Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I'm new to the list. I live in central upstate NY and have theoretically fallen in love with the Tonkinese. Never met one in person, but they sound just about perfect. I've had cats most of my life (a loooong time), but they have all been mixed breed. I'm not sure as to how to go about getting a purebred cat, especially a Tonkinese, especially in my neck of the woods (rural). The nearest breeders I can find live about 3 hours away. I'm not sure how to judge whether a breeder is good or of the "backyard" variety. Do you just pick a cat sight unseen? I'm not so much interested in looks as personality and health. Any suggestions about how to approach this and what to look for would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Karin

Welcome to the board and I hope you are able to find your Tonk real soon...

Here is the link to the Tonkinese Breed Association breeder list...

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

Thanks for your reply, 2TonksHere. I had come upon the TBA list in my google searching, but I'll definitely give it a closer look. Do you think backyard breeders wouldn't be likely to advertise there? Karin

I also live in upstate New York and just acquired a little Tonk from a wonderful breeder downstate about 3 hrs. away. Lovely person, beautiful, spotlessly clean home , all the cats are very friendly. Would like her name?

Hi and welcome!

I can definitely understand your situation, because I experienced the same thing not too long ago! I grew up with DSH (mix breed) cats and my own kitty died a few weeks before I left for my freshman year of college. A year of living in the dorms then a year of study abroad made it a full two years before I got a new cat. While studying abroad I decided I NEEDED to get a cat when I moved home, so I had a ton of time to look at breeds and dream about my future kitty!

I had never met a tonk before getting one, and in fact had at first been set on a burmese (I'm very glad I got a tonk instead!). I searched high and low for a breeder... it seemed like everyone nearby had no kittens, or all males (I had my heart set on a girl). I actually ended up finding my breeder from a recommendation on this message board. Talking to people who have purchased kittens is always a good way to get a feel for a breeder. Also, don't be afraid to call a breeder! I always found e-mail to be the least threatening way of contacting someone, but the fact is, some great breeders prefer phone calls to e-mails! This also gives you a really good opportunity to gauge the breeder... you can learn a lot from just talking to a breeder.

Anyway, this was somewhat long winded, but I hope it helps! And if you live anywhere near Long Island let me know because I can put you in touch with my breeder.

PS- I'll attach a pic of my girl Sina for you to see!

Thanks for your reply. Sina is absolutely beautiful! What coat/pattern is she? How old is she? How has she compared to DSH you have known? I am actually seriously considering a breeder on Long Island, even though it is pretty far from where I live, so I'd definitely be interested in who your breeder is. Karin

Sina is a very loving little girl... but she can definitely be a bit of a trouble maker! Tonks are extremely clingy, Sina follows me all around the house and just wants to spend all day sitting in my lap. She is a little over a year old now, but was five months old when that picture was taken. I've got a more recent one I'll attach (she's 9 months in this one). She is a honey solid, which is a very rare color. Debra Raynor is her breeder... let me know if you want her contact into!

>>Hi, I'm new to the list. I live in central upstate NY and have theoretically fallen in love with the Tonkinese. Never met one in person, but they sound just about perfect. I've had cats most of my life (a loooong time), but they have all been mixed breed. I'm not sure as to how to go about getting a purebred cat, especially a Tonkinese, especially in my neck of the woods (rural). The nearest breeders I can find live about 3 hours away. I'm not sure how to judge whether a breeder is good or of the "backyard" variety. Do you just pick a cat sight unseen? I'm not so much interested in looks as personality and health. Any suggestions about how to approach this and what to look for would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Karin

Research, research and more research. Coming here was a GREAT first step! Don't be afriad to e-mail or call the breeder and don't be afriad to ask questions. How many times does the person breed their queens? What association(s) do they register with? Do they show, and if they do are their cats Grand Champions and/or regional and national winners? Do they sell their kittens under contract, and if so what does that contract state? Do they raise their kittens 'under foot?' If for some reason you are unable to keep the kitten will the breeder take said kitten back? If possible vist the breeder in person to check out the conditions the kittens are raised in. Ask if you can contact others who have bought kittens from the breeder to see what they think. Hope you find your purrfect match quickly!
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PURRS!!!!
Tricia
Da-Katz Tonks
Siamese on valium/Burmese on speed!