos have never had one yet.

I have also found Tonks to eat and play with some of the strangest things...read my last thread and you will see the characters I have here...all of mine prefer seem to prefer one single thing and they are all different...

And as far as Tonks go...the breed is a very social one...they crave attention and companionship. Do they NEED another Tonk...no, but before I got my kittens to keep Bentley company he was very needy and clingy. So, it's up to you...but as far as space goes, two really don't take up much room...it is just double the food and vet expense though...

Here are a few pics of how mine really love each other and enjoy being around one another (which took a few days each time I introduced one into the house)

Please post some pics of Rigby...

OH MY GOD you TOnks are BEAUTIFUL! thanks for the pictures! I love them! How can I post some pictures to show you? i'm not sure of how on this site.

Thanks for you adivce. that helps. I think Rigby might be getting a sister!! but not a Tonk. I think i'm taking in a shelter kitty that my vet has.
He really does seem lonely when i'm not there or i'm busy doing things around the house. he has been kicking my head in the mornings, kneading me, and biting at my hair...i'm not sure if that's normal? Is he's trying to nurse or is just really bored?

They certainly are beautiful kitties!!! Keep those photos coming!!

As for Rigby's kicking, kneading and biting--he's just telling you how much he loves you, and that it's time to get up and play!!

I had Emily for six months before I brought Eddie home. It took a few days of adjustment (she was NOT pleased at first and made sure I knew it) but now they are inseparable. I'm so glad I made the decision to get a second cat. Tonks are very social and do much better--especially if they are left alone for any amount of time-- if there are two of them. As for me, I now work from home and I would never get anything done if Emily didn't Eddie to play with.

Carol, Emily, & Eddie

>>OH MY GOD you TOnks are BEAUTIFUL! thanks for the pictures! I love them! How can I post some pictures to show you? i'm not sure of how on this site.
>>
>>Thanks for you adivce. that helps. I think Rigby might be getting a sister!! but not a Tonk. I think i'm taking in a shelter kitty that my vet has.
>>He really does seem lonely when i'm not there or i'm busy doing things around the house. he has been kicking my head in the mornings, kneading me, and biting at my hair...i'm not sure if that's normal? Is he's trying to nurse or is just really bored?

Such pretty, pretty kitties!!!
Oh dear, the decision to get another cat........it's always difficult.
My Chris was 4 years of age when we brought SkuShi home. It took us 2 years to get Chris back to where he was.
If you're going to add another cat, my advice is to do it when your current cat is young, the younger the better.
Attacking and chewing cardboard, now that's a new one for me. Chris loves to chew on plastic; he slobbers all over it......ewwwww.

To post photos, go to the Photo Gallery (link on main page) and follow the directions there. There is a Tonk folder you can put them in. Then, you can pull them into a message here.
Can't wat to see Rigby and his new little sister!!

Carol, Emily, & Eddie

>>OH MY GOD you TOnks are BEAUTIFUL! thanks for the pictures! I love them! How can I post some pictures to show you? i'm not sure of how on this site.
>>
>>Thanks for you adivce. that helps. I think Rigby might be getting a sister!! but not a Tonk. I think i'm taking in a shelter kitty that my vet has.
>>He really does seem lonely when i'm not there or i'm busy doing things around the house. he has been kicking my head in the mornings, kneading me, and biting at my hair...i'm not sure if that's normal? Is he's trying to nurse or is just really bored?

Thanks!! Here's the pictures!

Ohhhhhhhh, ahhhhhhhhhhh

What a gorgeous platinum Tonk!! Sure is giving the little black kitten a good going over!!

Thanks for the pictures!

Oh what beautiful babies!!!

(Rigby looks a lot like my Eddie)

>>Thanks!! Here's the pictures!
>>
>>
>>

I got a new kitty! My vet called me, she had a shelter kitty - a little 8 week old female...all black. She is beautiful, too! Rigby seems so much happier, and more worn out by them running around the place.