Tonkinese vs Munchkin - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Tonkinese vs Munchkin - Breed ComparisonMunchkin is originated from United States but Tonkinese is originated from Canada. Both Munchkin and Tonkinese are having almost same weight. Munchkin may live 3 years less than Tonkinese. Both Munchkin and Tonkinese has same litter size. Munchkin requires Low Maintenance. But Tonkinese requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

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United States
Canada
Weight Male:
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 18 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
Sausage cat
The Tonk
Colors Available:
All colors and patterns
4 Base colors - medium brown, champagne, blue and and platinum.
Coat:
Short and long haired
Short and silky
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, 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:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

munchkinInformation about the short-legged Munchkin cat has been around since the 1940s. A British veterinary report in 1944 noted these short-legged cats.

During the 2nd World War, the cats disappeared but other short-legged cats were seen in Russia during 1956 and then the United States in the 1970s.

The cat was introduced to the general public in 1991 but for many years it wasn't accepted in cat competitions. Eventually, the Munchkin was proposed as a new breed by foundation breeders and accepted by TICA into its New Breed development program in 1994. The Munchkin breed achieved TICA Championship status in May 2003. The Cat Fanciers Association doesn’t recognize the Munchkin.

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

munchkin kitten - descriptionThe Munchkin is a small to medium-sized, muscular cat with a thick coat that comes in all colors and patterns. In fact, color, pattern, and coat length will vary.

There is also a long-haired variety. It usually weighs between 3 and 4kg. It has short, stubby little legs and a torso that hangs fairly low to the ground. The cat’s back legs are somewhat longer than the front legs. The legs of these cats can be slightly bowed. The eyes can be any color.

Temperament:

The Munchkin is such a social, outgoing cat that just loves being petted and pampered by his human family. He is sociable and friendly as well as intelligent and is easy to train. While he is an amicable cat and can get on well with everyone in the family, it isn’t a good idea to have such a cat as a playmate for children as they can become injured.

An interesting feature with this cat is the way he doesn’t really sit like other cats but has a way of sitting up on his legs, much like a rabbit.

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

munchkin cat - characteristicsThe Munchkin may be short and stock but he is just as active and playful as any other cat. When you have him in your home, you'll discover that his short little legs don't stop him from trying out everything other cats do.

He is ready to show you what he's made of. He is a confident, social cat and is friendly, intelligent, and loving towards his human family. He makes a devoted companion and he will get along with other cats in the family as well as dogs.

He may be a bit odd to look at but if you want an excellent companion, the Munchkin is well worth your consideration.

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

munchkin kittens - health problemsBecause this is a fairly new breed, it's still not too clear about its health. It was once thought that the Munchkin cat could develop spinal problems because of its short legs.

It was in 1995 that some breeders had some of their older Munchkins x-rayed to see if there were any signs of joint or bone problems, but none were found.

The Munchkin cat should also be vaccinated as a kitten and be treated for parasites. To ensure the good health of your sweet little Munchkin cat, give him the best diet possible.

In fact, if you take good care of your Munchkin and you make sure to get all the necessary vaccines for him and get him to the vet when he shows signs of illness, your munchkin can reach 12 to 15 years of age.

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

munchkin cats - caringEvery cat is unique and the Munchkin is a unique cat, This little cat is a carnivore just like any other cat and his diet must be made up mostly of protein.

Speak to your vet about the best food for your Munchkin because a kitten will require a different diet to a senior Munchkin. Also, you don’t want your Munchkin to put on too much weight as this can be detrimental to his joints.

Not only that, being overweight comes with all kinds of health issues. The manufacturers of commercially manufactured cat foods have made sure that they have brought out foods for every stage of a cat's life and age.

Munchkin cats will need to have their fur brushed at least once a week. Trim the claws at the same time.

Provide your sweet little Munchkin with a litter box and keep the litter box immaculately clean, removing the feces every single day.

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