Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Never owned a cat and actually was never a cat person. However recently I developed quite a strong affection towards them. This happened after I had to stay in my friends home with 2 Bengals while she was gone. Since then I have been researching on the web different cat breeds. Initially I wanted burmese for their known loyalty towards the owner and affectionate character. But then I discovered Tonkinese cats pictures and they charmed me totally. I am so obsessed now with the idea of betting a kitten that i may not be able to judge objectively so the help of those you are more experienced would be greatly appreciated.

I live alone and have busy professional life. I am at work from 8 to 7 and travel for 3-4 weeks about 3 times a year. Would it be a good idea to get a Tonk for someone in my situation? I would prefer one kitten because I want him to love me and be bonded to me. If I get two they will play with each other and will not care about me so much. Will one kitten stay home alone while I am at work? Will this affect his character and in what way? I saw some postings here saying that once they got two cats they became happier but then they started to ignore the owner a bit. I would be very sad if that happens. All the descriptions of their personality say that they are like dogs, following you everywhere and cuddling with you. Any advice about getting one or two?

What caveates I should be aware of if I decide to own a Tonki? Are they destructive at home (scratching, breaking and overthrowing small things from the tables and countertops)?

I am so taken with the idea of getting a Tonki I may have all too rosy picture of owning them.

Please give me some advice.

I have a situation similar to your except for the travel. My Tonk is a single cat and seems to do all right alone, but I would be hesitant about leaving a single cat for several weeks at a time. Even with someone checking on it regularly there could be problems.

Two Tonks means twice the love. They will play together, but you do not have to worry about being ignored. As to being destructive, Tonks learn quickly, so as long as you provide a scratching post (or two or three) that will not be an issue. Just be sure to train them in using the post and there will be no trouble.

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Terry, confused human companion of Liat.

There are a couple of things which you have said which concern me....I own 5 animals total and have worked in rescue, so my oppinion is always in the best interest of the animal...

Adding a pet of any kind is a very rewarding experience...Tonks blend the best of both the Siamese and Burmese...beauty from the Siamese and temperment fromt he Burmese...that was the point of the breed...I cannot answer which one is more "loyal" Tonks or Burmese, I have only had Tonks...but our pics and posts on this site are proof of how affectionate they are...dogs are loyal...cats are cats...the best you can ask for are snuggly, purry, lap cats which these are...everytime I sit down there is at least one in my lap...I have three...they occupy themselves but still love me...I don't get offended when they lay in a pile together and ignore me, I take a picture.

If you work and are away for long stretches it would NOT be in the cat's best interest:

1. get a breed that is so person/socially oriented
2. only get one cat because he or she will be alone most of the time and miserable.
3. Only get one cat because you feel you will be slighted by the attention he/she pays to the other one...

Owning a pet should be a reciprocal relationship...he/she brings you joy but you are responsible for the well being of the animal also...this breed generally is happier with either people or other cats around...they are social...that is the benefit of the breed...

Researching specific breeds is the first step in being a responsible pet owner...but choosing a breed conducive to your lifestyle is the most important part.

If you cannot afford 2 cats that is a legitimate reason, responsible pet owning is only having as many as you can afford...(otherwise, I would have more). But if you can afford 2 cats, admit you are not home much and go away a lot, my advice is invest in a companion for the cat...it is sort of unfair to want a cat that pays all of its attention to you and then go and leave it alone all day and possibly for weeks at a time...

I'm sorry if this came off a little harsh...but I saw a few red flags that needed to be addressed.

Thanks for your reflections and advice. It was not harsh at all. I completely understand my responsibilities and I am ready to give them a lot of love. That is why I want such cats that would not mind me picking them up, holding them in my arms and caressing them. I am ready to play with them as with children too. I would be sad though if i found that my cat is not into receiving my affection and prefers to hang out and play with another cat. I will make sure to give both of them lots of attention after I return from work (this would mean at least 4 hours a day). While travelling I could put them in the cat hotel or have someone come daily and check them. Which options is better by the way?

I read some postings here of people who complained that their Tonks slighted them once they got a companion. We humans are also jaleouse animals and my concern is undertandable I guess.

In terms of affordability that is not a problem for me. I can afford two. I have large apartment for them to play. But I also have antique furniture and rugs which I do not want to be destroied. Seems like it is possible to train the cat to use only scratch posts, and I hope my Tonks will not be too sttuborn not to learn it. I know they are intelligent but are they willing to learn as well?

I am in the process of searching for good kittens. I live in Washington DC area. I want one champagne mink and one natural mink. The latter seems a bit difficult to find. The breeders have champagne color more often.

Shall I get two kittens from the same litter or it is OK to bring them from different catteries?

I happened to get all of mine from the same breeder at different times...getting them at the same time from the same breeder would make the transition the easiest for you and them as they will already be friends...but they will eventually get along so it really doesn't matter...

Tonks are social by nature, they really want a companion but sometimes once the cat is established and over about 6 mos. old, introducing a new kitten excites some territory instinct and the cat needs to be "reminded" that it really wants the companion...Bentley threw a fit for about three days every time I brought in a new one home and then he just got over it...Alastair was still young when we brought Fin home and he took to him right away...the "new" kittens are so used to a million cats around that the hissing and fuss generally doesn't even phase them and they will continue to annoy the established cats until finally being accepted...

I, like you, wanted specific colors and coat patterns and wound up compromising with Bentley taking a Champagne Point instead of Mink because the minute I saw him I knew I had to have him...after him I would put my order in with my breeder and she would contact me when one became available...ironically though, Natural and Blue are the most common colors Tonks will produce when bred together natually...however...most breeders prefer to show the Platinum coat and in order to get this they have to do a little bit of breeding gymnastics...when doing so they end up with more Champagnes and less Naturals and Blues...and so they become harder to come by. I really wanted a Blue Mink, but my breeder hardly produces blues and when she does she normally keeps them for breeding...I was able to get Alastair because although he was a Mink his eyes are not to standard and the yellow/green color of a Solid...but he's such an awesome cat I didn't care...oh and none of mine have ever scratched on the furniture and they all have their front and back claws.

Here is the list of breeders from the Tonkinese Breed Association, there is also a contact number as there may be more in your area who did not want to be listed...

http://www.tonkinesebreedassociation.org/Referrals.htm#breeders

Thank you. You are very helpful.

There are no breeders near Washington DC area. Most are quite far. I hear that it is best to let the kitten select you, but this may not be the option for me. I have been in touch with three breeders: John from Michigan, Peggy from West Verginia and Bea from Florida. The latter says that she can send kittens by air to me and she assures me that this is absolutely safe to do.

I live in RI and couldn't get in touch with the one breeder listed in the state. I ended up going to Long Island for my kitten. Because the breeder understood the long trip involved (and at the time I was using public transportation) she actually met me at the Long Island ferry with the kittens for me to meet. Not exactly ideal, as it would be nice to see the kittens at their home, but it worked well in cutting down travel time.

My two cents- if you have the means to travel getting the perfect companion is well worth the extra time.