Compare
Burmese vs Tonkinese
Near twins on affection, play, voice and grooming; the Tonkinese scores higher for other pets and intelligence, the Burmese is a little heavier.
Verdict
Both rate 5 for affection, play and children, 4 for voice and energy, and 1 for grooming and independence. The one thing that decides it is the wider household. The Tonkinese scores 5 for other pets and 5 for intelligence, against the Burmese's 4 for each. The Burmese is a little heavier at about 9 to 13 lb, against 6 to 12 lb. Choose the Tonkinese for a home with several pets and the Burmese when size and a long record matter.
Choose the Burmese if
- You want a slightly sturdier cat of about 9 to 13 lb.
- You want a very short, glossy, satin-like coat.
- You want a breed recognised as a championship breed by the CFA since 1936.
- You have one other pet or none, where a score of 4 for other pets is enough.
Choose the Tonkinese if
- Your household has several pets, since it scores 5 against 4.
- You want a cat that rates 5 for intelligence and learns quickly.
- You prefer a close-lying, silky coat of medium-short length.
- You are home much of the day, because the breed is prone to loneliness and boredom.
Where they are alike
Both cats are lively, talkative and short-coated, and neither copes with long absences. Each lists only a few conditions for the vet to watch, so ask your vet and the breeder about screening.
Side by side
| Burmese | Tonkinese | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | Burma (Myanmar), developed in the United States and Britain | Canada and the United States |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 9-13 lb (4-6 kg); males are larger | 6-12 lb (2.7-5.4 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | 12-16 years | Typically 12-16 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Very short, fine, glossy, satin-like coat | Medium-short, close-lying, fine, silky coat with a lustrous sheen |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1936 | Championship breed since 1984 |
| How common | Uncommon | Uncommon |
| Affection | 5 | 5 |
| Energy | 4 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 5 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 4 | 4 |
| Grooming needed | 1 | 1 |
| Shedding | 2 | 2 |
| Good with children | 5 | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 5 |
| Happy alone | 1 | 1 |
| Trainability | 4 | 5 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The very short coat sheds lightly, but people who react to cats may still react to a Burmese. | — |
| Suits | An owner who is home a lot and wants a loving, playful cat that stays kittenish for years. | A family or a person at home much of the day that wants a sociable, clever, moderately talkative cat. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who is away for long hours, or who wants a quiet, independent cat. | Anyone out for long hours; the breed is prone to loneliness and boredom. |
| Registries that recognise it |
|
|
| Health conditions to watch |
|
|
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