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Oriental Shorthair vs Tonkinese
Two sociable, clever, short-coated cats; the Oriental Shorthair is slimmer and louder, the Tonkinese moderate in build and voice and better with children.
Verdict
These breeds are close. Both are intelligent, affectionate, playful and short-coated, both score 1 for independence, and both want someone home. The thing that decides it is voice and build. The Oriental Shorthair is slender and very talkative. The Tonkinese is midway between the Siamese and the Burmese, with a muscular body, a softer voice and a mink coat, and it scores 5 for children and other pets. Choose the Oriental Shorthair for a chatty slim cat. Choose the Tonkinese for a moderately talkative family cat.
Choose the Oriental Shorthair if
- You want the most talkative cat, with a voice score of 5 against 4.
- You want a slender, tubular body in hundreds of colour combinations.
- You want tabbies, smokes, shadeds and bicolours; the Tonkinese is listed in mink, solid and pointed patterns.
- You will ask your vet about amyloidosis, eye disease and kitten chest conditions.
Choose the Tonkinese if
- You have children or other pets; it scores 5 for both against 4.
- You want a muscular medium cat with a silky mink coat.
- You want a short watch-list, with gingivitis listed.
- You prefer a voice that is moderate rather than constant.
Where they are alike
Both score 5 for affection, playfulness and intelligence, and both score 1 for grooming and for independence. Each is an uncommon, CFA championship breed that suits an owner who is home much of the day.
Side by side
| Oriental Shorthair | Tonkinese | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | United States and Europe, from Siamese stock | Canada and the United States |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | Males about 8-12 lb (3.6-5.4 kg); females under about 8 lb (3.6 kg) | 6-12 lb (2.7-5.4 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | Often reported as 12-15 years; few studies | Typically 12-16 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Short, fine, close-lying coat on a long, tubular body | Medium-short, close-lying, fine, silky coat with a lustrous sheen |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1977 | Championship breed since 1984 |
| How common | Uncommon | Uncommon |
| Affection | 5 | 5 |
| Energy | 4 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 5 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 5 | 4 |
| Grooming needed | 1 | 1 |
| Shedding | 2 | 2 |
| Good with children | 4 | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 5 |
| Happy alone | 1 | 1 |
| Trainability | 5 | 5 |
| Suits a small home | 3 | 4 |
| Suits | A person who is home much of the day and wants a talkative, athletic, affectionate cat and will play with it daily. | A family or a person at home much of the day that wants a sociable, clever, moderately talkative cat. |
| Less suited to | A quiet home, or anyone who is away for long hours, since this cat dislikes being alone. | 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