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.

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Show Entire Thread ]