If ever a cat breed could be called a “happy medium,” that breed would certainly be the Tonkinese. Developed from both Siamese and Burmese in order to create the perfect midpoint between those two breeds, the Tonkinese has been established as a unique breed on its own for over 30 years now. While Tonks draw on the characteristics of their parent breeds, years of selective breeding have created a charming, medium-size companion with a personality and look that is all its own. Once shown only in the “mink” pattern, which blends darker point coloration very gradually into a lighter body color, they are now recognized in solid and pointed patterns as well. With each pattern possible in four different colors, it adds up to a wealth of choices for prospective owners. Intelligent, gregarious and generally quite outgoing, Tonkinese operate on the principle that we were put on this earth to love them and cater to them. Therefore, it is quite natural for them to take possession of your lap or shoulder and supervise your every activity. They have excellent memories and quickly learn what you don’t want them to do (although in Tonk-think, the word “no” means “okay to do when Mom’s at work!”) They are very sensitive to their owners’ moods and may appear with a comforting purr when you’ve had a bad day. Enthusiastic owners have described Tonkinese as part puppy, part monkey, and part elephant (the latter referring to a tendency to run through the house at a noisy gallop). They get along well with dogs, other pets, children, and guests and will greet visitors at the door to welcome them. They do vocalize, not just with meows and purrs, but in complete sentences that require a prompt response. Fortunately, it is usually very clear what they are trying to communicate. Structurally, the Tonk is a medium cat, neither cobby like the Burmese nor svelte like the Siamese. The dense, muscular body should feel surprisingly heavy when lifted. The modified-wedge head is slightly longer than it is wide; it has gently planed cheekbones and a rounded muzzle with a slight whisker break. The broad-based ears have oval tips and are set as much on the sides as on the top of the head. The open almond shape of a Tonk’s eyes captivate you with rich color; in mink-patterned cats, the eyes will be a beautiful shade of aqua, while solid cats have green eyes and pointed cats have blue eyes. These cats tend to be seasonal rather than year-round shedders. Nevertheless, grooming with a rubber brush two or three times a month will keep shedding to a minimum, condition the silky coat, and provide a bonding experience for you and your cat. Use the flat side of the rubber brush to accentuate the sheen of the coat, or use a soft chamois for the same purpose. Bathing is rarely needed unless the cat is being shown.