The Tonkinese

The Tonkinese

For both Zoë and her boyfriend, cats have always been an important part of their lives. They both grew up with several large and pompous cats, Zoë's friend has always had British Shorthairs and Scottish Folds, and Zoë also Norwegian Forest Cats.

When they wanted to get a cat together, they spent over six months thinking about what kind of cat they wanted. They were looking for a playful, extroverted but above all loving cat. ‘Really a companion to experience the good and bad times together. To watch a series with in the winter, and garden with in the summer’ Zoë tells. And so they ended up with the Tonkinese! This cat breed is still relatively unknown in the Netherlands, and besides its beautiful appearance, its personality is the most striking. They are enormously friendly, people-oriented and loving. The Tonkinese demands your attention and affection with great persistence. Because of the Tonkinese's social and playful nature, it soon became clear to Zoë that they should go for 2 kittens instead of 1.

Suddenly, 2 kittens were available...

Through the internet, Zoë came into contact with a cattery. At that time, there was a litter, but no more kittens were available. Due to unexpected cancellations, they were still eligible for 2 kittens! What a stroke of luck!

Of course, they did not miss this opportunity, and then went to the cattery to go and admire the kittens. It was a special first encounter told Zoë, who initially had to get used to the Tonkinese's appearance with its athletic body and satin coat. ‘I had not experienced it before that cats who did not know me came to greet me so enthusiastically and happily right away,’ she says. Within minutes, the kittens were already sitting on my and my friend's laps. They immediately felt comfortable with us.’

Netflix stars

The half-sister and half-brother were both given special, fitting names ‘Fynnan and Aelswith’. How they came up with these names Zoë explains based on the series ‘The Last Kingdom’ they were watching at the time and drew inspiration for the couple's names. ‘We wanted the name to really reflect their personalities. As a result, we mainly looked at names that you could also give to people. At the same time, we wanted to give them a name you don't often hear. In The Last Kingdom on Netflix, their Celtic names appear. In the series, Fynnan is a loyal, friendly and social character. In addition, Fynnan means ‘light-coloured’. Perfectly fitting for our sweet blonde tomcat. Aelswith is in the series just a feisty, stubborn, noble character. We found that too a good fit for our cat.’

Everything she expected from it, and SO much more

Fynnan and Aelswith have only been with them for 5 months, but during this time they have formed such a close bond and are completely part of the family. Zoe sometimes misses her cats when she is at work, and then when she returns home she is very happy when they come to greet her at the door. Zoë works as a psychologist, and this job can be demanding at times. ‘When I come home I am more or less forced to rest when they come and lie on my chest or lap. Yes, my cats really force me to be more in the here and now’ Zoë tells “My cats have thus also become a bit my life coaches” she continues. How beautiful is that?

The two Tonkinese are also real buddies to each other and to Zoë and her boyfriend. They even look alike in many ways! They all love being outside in the garden, but can also enjoy an evening of couch-sitting (the reality series 90-day fiance is Fynnan's favourite). Both Zoe and Aelswith really like good food and trying new dishes. Aelswith tries everything; vegetables, biscuits, nuts, chips, it drives her wild!

Partners in crime

Before they had the Maine Coon Tower scratching post  in their home, the couple kept almost nothing
intact. So one small disadvantage to the cats, but at the same time also an advantage, because you become aware of the low value of material things that do not all remain intact with cats... Zoë thinks. The curtains in particular were badly damaged because the cats like to run both horizontally and vertically. The Maine Coon Tower was the perfect solution for Fynnan and Aelswith. In addition, they regularly lie together in one of the hammocks.

Zoë says that her smart (and therefore sometimes naughty) cats do many more funny tricks together. For example, she can never be in the kitchen again without a cat that wants to steal your chicken, spaghetti or pumpkin. Zoë is always alert because otherwise they will steal the food from your plate in a rogue way, one
distracts you while the other steals the meat! Then they eat it together in a corner.

When asked if they get into more mischief together, Zoë answers: Yes, including hanging in the chandelier, pulling over planters, eating toilet paper, opening crisp bags, gnawing through cables.

We didn't let this deter us, because look at those beautiful faces! Have you also become a fan of the Tonkinese, or do you want to know and see more of Fynnan and Aelswith, follow them on Instagram! @thepurrrioustwo