Tonkinese vs Colorpoint Shorthair - Breed Comparison

Tonkinese vs Colorpoint Shorthair - Breed ComparisonColorpoint Shorthair is originated from United Kingdom but Tonkinese is originated from Canada. Both Colorpoint Shorthair and Tonkinese are having almost same weight. Both Colorpoint Shorthair and Tonkinese has almost same life span. Both Colorpoint Shorthair and Tonkinese has same litter size. Colorpoint Shorthair requires Low Maintenance. But Tonkinese requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

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United Kingdom
Canada
Weight Male:
2 - 4 kg
4 - 9 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 4 kg
4 - 9 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
10 - 18 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
The Colorpoint
The Tonk
Colors Available:
lilac, Many colors - blue, seal and chocolate, among others
4 Base colors - medium brown, champagne, blue and and platinum.
Coat:
Short and fine
Short and silky
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

colorpoint shorthairThe Colorpoint Shorthair is a Siamese cat that came about when the Siamese cat was used with the red American Shorthair to bring about new colors.

The actual name is given by the CFA or Cat Fanciers’ Association to refer to pointed cats that have Siamese parents and that have many colors other than the usual 4 Siamese colors which are blue, lilac, seal, and chocolate.

It was in the 1940s and 1950s that cat breeders in the UK and the USA wanted to develop a Siamese cat with red points as opposed to the traditional Siamese colors. It was in 1964 that these red and cream Colorpoint Shorthairs were awarded championship status with the Cat Fanciers’ Association.

Today, different cat registries recognize the Colorpoint Shorthair as a separate breed while others see it as a variation of the Siamese.

tonkineseIt was about in 1960 that a breeding program was established for these cats. The Tonkinese is a cat that hails from Canada and it was a certain Jane Batlett who was responsible for breeding this cat.

She wanted a cat that was in between the Burmese and Siamese.

Also, Margaret Conroy, another breeder, set up her breeding program between a Burmese female with a Siamese. Both Conroy and Bartlett worked together on the breed and the Tonkinese came about. The Cat Fanciers Association recognized this cat breed in 1984.

Description

colorpoint shorthair kitten - descriptionThe Colorpoint Shorthair is a medium-size cat that typically weighs between 2 to 4kg and is nicely muscled. This is a long cat with legs that are long and slender too.

The coat is short and glossy, light-colored with darker extremities. Colors can be Cream Point, Red Point, Cinnamon Point, Seal Point, Blue-, Lilic- and Chocolate Point among others. The cat is well known for its mesmerizing almond-shaped blue eyes.

Temperament:

This sweet agile, athletic cat will be a delight in your home as he is highly intelligent and can easily learn a few basic commands but he is also friendly, playful, and loving. They’re social, outgoing cats too and when he’s not amusing himself, he will happily come and lounge about close to where his beloved human companions are.

On the other side of the coin, these cats can also be somewhat nervous and sensitive and they won’t adapt easily to a change in environment and lifestyle. It is why you have to choose your pet carefully and understand that owning a pet is a commitment of some 15 years or so.

Like the Siamese cat, these felines can be very vocal and they let you know when they want your attention.

tonkinese kitten - descriptionAs a medium-sized cat, with a firm, muscular body, your Tonkinese will weigh between 2.5 – 6kg.The head is slightly rounded with fairly broad ears that are set wide apart.

The eyes are bigger than the classic Oriental shape and can range from green to light blue in color.

The coat of the Tonkinese is short and close-lying and is soft and silky to touch. The mask, the ears, legs and tail are all darker than the body.

The Tonkinese cat breed is recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association in 4 base colors - medium brown, champagne, blue and and platinum.

Temperament:

The Tonkinese cat, with one of its parents being the Siamese cat, just loves giving and receiving attention.

Active and social, he is an excellent choice for families with children and even other pets. They love just seeking out their human companions and lying down where they are.

They’re intelligent felines these, and you can even teach them some simple commands. Because of them being so very social, they don’t like to be left on their own – certainly not for the whole day while you go off to work.

Ideally, it would be nice to have two of these cats together.

Characteristics

colorpoint shorthair cat - characteristicsChoose the wonderful Colorpoint if you want a cat that isn’t cold and independent. With this cat you have one that is more like a companion and looks forward to being around you.

This is a loyal and loving cat who wants to be part of the human family and he wants to be involved in your life.

He suits first-time cat owners, those with children and pets in the home as well as being an excellent pet for seniors – anyone in fact, who is willing to bestow on him the love and affection he craves.

tonkinese cat - characteristicsTonkinese cats can be active and highly entertaining with their antics. When you laugh at them, they are encouraged to perform more.

They are affectionate and intelligent cats and you will need to have toys for him. When he isn't playing, he likes nothing more than to be petted and pampered by his human family.

Your Tonkinese will get on well with children and other pets, and he generally makes a splendid pet for those who care well for him.

Health Problems

colorpoint shorthair kittens - health problemsWhen it comes to the health of these beautiful cats, you may well find similar health issues as what affects the Siamese, some of which are asthma or bronchial disease, congenital heart defects and lymphoma among others.

Lymphoma is cancer in the lymphocyte cells. Your cat will be lethargic and you will need to get him to the vet and provide the vet with a medical history of your cat. Lymphoma is believed to be associated with exposure to feline leukemia virus as well as the feline immunodeficiency virus.

tonkinese kittens - health problemsTonkinese are generally healthy cats but they can be prone to eye problems such as gingvitis.

Because they are part of the Siamese family, they can succumb to some of the diseases that the Siamese battles with. These are asthma/bronchial disease, heart defects, lymphoma, and crossed eyes.

Lymphoma:

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes - cells involved in the immune system.

Lymphoma is linked with feline leukemia, a viral infection, and thankfully, more cats are being vaccinated for feline leukemia, so fortunately it is becoming less common.

Intestinal lymphoma affects the gastrointestinal tract and is the most common type of lymphoma in cats, being more common in older cats. Affected cats can suffer with weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. Get your cat to the vet as diagnosing this lymphoma will require the vet finding cancerous cells on microscopic examination.

Caring The Pet

colorpoint shorthair cats - caringRember that your Colorpoint Shorthair is a long, lean, musculac cat and for health purposes, you want to ensure a good diet of the best cat food there is. There are some excellent commercially manufactured cat goods available and it is wise to get to know the ingredients as meat and protein is high on the list. Cats are carnivoes and it is imperative to feed your cat high quality protein. When in any kind of doubt, speak to your vet about the best cat food available for your special feline friend.

The short coat requires brushing once a week.

Check your cat over for any unusual lumps. Look at his eyes, check inside his ears for signs of redness and infection and check inside his mouth for signs of bad teeth as this can cause him terrible pain.

Provide a litter box and keep it scrupulously clean.

Have the claws cut.

Have your cat spayed or neutered to avoid unwanted kittens and to also promote better health for your cat.

Provide your cat with a warm bed, food and water bowls, and stimulating toys.

tonkinese cats - caringThe Tonkinese has a short coat so a brush once a week will be sufficient for this cat as it just helps to brush away dust and loose hairs.

He will need a litter box and this will need to be kept spotlessly clean. Use a small rake, available from your vet or local pet shop, to rake up the cat’s feces.

When you first bring your Tonkinese cat home, you will at least need some of the basics to ensure his wellbeing. These are -

sleeping equipment – baskets or cushions in a nice warm, dry place for your cat.

Food and water bowls.

A cat tree for climbing and a scratching post. Cats are natural scratchers so you can’t get angry with your cat for scratching. Instead, invest in a scratching post so that he doesn’t use your furniture to scratch on.

Food is such an important part of caring for a cat. The best type of cat food can ensure your cat has a strong immune system that allows him to not succumb to every cat sickness there is.

Cats are carnivores so ensure he has food high in meat. Sometimes it can be costly, but try to provide your cat with the best, most high-quality cat foods there are to ensure his good health and happiness.

A cat needs a constant supply of fresh, cool water night and day. The water should be changed regularly.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Colorpoint Shorthair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  2. Colorpoint Shorthair vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  3. Colorpoint Shorthair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  4. Colorpoint Shorthair vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  5. Colorpoint Shorthair vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  6. Colorpoint Shorthair vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  7. Colorpoint Shorthair vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  8. Colorpoint Shorthair vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  9. Colorpoint Shorthair vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  10. Colorpoint Shorthair vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  11. Colorpoint Shorthair vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  12. Colorpoint Shorthair vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  13. Colorpoint Shorthair vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  14. Colorpoint Shorthair vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  15. Colorpoint Shorthair vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  16. Colorpoint Shorthair vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  17. Colorpoint Shorthair vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  18. Colorpoint Shorthair vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  19. Colorpoint Shorthair vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  20. Colorpoint Shorthair vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  21. Colorpoint Shorthair vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  22. Colorpoint Shorthair vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  23. Colorpoint Shorthair vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  24. Colorpoint Shorthair vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  25. Colorpoint Shorthair vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison
  26. Tonkinese vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  27. Tonkinese vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  28. Tonkinese vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  29. Tonkinese vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  30. Tonkinese vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  31. Tonkinese vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  32. Tonkinese vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  33. Tonkinese vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  34. Tonkinese vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  35. Tonkinese vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  36. Tonkinese vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  37. Tonkinese vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  38. Tonkinese vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  39. Tonkinese vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  40. Tonkinese vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  41. Tonkinese vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  42. Tonkinese vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  43. Tonkinese vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  44. Tonkinese vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  45. Tonkinese vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  46. Tonkinese vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  47. Tonkinese vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  48. Tonkinese vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  49. Tonkinese vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  50. Tonkinese vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison