The Tonkinese coat is easy to groom with weekly brushing. The only other grooming the Tonkinese needs is regular nail trimming, usually weekly, and ear cleaning only if the ears look dirty. Use a gentle cleanser recommended by your veterinarian. Brush the teeth frequently with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath. The Tonk is prone to periodontal disease, so it’s important to brush his teeth at home and schedule veterinary cleanings as needed. Start brushing, nail trimming, and teeth brushing early so your kitten becomes accepting of this activity.
The soft, short coat of the Tonkinese is easily cared for with weekly brushing to remove dead hair and distribute skin oil. A bath is rarely necessary.Brush the teeth to prevent periodontal disease. Daily dental hygiene is best, but weekly brushing is better than nothing. Wipe the corners of the eyes with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge. Use a separate area of the cloth for each eye so you don’t run the risk of spreading any infection. Check the ears weekly. If they look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball or soft damp cloth moistened with a 50-50 mixture of cider vinegar and warm water. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can damage the interior of the ear.Keep the litter box spotlessly clean. Like all cats, Tonkinese are very particular about bathroom hygiene.It’s a good idea to keep a Tonkinese as an indoor-only cat to protect him from diseases spread by other cats, attacks by dogs or coyotes, and the other dangers that face cats who go outdoors, such as being hit by a car. Tonkinese who go outdoors also run the risk of being stolen by someone who would like to have such a beautiful cat without paying for it.
