Tonkinese

It is the Siamese and Burmese mix turned into a breed. In the 1960s, breeders in Canada and the United States began crossing the two systematically in search of a cat halfway between them, and the CFA eventually recognised it in 1984. It has a muscular but not heavy body, a slightly rounded head and a pattern all its own, mink, with soft points on a slightly lighter body and distinctive aquamarine eyes. It is outgoing and playful, very people-focused, greets visitors at the door and gets on with almost everyone, dogs included. It talks, but less than a Siamese.

Minimal coat care: a rubber mitt once a week. What it asks for is play and company; it is the kind of cat that learns to fetch a ball and open doors. It needs scratching posts, shelves to climb and toys that are rotated so it does not get bored. It does not do well alone: if you are out for many hours, a feline companion helps a lot. Because it trusts strangers, it is best kept indoors or on a netted balcony.

It is usually a sturdy, long-lived cat. It can inherit the gingivitis and dental problems of its Oriental relatives, and progressive retinal atrophy rdAc (DNA test available) appears in some lines. Hypokalaemia, also testable, has been described through its Burmese side. Ask for the parents' test results and book annual dental checks.