Tonkinese, affectionately called Tonks, are a Siamese and Burmese cross bred to combine the best of both: the striking looks and talkativeness of the Siamese with the warmth and muscle of the Burmese. They are playful, clever, short-coated cats with soft aqua or blue eyes, and they are intensely social. A Tonk wants to be with you, join in your activities and chat about its day.
Purebred Tonkinese are uncommon in Sydney rescue because most are bought from breeders. Tonkinese crosses and short-coated cats with that affectionate, chatty Burmese-Siamese temperament appear more regularly. For a companion cat the individual personality matters more than the pedigree, so read the foster or shelter notes on how affectionate, vocal and active each cat is.
A Tonkinese suits a home where someone is around for much of the day, or where a second cat can share the company, because they are true people cats and dislike being alone. Most Sydney rescues rehome cats to indoor or contained-outdoor homes, which suits a sociable, valuable breed and protects it from cars, disease and the year-round paralysis tick on the NSW coast. Browse the Tonkinese and Tonkinese crosses currently listed from rescues across Sydney and New South Wales.
No Tonkinese cats are currently in Sydney rescues.
Listings update regularly. Check back, or browse all adoptable cats below.
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Tonkinese Adoption FAQ
Where can I adopt a Tonkinese near me in Sydney?
LocalPetFinder lists Tonkinese cats available for adoption from rescues across Sydney and New South Wales, including the Inner West, Eastern Suburbs, Northern Beaches and Western Sydney. Cat-focused rescues include the Cat Protection Society of NSW in Newtown and Brighter Future Cat Rescue, alongside RSPCA NSW, Sydney Dogs and Cats Home and Animal Welfare League NSW. Listings update regularly, so browse the Tonkinese cats above and apply through the rescue.
Are there Tonkinese rescues near Sydney?
Yes. Sydney and NSW rescues regularly list Tonkinese cats and Tonkinese crosses, including the Cat Protection Society of NSW, Brighter Future Cat Rescue, RSPCA NSW, Sydney Dogs and Cats Home and Maggie's Rescue. A dedicated single-breed cat rescue is not always active, so setting an alert on the general rescues is the fastest path. Use LocalPetFinder to see which rescues currently have Tonkinese cats available near you.
Are these Tonkinese cats for sale in Sydney?
Not for sale, for adoption, which is usually the better deal. Every cat here comes from a Sydney or NSW rescue, not a breeder or classified seller, and the adoption fee already includes desexing, vaccination, microchipping and a FIV check. That fee is generally $100 to $250 for an adult and $150 to $300 for a kitten, against far more from a breeder with none of the vet work done. If you searched "tonkinese for sale sydney", adopting gets you a vetted cat for a fraction of the price.
Where can I buy a Tonkinese cat in Sydney, and should I?
You can buy from a registered breeder, but it is worth weighing against adoption first. A reputable breeder often charges well into four figures and may have a waitlist, while a rescue cat costs $100 to $300 fully vetted and may be available now. Be cautious of cheap "for sale" ads on classified sites and marketplaces, a known hotspot for deposit scams and backyard breeding. The ACCC Scamwatch has documented pet scams for animals that do not exist. For most Sydney homes, adopting is cheaper, safer and gives a cat in need a home.
What health problems do Tonkinese cats have?
Tonkinese are generally healthy, but sharing Burmese and Siamese ancestry they can be prone to a few issues: dental disease and gingivitis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a heart-muscle disease), and a tendency toward respiratory sensitivity or asthma. Signs worth a vet visit include bad breath or sore, red gums, laboured breathing, or a recurring cough. A rescue Tonkinese arrives desexed and vet-checked, and any known condition is disclosed. Ask your vet about regular dental care and heart checks as the cat ages.
Are Tonkinese cats affectionate?
Very. Tonks are among the most sociable and loving cats, blending the Siamese need to communicate with the Burmese need to cuddle. They follow their people around, greet visitors and want to be involved in everything. That devotion makes them delightful for an attentive home, but a poor match for someone who wants a distant, low-contact cat.
Do Tonkinese cats get lonely?
They can, easily. Tonkinese thrive on company and often do best in pairs or in a home where someone is around much of the day. Left alone for long hours they can become bored, anxious and loud. Many Sydney rescues suggest adopting a Tonk alongside a cat-friendly companion, or into a household that can give the attention this social breed needs.
Is a Tonkinese the right cat for me?
A Tonkinese suits people who want a playful, chatty, affectionate cat and can provide plenty of company or a feline friend. They are easy to groom and settle well into indoor or contained-outdoor life, which is how most Sydney rescues rehome them. If you are out for long days or prefer an independent cat, a Tonk is likely to be unhappy and a calmer, more self-sufficient cat would suit better.