Well spaced, shapely ears are set pricked forward and perfectly balanced on a subtly sculptured head with rounded edges and gentle slopes. The head is neither elongated nor short and round. When you view it from the front it should give the impression of an equilateral triangle, it doesn’t matter whether you take the point of the chin to the base of the ears or to the tip of the ears (indeed viewing the triangle from the chin to the tip of the ears will give you a guide to the correct ear set). The muzzle is defined by a slight whisker pinch. In profile, the Tonkinese has a slight nose-break and a firm chin of medium depth. The eyes are large, expressive and gently almond shaped. The top line of the eye slants down toward the nose, the lower line of the eye is rounded. The colour of the Tonkinese eyes is a notable feature of the breed; it is a sparkling aquamarine (greenish-blue or bluish-green), so subtle that it is best seen in natural light. The deeper and clearer the eye colour is the better.

In the self colours (a term used to distinguish the single coloured cats from torties and the tabbies), the body colour is expected to gently merge with the darker points. In torties the nature of the pattern prevents an even merging of body and points colour but the base colour on the body should be a paler tone of the base colour on the points. In the tabby pattern the colour of the body and points do not merge but the tabby markings on the body should be a paler tone of the clearly defined markings on the points.

In America and Canada, early breeders likened their Tonk’s colour and coat-pattern to the wild mink, a rich chestnut brown body and darker points (the face, ears, legs and tail), so they called the brown Tonkinese 'natural mink'. ‘Mink’ now refers to the Tonkinese coat-pattern, not the colour or texture of the fur. Soon other colours were bred - Blue, Champagne and Platinum and even Honey and Fawn. In the UK the Tonkinese are recognised by the GCCF in Brown, Blue, Chocolate and Lilac (these equate with USA’s Natural, Blue, Champagne and Platinum), plus Carmel, Red, Cream and Apricot; in addition there are the Tabbies and Tortoiseshells in all of the possible colour variations just mentioned.

It is virtually impossible to describe the sheer charm of a Tonkinese. They give you their devoted attention, and share themselves with each member of the household, but you won’t feel suffocated by their attention - unless you have them for the wrong reasons. They must be treated as equal, active, members of the family. They know how to get attention; they'll touch you or talk to you in moderated tones, they'll bring presents or place a toy at your feet for you to throw for them. They welcome visitors, greet you at the door and tell you about their day. The Tonk is upwardly mobile and seeks the highest point in the room to look down upon you. They are strong, intelligent cats - if they want to get into a drawer, wardrobe or cat-flap they will. They charm you, while training you to serve them properly. Tonks are good companions for children if respected and cared for. They’re easy to groom and are not fussy eaters. These intelligent, generous spirited cats should never be taken for granted. They love to be with people, but need the company of other cats too. A Tonk in a single-cat home is not likely to be content. They get on well with all types of cat but, ideally, their companion should be similar to themselves - bright and active.

If you want to be owned by a Tonk be sure you want a cat who expects equal terms. Be sure you want a cat who will talk to you and expect an answer; a cat who will demand a fair share of attention and in return will be a constant and faithful companion.