Coat Patterns and Colours

The Tonkinese is a medium built, foreign cat, whose body is firm, well balanced, and surprisingly heavy for its appearance.

They breed true to three different coat patterns, namely the pointed (Siamese), solid (Burmese) and the Tonkinese (or Mink) pattern. Once again, the Tonk compromises between the two extremes. Take the Himalayan pointed pattern of the Siamese; combine it with the solid rich colour of the Burmese, and Lo! You will see the gentle shaded pattern of the Tonkinese. The lighter solid colour on the body gently merges with the points to create a subtle shading effect. The illustration below clearly demonstrates the three patterns.

Colours recognised in the UK include Brown, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Red, Cream, Apricot and Caramel, these colours are also bred in tabby. Tortie and Tabby-Torties are bred in all of these colours except Red, Cream and Apricot.