Tonkinese cat lovers, do you want to know if this breed is hypoallergenic?
Tonkinese cats are a domestic breed that was produced by crossing breeding the Burmese and Siamese. This breed shares some of each parent’s unique, playful and lively traits.
There are two types of Tonkinese cats; short haired and medium-haired. The shorthaired Tonkinese is popular worldwide. The medium-haired is quite famous in Europe, particularly in France, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.
We are committed to our allergic families to find out if Tonkinese cats are hypoallergenic or not. So, we have done thorough research on whether this breed can be a great option for the homes of families with cat allergies.
For answers to all your questions, please read on!
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Are Tonkinese Cats Hypoallergenic?
Although no cat is seen as being 100% allergy-friendly, Tonkinese cats can be somewhat hypoallergenic. Both parent breeds display hypoallergenic characteristics which lead to reduced levels of allergies in some people with sensitivities to cats.
That’s why Tonks may be an option that’s hypoallergenic to you too. Really, it depends on your level of sensitivities as well.
The biggest risk of cat allergies comes from the proteins all cats produce in varying degrees. Fel d1 is an allergy-causing protein that is produced by all cats, including the Tonkinese. Fel d1 protein can be found in a Tonk’s saliva, dander, and urine, among other substances. And exposure to this protein can cause allergies.
That’s why Tonkinese cats can still trigger allergic reactions in people prone to cat allergies, with the common ones being skin and breathing allergies. Need more information on this? Please read on!
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Do Tonkinese Cats Shed a Lot?
Fortunately, Tonkinese cats are not heavy, shedding creatures. Tonkinese is a low shedding breed, making it a great pet for people who don’t like cleaning an endless amount of cat fur. But, the shedding level varies, with the medium-haired Tonkinese shedding more than the shorthaired ones.
The Tonkinese cat has short to medium hair, so you might not notice their fur all over your home when they start shedding. Despite being a moderately low-shedding breed of cats, the Tonkinese releases trapped outdoor allergens and dander during periods of heavy grooming or shedding cycles. Regular brushing will minimize this unwanted baggage, help remove trapped allergens while also giving them that fluffy coat they’re known for!
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How to Determine If Tonkinese Is Hypoallergenic to You
Just like all pets, our feline pals can trigger a wide range of allergies. And in this article, we will focus on the two most common kinds of allergies caused by cats (skin and breathing sensitivities). And whether this breed affects you depends on which type of allergic reaction you are prone to.
We have rated Tonkinese for both.
Sufferers prone to breathing allergies are usually affected by airborne particles. Individuals with skin sensitivities have more things to consider, which we will explain more in the next section.
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Tonkinese Dander and Saliva Exposure
No feline is 100% hypoallergenic. And that is because they all produce allergy-causing proteins that affect people with cat sensitivities.
These cats produce a protein called Fel d1, which is the main cause of skin sensitivities.
All cats, even the shorthaired breeds, release dander when they shed. Luckily for Tonkinese cat owners, these felines have a low production rate of this allergy-causing agent and can instead be known as “hypoallergenic” in some cases.
However, their drool is no exception to this rule: it still becomes trapped on coats which means that while your new pet might not bother you with allergies from its coat or saliva more than other breeds do at first sight alone (or smell), long-term exposure could lead to developing severe allergic reactions over time just like any other breed would too!
Tonks are notorious for licking themselves clean because they love being groomed so much; but one downside of their obsessive grooming habits can lead them into trapping drool on their coats which often results in allergy symptoms (a lot like how humans’ allergies flare up when dust particles cling onto clothes or hair). Fortunately though there are ways around getting those pesky allergens off without having too many sneezing attacks.
Tonkinese Grooming and Coat Maintenance
Tonks are known as the cat breed loved by clean people for a reason! They tend to take care of a huge percentage of their grooming needs. Therefore, they rarely need a bath. Tonkinese cats should only be bathed when they get into something dirty and can’t clean themselves.
But, make sure you wash them with the right shampoo that will leave their coats shiny and healthy!
This breed has a wash-and-wear coat. Their short silky fur needs minimal grooming. Just make sure you brush their coats at least once per week with a gentle brush for your Tonk to look sharp. Many fanciers recommend that you brush your cat with a high-quality rubber grooming brush with a concave-shaped surface such as one of these:
In Love With the Tonkinese Cats? Tips for Reducing Allergic Reactions
The Tonkinese breed can be a great addition to any home, but there are some things you need to know before bringing home this little feline friend. They require more attention than most breeds as they love socializing and playing with their humans!
A unique trait of the Tonkinese breed is that unlike other cats who like private space for themselves or play time alone, these meow-ers always want company around them all times – which might not work well for allergy sufferers.
Alongside being very sociable creatures, we recommend having plenty of toys on hand because it’s likely your new cat will get bored easily if she doesn’t have anything fun and lively going on near her 24/7. Here are some other tips to help you manage your allergies if you decide to go ahead and bring home one of these adorable little cuties!
Training
Tonkinese are highly intelligent and active cats that have a reputation for being innovators. This breed can create numerous games with their toys and owners. They love playing fetch and hide-and-seek. By using games and play time, you can train your Tonk to help you fight against allergies in your home too.
Proper training can help reduce the spread of allergens in your home. So, we recommend that you teach them the following:
- To always stay within your home’s borders
- To never lick you if you are allergic to its saliva
- To keep off your bedroom and soft furnishings
- To minimize outdoor adventures
- To use its kitty litter
Fortify Your Residence
All cats break the rules, especially when you are not around, and Tonkinese cats are no exception. Tonkinese cats don’t like being left alone or ignored, and they can do anything to get your attention. So it’s advisable to fortify your home with the following devices:
- HEPA Filters
- An air purifier
- Vacuum cleaner with a pet hair attachment
- Always have your allergy tabs near you
- Allergy-friendly cleaning products
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Final Thoughts
Tonkinese cats may be a great option for allergy sufferers, but it is important to note that the hypoallergenic qualities of Tonks depend on several factors. The severity of someone’s allergies and their unique sensitivities will determine whether or not Tonkinese cats can be a safe choice.
However, if you have mild cat allergies (or no history of reactions with this breed), then there may be little risk in trying out this breed! In fact, many Tonkinese owners claim they are one of the most low-maintenance breeds around because they don’t shed much at all.
It’s worth spending time around them before committing to bringing one home, just to be on the safe side.
