• Originated in Burma (modern-day Myanmar) and Thailand.
• Revered as sacred temple cats in Burma.
• The foundation cat, Wong Mau, was imported to the United States in 1930.
• Dr. Joseph Thompson established the formal breeding program.
• Recognized by the CFA in 1936.

Breed Development:

• Wong Mau was a walnut brown, Siamese-type cat.
• She was bred to a Siamese, and her offspring were interbred to establish the distinct Burmese breed.
• Famously described as a "brick wrapped in silk" due to their substantial, muscular build.

Physical Characteristics Comparison

Size and Build

The "Brick" Factor: Burmese cats are famous for being much heavier than they appear—a compact package of solid muscle.

Head and Face

Key Difference - Eye Color: The Tonkinese's aqua eyes are unique to the breed—a distinctive turquoise that is neither Siamese blue nor Burmese gold.

Coat and Color

Color Patterns:

Tonkinese:

• Natural (medium brown)
• Champagne (warm beige)
• Blue (soft blue-gray)
• Platinum (pale gray)

Each color comes in three distinct coat patterns:

• Point: Like the Siamese, with darker points on the face, ears, paws, and tail.
• Mink: The Tonkinese signature pattern with subtle contrast between body and points.
• Solid: Like the Burmese, with minimal contrast and even color.

Burmese:

• Sable: Rich, dark brown (the original and most common color).
• Champagne (warm beige)
• Blue (medium blue-gray)
• Platinum (pale silvery gray)

Note: Chocolate and Lilac are accepted in some international associations but not by the CFA.

Temperament and Personality

Tonkinese Personality

Core Traits:

• Highly social and affectionate.
• Intelligent and highly trainable.
• Moderately to highly active.
• Deeply people-oriented.
• Excellent with children and other pets.
• Moderately vocal with a softer voice than the Siamese.

Behavioral Characteristics:

• Tend to follow their owners from room to room.
• Often enjoy playing fetch and retrieving toys.
• Prefer high perches for observation.
• Thrive on interactive play sessions.
• May "help" with household tasks.
• Can learn tricks and respond well to clicker training.
• Balance between being playful lap cats and active companions.

Summary:

• Activity Level: Moderate to High
• Vocalization: Moderate
• Independence: Low
• Intelligence: Very High

Burmese Personality

Core Traits:

• Exhibit dog-like devotion to their families.
• Extremely people-oriented and dependent.
• Playful and kitten-like well into old age.
• Good-natured with everyone, including strangers.
• Trusting and must be kept indoors.
• Possess a soft, quiet voice.

Behavioral Characteristics:

• Famous for following owners constantly.
• Love games of fetch.
• Enjoy being held, carried, and are supreme lap cats.
• Get along wonderfully with dogs and other pets.
• Maintain a playful, youthful demeanor for life.
• Their trusting nature necessitates an indoor-only lifestyle.

Summary:

• Activity Level: Moderate
• Vocalization: Quiet
• Independence: Very Low
• Intelligence: High

Temperament Comparison Summary

Health Comparison

Tonkinese Health

Generally Healthy: Often benefit from the hybrid vigor of crossing two established breeds.

Potential Concerns:

• Crossed eyes and kinked tail: Inherited from Siamese ancestry; typically cosmetic only.
• Gingivitis: Regular dental care is important.
• Amyloidosis: Rare but possible; a disease affecting organ function.

Overall Health: Excellent Average Lifespan: 15-18 years

Burmese Health

Breed-Specific Concerns:

1. Head Defect (Burmese Craniofacial Defect):

• A genetic condition affecting skull development.
• Kittens with the severe form do not survive.
• A DNA test is available; responsible breeders screen for it.

2. Hypokalemia (Burmese Hypokalaemia):

• Causes low blood potassium levels, leading to muscle weakness.
• A genetic test is available.
• Can be managed with potassium supplements.

3. Other Considerations:

• Flat-Chested Kitten Syndrome: Affects chest development; most kittens outgrow it with care.
• Diabetes Mellitus: Higher incidence than average; weight management is crucial.
• Gangliosidosis: A rare genetic storage disease; DNA test available.

Overall Health: Good, with responsible breeding and screening. Average Lifespan: 16-18 years (with excellent care)

Health Testing Comparison

Estimated Annual Health Costs:

• Tonkinese: $200 - $350
• Burmese: $250 - $450 (potentially higher due to breed-specific monitoring)

Care Requirements

Grooming Needs

Both breeds have similar, low-maintenance coats:

Weekly Routine:

• Use a soft bristle brush or rubber curry comb.
• Both shed minimally.
• Bathing is rarely needed.
• Trim nails every 2-3 weeks.
• Clean ears monthly.

Grooming Costs:

• DIY supplies: $30 - $60 per year.
• Professional grooming is rarely necessary.

Exercise and Activity

Tonkinese:

• Generally higher energy than Burmese.
• Enjoy more climbing, jumping, and acrobatic play.
• Interactive play with wand toys is essential.
• Appreciate puzzle toys and food dispensers.
• Retain playfulness into old age.

Burmese:

• Have moderate exercise needs.
• Love games of fetch and retrieve.
• Value lap time and cuddling as much as play.
• Exhibit "helping" behavior and enjoy being involved.
• Maintain a kitten-like playfulness throughout life.

Recommended Activity Equipment (for both):

• Sturdy cat trees: $80 - $200
• Interactive toys: $30 - $80
• Fetch toys: $10 - $20

Nutrition

Weight Management is Key for Both:

Tonkinese:

• Have an active metabolism but still require portion monitoring.
• Interactive feeding toys can help manage intake.

Burmese:

• Their stocky build can mask weight gain.
• Strict portion control is essential.
• Prone to diabetes if overweight, making weight management critical.

Estimated Monthly Food Costs (Premium Food): $35 - $60

Costs of Ownership

Initial Costs (Kitten)

Annual Recurring Costs

Lifetime Cost Estimate (16 Years)

High estimates account for potential chronic health issues, premium insurance, and higher-end care.

Choosing Between the Breeds

Choose a Tonkinese If You:

• Desire their signature aqua eye color.
• Prefer a slightly more active and playful companion.
• Want a highly trainable and intelligent cat that learns tricks.
• Like the intermediate appearance between a Siamese and a Burmese.
• Don't mind moderate, conversational vocalization.
• Enjoy daily interactive play sessions.

Choose a Burmese If You:

• Want the ultimate, devoted lap cat.
• Prefer a quieter, less vocal companion.
• Love the "eternal kitten" personality.
• Appreciate a stocky, cuddly, and deceptively heavy cat.
• Seek a soft-spoken, dog-like devoted shadow.
• Are home often and can provide constant companionship.

Key Similarities Between Breeds

Both the Tonkinese and Burmese share these wonderful traits:

• Extreme people-orientation and need for companionship.
• A "don't leave me alone" personality; not suited for long solitude.
• Low-maintenance, short coats with minimal grooming.
• Playful, engaging natures that last a lifetime.
• Generally excellent with children and other family pets.
• Must be indoor-only cats due to their trusting natures.
• Potential for long lifespans (15+ years) with proper care.
• Affectionate, social temperaments that bond deeply with their families.

Conclusion

The Tonkinese and Burmese offer profound devotion with nuanced differences in energy and aesthetics. The Tonkinese provides a vibrant, slightly more active companion with unique aqua eyes and a trainable mind. The Burmese delivers the epitome of lap cat devotion with a quieter, more settled, and perpetually youthful nature.

Both breeds demand significant attention and companionship—they are not ideal for owners seeking an independent, aloof pet. However, for individuals, couples, or families prepared to offer love, interaction, and a central place in the home, either breed will reward that commitment with years of unwavering, affectionate companionship.

Your final choice may come down to aesthetic preference (like eye color), subtle energy level differences, or local breeder availability. Whichever you choose, you are welcoming a loving, social, and remarkable feline family member.