MyCatBreedsTonkinese is originated from Canada but Selkirk Rex is originated from United States. Both Tonkinese and Selkirk Rex are of same weight. Both Tonkinese and Selkirk Rex has almost same life span. Both Tonkinese and Selkirk Rex has same litter size. Both Tonkinese and Selkirk Rex requires Moderate maintenance.
It 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.
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.
The Selkirk Rex originated in the USA in 1987. A host of cats have been used to develop this cat breed – Persians, British Shorthairs, Himalayans, American Shorthairs, Exotic Shorthairs, and others.
There was a litter of kittens and the odd one out, one with an unusual coat – was placed with the breeder, Jeri Newman, who bred the cat with a black Persian.
Three Selkirk Rex kittens were born as well as three straight-haired kittens. The cat has been developed with either long- or short coats. The Selkirk Rex cat breed is recognized by various cat associations such as the International Cat Association, the American Cat Fanciers Association in the 1990s as well as the Cat Fanciers Association in 2000.
As 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.
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.
The Selkirk Rex is a medium- to large-sized cat that will weigh between 3 to 6kg. He is a well-built cat of which you get a short- and long coat variety. The coat is available in all colors. The coat has a soft, woolly look to it with some curls.
With the long-haired variety, the cat has a well-plumed tail. One drawback perhaps is that the cat is a fairly heavy shedder, and perhaps wouldn’t be a good choice for those with allergies.
This is a lively, playful, energetic cat with a friendly temperament. Cat experts will tell you that it is the Persian and British Shorthair ancestors that have given him his placid, lovable nature. He is, however, more active than those cat breeds and loves to play.
Tolerant and affectionate, the Selkirk isn't a lap cat. Because he has a sociable nature, he dislikes being left alone for long periods of time.
The Selkirk Rex fits in well with households where there are well-behaved children and other pets. He is such a loving cat and loves to be in the company of his human companions. He isn’t demanding and likes to talk to you in a quiet voice.
Tonkinese 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.
When you welcome a Selkirk Rex cat into your home, you’ll have a loving friend and companion.
They love to bask in the attention they get as they’re quite unusual with their wavy to curly coats. People are always wanting to touch it.
The Selkirk Rex cat is an active, playful cat and has a whole lot of love to offer you.
Tonkinese 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 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.
The Selkirk Rex cat, if looked after well and given excellent food can live to be 15, 16, or 17 years of age. Some of these cats can suffer from hair loss. Remember, that every cat will require vaccinations and de-worming.
Chronic kidney failure usually develops over a number of months. Chronic kidney failure in cats is a progressive illness but if you get your cat to the vet it can be managed. The vet will want a sample of your cat's urine and possibly a blood test.
The 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.
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.
Your Selkirk Rex will need to have his fur brushed. You don’t want to brush him too hard every week as this can cause the curls to frizz. Rather use a spray bottle with some cat conditioner and lightly spray the curls and use your fingers to ‘comb’ his hair.
Provide your cat with well-balanced meals. Your Selkirk Rex is a carnivore and you have to ensure that his food is made up of meat. The best commercially manufactured cat foods know how to correctly balance your cat’s food so that it gets the perfect blend of vitamins and minerals. Always choose a good brand of cat food that will meet your cat's nutritional needs. If you’re unsure, you can always ask your vet for suggestions about good quality food that will help towards ensuring good health for your cat.
The cheaper, unknown brands may not have the best ingredients to keep your cat happy and healthy. Remember to read the labels as a growing kitten will require different food to a senior cat.
Provide your Selkirk Rex with a litter box, scratching post, and a climbing tree.
Your kitten will need to be vaccinated to protect him from some of the life-threatening diseases cats can get. Most of the vets these days recommend a combined vaccine, starting at about 8 weeks of age. These vaccines will protect your kitten from Feline Leukaemia Virus, Feline Parovirus, and cat flu.