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American Shorthair vs Tonkinese
The American Shorthair is a calm, independent cat; the Tonkinese is a sociable, clever, moderately talkative one that needs company.
Verdict
Both are medium-sized shorthairs that score top marks with children, and they differ in how much attention they want. The American Shorthair is calm, quiet and independent, and it copes with a workday alone. The Tonkinese is midway between the Siamese and the Burmese, scores top marks for affection, play, intelligence and other pets, has a moderately talkative voice and is prone to loneliness. Choose the American Shorthair for an undemanding family cat and the Tonkinese for a sociable, clever one if someone is home.
Choose the American Shorthair if
- You are away for long hours.
- You want a quieter cat.
- You want a sturdier build and a wider choice of colours.
- You want a breed that is easy to find.
Choose the Tonkinese if
- You want a sociable, affectionate, playful cat.
- You enjoy a cat that talks moderately and follows you.
- You have other pets and want a very sociable cat.
- You like a soft mink coat in natural, champagne, blue or platinum.
Where they are alike
Both have short coats and light grooming needs. Both are good family cats with children.
Side by side
| American Shorthair | Tonkinese | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | North America, from European cats brought by settlers | Canada and the United States |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 6-15 lb (2.7-6.8 kg); males are larger | 6-12 lb (2.7-5.4 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | — | Typically 12-16 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Short, dense, hard-textured coat that protects against cold and scratches | Medium-short, close-lying, fine, silky coat with a lustrous sheen |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 1984 |
| How common | Common | Uncommon |
| Affection | 3 | 5 |
| Energy | 3 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 3 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 4 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 1 |
| Shedding | 3 | 2 |
| Good with children | 5 | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 5 |
| Happy alone | 4 | 1 |
| Trainability | 3 | 5 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The dense coat sheds steadily, and people who react to cats are likely to react to this breed. | — |
| Suits | A family or first-time owner that wants a calm, durable, low-maintenance cat that copes with busy homes. | A family or a person at home much of the day that wants a sociable, clever, moderately talkative cat. |
| Less suited to | Anyone looking for a very talkative, clingy or highly acrobatic cat. | Anyone out for long hours; the breed is prone to loneliness and boredom. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026