Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hi again,

Ive been reading the old messages on this board. Ive only had domestic cats that meow but what is meant by a chatty cat. One post said hers was wailing I would think something is wrong so am wondering what to expect.

Also Ive read if you get 2 cats they bond to each other rather than theirowners? I kind of want a cat that focuses on the humans so maybe one cat is best? I guess I could try one at first and if necess. get another from the same breeder.

Do you know if breeders do this full time? The one I spoke to had a full time job.. seems like that might conflict. any thoughts.

I just want to know what to expect..

Thanks!

I'm going to try and answer everything for you...warning this will be long....

What our cats do go a little past meowing...they actually "talk" to you. Different types of sounds at different times...And each has a distinctive voice. It's pretty amazing actually.

There is a saying...Siamese talk just to hear themselves talk and Tonks talk when they have something important to say.

Mine will "call" (a pseudo "wail" each other in the house when they are alone and sure enough the others will come running...mine will tell me when they are hungry, when they want to be pet, when something is in their way and they want to climb on it...ect...

When my parents got their first one...I was on the phone with my mother one day and I could hear Jazz talking in the background...my mother said he had been doing that for a few minutes...I asked her where he was, and she said in the sink...I told her to turn the faucet on he was thirsty...she did...and sure enough he drank...she checked the water bowl and it was empty...

Tonks are very smart and if you take the time to try and figure them out you will communicate quite nicely...

No matter how many Tonks you have, they will always want human attention and affection...I have three and they all sleep touching me at night...Tonks generally bond with ONE human though who they show the majority of their affection to...Bentley and Alastair both own me, they chose this on their own...I purposely bonded Finster to my son who was 4 when we got him...and Fin is the only one who will sleep with him on occassion and run around the house playing with him tirelessly.(Fin is also more of a lap slut and will hang with anyone who will sit still long enough)

Bentley was an only cat for about a year...he was soooooooooo needy...he followed me everywhere, the bathroom, shower, I could not sit for a minute without him on my lap, in my plate...getting him another cat just took a little bit of the attention off of me so I could function like a normal human again...(I'm a stay home mom)...he still loves me just as much...he just has two other cats to hang with so when I am not around he is not alone...

Like we've said earlier...if the cat will be alone the majority of the day another cat is a good idea...they will both love you when you get home...

As for your third question...most breeders have a real job to supplement the cattery...most breeders do not breed to make a living, they simply love the breed they show them regularly because kittens bred from champion cats are not only more desireable but command a few extra $$$'s and the cattery is more respected, so the cattery most of the time becomes a means to offset their "show" costs. At the end of the day a breeder does not make much per kitten when you factor in all the costs...food, litter, first and/or second round of shots, vet costs if their are complications with the birth, plus she is responsible for all the food, litter, supplies and vet expense of her queens and studs who are around for years, or if she doesn't keep any studs in her cattery, she has to pay a fee and usually give up a kitten to a breeder with a viable stud each time she mates...trust me, the breeder doesn't just pocket the $$$ you give them for a kitten...the money most times has already been spent. Sadly, good breeders do not become rich from their catteries...Good breeders make sure their cats are happy, healthy and go to good homes.

By the way, these are all great questions...I hope I'm helping...

Thanks so much for all the information. I figured owners are my best source since Ive already picked up a couple of books and some of the information is conflicting. I have been reading about them quite a bit and am excited. I contacted two breeders and both will have kittens in the Dec time frame which could work out for me. Im going thru a life change and thought it would be great to add another member to my family. My kids have always wanted a kitten ( or 2) but now I think we are all ready.

Another question. One breeder I contacted is no longer doing it but said they did not recommend the breeder that is nearest to me. They didnt say why so Im not sure what to do. Having one closer seems a good idea since if there are any questions or issues its not too far. I can visit the local one.. that may be my best bet.

I would definitely follow up and ask that breeder why he/she would not recommend the one near you. Also, find out as much as you can about the one you are considering -- what breed associations he/she belongs to, etc. And definitely visit and see how the cats behave, if the place is clean, etc.
Then you'll have to follow your instincts.

And I certainly agree about letting the cat choose you. I went in with my heart set on a platinum mink. I sat down and Emily (a champaign point) was in my lap in a matter of minutes. That that was that.

Same thing with Eddie. I went thinking I was going to bring home another female, since all I'd ever had was female pets. He quickly changed my mind.

Carol, Emily, & Eddie

>>Thanks so much for all the information. I figured owners are my best source since Ive already picked up a couple of books and some of the information is conflicting. I have been reading about them quite a bit and am excited. I contacted two breeders and both will have kittens in the Dec time frame which could work out for me. Im going thru a life change and thought it would be great to add another member to my family. My kids have always wanted a kitten ( or 2) but now I think we are all ready.
>>
>>Another question. One breeder I contacted is no longer doing it but said they did not recommend the breeder that is nearest to me. They didnt say why so Im not sure what to do. Having one closer seems a good idea since if there are any questions or issues its not too far. I can visit the local one.. that may be my best bet.

Yes definitely different tones/meows for different needs. i wouldn't say my tonk wails- but its more of a short tone. but i can tell when he's asking for food, or to play or just saying hello!! other than that, there's times he's super quiet when he just doesn't have anything to say!

just from my experience, my 2 cats bonded to each other AND me. i always have one following me around or sleeping on my bed. they alternate. and i don't feel any loss of love with the 2 cats.

oh, and my breeder told me - the cat picks you. well, i wanted a champagne colored girl. and a solid blue boy was all over me. jumping in my arms and falling asleep in seconds. hence, how i have my Rigby. and it was the smartest choice! so if you happen to have one choose you - take them!

That chatting sound really cool.. Thanks for letting me know that 2 does not mean they will not be interested in only one another. I love the idea of a lap cat.. I had mush cats growing up being that my mom , sister and I smothered them with love and attention. Anyone could pick our cat up and he was very content.. thats what I would like again And yes I had read that you should go with the cat that goes right up to you so I need to spend some time at the breeders.. do they let you see them before their old enought to sell.. ?

Cool story with the cat in the sink..

Yes, you can visit the breeders before the cats are old enough to sell. it's a good idea to see how they are raised. if it seems clean, etc...
i went to my breeders to see a litter of kittens not old enough yet. i was going to pick one i liked, and then come back in a few weeks for her, but Rigby diverted me and he was old enough, so we left together!

as for the breeder not recommended, hmmm, i would be a little suspicious. can you ask the other one why? that would concern me. it could be a variety of reasons... most breeders i've met in the tonk business know each other and are pretty friendly. they tend to share their queens/studs to prevent any inner-breeding health problems.
the distance may not have to be a factor. my breeder isn't exactly close to me - almost 3 hours away. but i was able to call and email her when questions. and i also have a wonderful vet nearby me.

There's another website http://www.tonkinesebreedassociation.org/ and my breeder is from here. There is a list of breeders
http://www.tonkinesebreedassociation.org/Referrals.htm#breeders
As far as i know, they are all reputable here. Maybe this will help you find one near you.

I checked and the local breeder is on this list so Ill likely go check it out. The person who did not recommend them said that his wife and this breeder had a falling out of some kind so maybe it was just a personal thing. I did speak to another breeder in another state.. I saw their website and they seemed to be very thorough. I called and she answered alot of my questions as well. She also sells her kittens already neutered. She does it at 12 weeks old which is what I was reading that it should be done early. Its more than a couple of hours away but I could make a day of it. I just liked the way she spoke and how she wanted to check me out as well. As far as having two cats she said one was okay as long as I was not gone from 7-7pm for example. I still may do an adult and a kitten... is it really about the same work (except for the vet bills). Its been awhile since I cleaned a litter box

yes, definitely go check out their place. that's good she answered your questions and is open about having you visit. i'm sure you had good questions as you are doing all your research
yes, 1 cat is ok, and i always thought my Kleo was fine living alone... but i've changed my mind on that now. when i got Rigby, he was a rowdy kitten (as most kittens are) and being alone he tended to get into things. I told my vet and she's the one that told me always have two! and gave me Izzy to take home on "trial". well, i never gave her back. it kept rigby busy and i love watching the 2 interact. it's so adorable. and my apartment is tiny (typical nyc). that was my fear in getting 2. but i was proven wrong. it makes my life easier having 2 and knowing they have each other. plus, i get double the love. yes, it's only more costly for 2 vet bills instead of 1. as far as work - i am already doing the same stuff for 1. adding a 2nd bowl of food is about it. i am truly a big advocate on 2. i don't think you'll regret it.

"and gave me Izzy to take home on 'trial'"

What a smart vet. And what a great way to find a good home for a kitty who needed one!

Carol, Emily, & Eddie

>>yes, definitely go check out their place. that's good she answered your questions and is open about having you visit. i'm sure you had good questions as you are doing all your research
>>yes, 1 cat is ok, and i always thought my Kleo was fine living alone... but i've changed my mind on that now. when i got Rigby, he was a rowdy kitten (as most kittens are) and being alone he tended to get into things. I told my vet and she's the one that told me always have two! and gave me Izzy to take home on "trial". well, i never gave her back. it kept rigby busy and i love watching the 2 interact. it's so adorable. and my apartment is tiny (typical nyc). that was my fear in getting 2. but i was proven wrong. it makes my life easier having 2 and knowing they have each other. plus, i get double the love. yes, it's only more costly for 2 vet bills instead of 1. as far as work - i am already doing the same stuff for 1. adding a 2nd bowl of food is about it. i am truly a big advocate on 2. i don't think you'll regret it.
>>

Yes I definitely leaning towards a kitten and an adult. It sounds like a good idea and my kids are already telling me that one is not enough as each of us will want to hold the cat etc. So you are in nyc.. what breeder did u use? Im on the island..
Your cats are such a beautiful contrast.. love that photo. The kittens pricing is higher than i thought but I like the idea that they would be neutered already. Id be kind of worried taking them home after the surgery and not being there for them while I was at work..

Since you have a tonk and a non tonk do you notice that the tonk has more of the qualities they are bred for (ie. likes to be around you or on your lap )vs. the domestic cat?
Thx..

sorry I know I ask alot of questions!

its great to ask questions. and you are asking all the same ones i had before. i love this chat room. everyone here is so knowledgeful and nice.
yep, i'm in nyc. my breeder is sue robinns (she's the treasurer for the TBA aso.) and she's in NJ. i took the NJ train and she picked me up. i was a bit surprised with the actuals prices but for a lifetime of such love and affection, i would buy another tonk in a hearbeat. i will always have one from now on. i'm addicted!!
my tonk is DEFINITELY everything i read about - friendly, loving, he really does think he's part dog or something. never shy with strangers, he fetches! he's my little boyfriend (i hear male cats tend to be more of a lap cat too). my non tonk is a differnt personality, she's shy and doesn't like me to grab her but she brushes against me alot- she shows me love in her own way. she waits for me at the shower, and follows me around and i'll wake up at night with her all over me. it's a nice balance between the two. i really love watching when she spys on him, pulls his tail and makes him chase her. it's so cute.

but any breeder will tell you, cats have their own personalities. some tonks are more shy, some more aggressive. rigby was a lovebug from day 1 and izzy was always shy,but never wanted to be left alone.

neither one has ever scratched or bit or hissed at me. which is, kinda rare i feel. but i contribute it to the tonk nature being so loving. and i think he influenced the other one b/c she's very tolerate.

hope that helps!

Yes this chat room is really great.. the books just got me started but the other night I went thru the old posts and saw that there were some serious issues people had. Hopefully I wont have anything bad like the biter or an antisocial one. For the most part everyone seems to love their tonks. I cant wait to go look but I know once I see them I wont want to leave but at least with a kitten we'll be able to help form the personality and with an adult the breeder can choose a lovey one that I like. I asked the breeder in Mass. which was preferable .. a male or female and she said if you put a gun to her head she would choose a neutered male but said she has some really great females. I got a good feeling from her that she really loves her cats. Maybe Ill get that when I visit the local one. Im going to try to arrange a visit to check out her adults and see what vibes I get.. Your cats are beautiful..just lovely ... makes me want one NOW

Where do you keep your litter box.. I have room but am wondering what is the best place.. my bathrooms are not that big.

ha! the litter box- mine is a funny story - since my place in tiny, i actually keep the litter box in the tub! it keeps any smells and litter in there, and i just take it out when i shower, and dry it down before i put it back. kinda of a pain at times, but i prefer it out of the main room, and the cats don't mind sometimes, they hide in there, behind the curtain.