Tonkinese vs Balinese - Breed Comparison | MyCatBreeds

Tonkinese vs Balinese - Breed ComparisonTonkinese is originated from Canada but Balinese is originated from Thailand. Both Tonkinese and Balinese are having almost same weight. Both Tonkinese and Balinese has almost same life span. Both Tonkinese and Balinese has same litter size. Tonkinese requires Moderate maintenance. But Balinese requires Low maintenance

History

tonkinese - historyIt 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.

balinese - historyThe slender Balinese cat is a cat similar in looks to the Siamese cat but fluffier. In fact, in the 1950s, Siamese breeders in the United States discovered that the kittens were fluffier than what a Siamese cat should be.

The fur was too long to conform to Siamese cat standards. Two Siamese breeders, Helen Smith and Marion Dorsey loved the look of the longer-haired Siamese with the idea being to name the breed the Longhair Siamese. Siamese breeders didn’t want this and the name became Balinese.

The Balinese cat has been recognized by many cat registries and associations.

Basic Information

Origin:
Canada
Thailand
Weight Male:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 18 Years
12 - 20 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
The Tonk
Long-haired Siamese
Colors Available:
4 Base colors - medium brown, champagne, blue and and platinum.
ash, tortoiseshell, black, White or cream - pointed, red
Coat:
Short and silky
medium to long - soft and silky
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

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.

balinese kitten - descriptionThe medium-sized Balinese has a long, slender, finely built body with the head being long and triangular.

The eyes of the cat are slanted and a deep blue.

The coat is medium in length and is soft and silky without an undercoat. The coat length is pretty much all that distinguishes this cat from the siamese cat. The coat is pointed which means you’ll find concentrations of color – cream, red and tortoiseshell on the face, ears, legs and the plumed tail.

You can say that the Balinese cat is a Siamese cat but with long hair.

Temperament:

Your Balinese is a talkative cat and he is active and playful too. Because it is such an intelligent cat, it can learn tricks too.

They are affectionate cats and bond closely with their human family. They crave lots of attention and don’t like being left alone for long periods of time. They’re chatty cats too and love to leap up onto high perches and look down on their world.

If you have a Balinese as a pet, you will certainly have to invest in climbing equipment.

Characteristics

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.

balinese cat - characteristicsYour Balinese cat is a friendly, affectionate cat that will bond closely with his human family.

They’re the kind of cats that enjoy having their family members around them and they don’t like being left alone for long periods.

He is a playful cat so make sure that he has some nice toys that will keep him amused. They’re known for their intelligence and their inquisitive and playful natures, not to mention that these cats are easy on the eye as well.

Vocal and demanding, if you want someone who demands your friendship, then take a look at these beautiful Balinese cats.

Health Problems

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.

balinese kittens - health problemsBalinese cats are fairly healthy and any health problems these cats may have are much the same as those for the Siamese cat.

If you look after him well, he can reach 12 – 20 years of age.

You want to look at diseases such as respiratory illnesses, liver failure, dilated cardiomyopathy, and eye problems.

In fact, Progressive Retinal Atrophy is one health condition that you see quite a bit with the Balinese cat.

It can be an inherited eye disease or one that is acquired. PRA is a degenerative disorder of the retina and you will need to get your cat to the veterinarian. Unfortunately, there isn’t a treatment for PRA and therefore breeders need to check their breeding stock before allowing cats to be bred.

Caring The Pet

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.

Diet:

balinese cats - caringYour health depends on what you eat, and the same applies to cats too. Apart from good veterinary care for your cat, good food is of critical importance. A proper diet can eliminate veterinary expenses substantially.

In feeding your cat, learn to read cat food labels and make sure your furry friend is getting the right amount of proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

There are many choices of cat foods – homemade and commercially manufactured cat foods which can be canned or you also get the dry cat kibble type of food.

If your furry friend doesn’t like a particular food, don’t punish him by taking it away and leaving him without food. Your mom tried you with different foods and you should do the same with your feline friend.

Provide your Balinese with ‘cat equipment’ - feeding and drinking bowls, grooming equipment and a nice, soft bed for him to lie in and in a quiet place.

Keep your pet’s vaccines up to date and see he gets to the vet when he is ill.

The Balinese has a coat of medium length and because the cat only really sheds seasonally, it is looked upon as a low-maintenance coat. A brush once a week will get rid of dust as well as loose, dead hair and keep the coat in good condition.

Comparison with other breeds

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

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Cat Breeds