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Siamese vs Tonkinese
The Tonkinese is the Siamese crossed with the Burmese; it keeps the clever, devoted nature with a softer voice and a sturdier, more family-friendly build.
Verdict
These breeds are close. Both are clever, affectionate, playful, short-coated and want someone home, scoring 1 for independence. The thing that decides it is voice and family fit. The Siamese is slender and talks constantly. The Tonkinese sits midway between the Siamese and the Burmese, with a muscular body, a mink coat and a softer voice, and it scores 5 with children and other pets. Choose the Siamese for the classic pointed look and the loudest voice. Choose the Tonkinese for a moderately talkative family cat with a short watch-list.
Choose the Siamese if
- You want the most talkative cat, with a voice score of 5 against 4.
- You want the pointed pattern with vivid blue eyes.
- You want a common breed that is easy to find.
- You want a CFA championship breed since 1906.
Choose the Tonkinese if
- You have children and other pets; it scores 5 for both against 4.
- You want a more playful cat, scoring 5 for playfulness against 4.
- You want a mink, solid or pointed coat in natural, champagne, blue or platinum.
- You want a watch-list of one item, gingivitis.
Where they are alike
Both score 5 for affection and for intelligence and 1 for grooming. Each dislikes being alone, so a household with someone home most of the day suits either.
Side by side
| Siamese | Tonkinese | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | Thailand (formerly Siam) | Canada and the United States |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 6-12 lb (2.7-5.4 kg); males are larger | 6-12 lb (2.7-5.4 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | Typically 12-16 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Short, fine, glossy coat that lies close to the body, with no undercoat | Medium-short, close-lying, fine, silky coat with a lustrous sheen |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1906 | Championship breed since 1984 |
| How common | Common | Uncommon |
| Affection | 5 | 5 |
| Energy | 4 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 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 | 4 | 4 |
| Suits | A person or family at home often who enjoys a cat that talks, follows them about and wants to be involved in everything. | A family or a person at home much of the day that wants a sociable, clever, moderately talkative cat. |
| Less suited to | Anyone out all day, anyone who wants a quiet cat, or a household that cannot give a lot of attention. | 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