The Tonkanees

The Tonkanees

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

When they wanted to get a cat together, they thought for more than half a year about what kind of cat they wanted. They were looking for a playful, extroverted but above all loving cat. "Truly a companion to share the good and bad times with. To watch a series together in the winter, and garden in the summer," Zoë says. And so they ended up with the Tonkinese! This cat breed is still relatively unknown in The Netherlands (NL), and besides its beautiful appearance, its personality is the most striking. They are extremely friendly, people-oriented, and loving. The Tonkinese persistently demands your attention and affection. Because of the social and playful nature of the Tonkinese, it quickly became clear to Zoë that they should go for 2 kittens instead of 1.

Suddenly, there were 2 kittens available...

Through the internet, Zoë got in touch with a cattery. At that time, there was a litter, but no kittens were available from it. Due to unexpected cancellations, they then became eligible for 2 kittens after all! What luck!

Of course, they didn't miss the chance and then went to the cattery to admire the kittens. It was a special first encounter, Zoë said, who initially had to get used to the appearance of the Tonkinese with its athletic body and satin coat. "I had never experienced before that cats who didn't know me would come to greet me so enthusiastically and cheerfully right away. Within a few minutes, the kittens were already on my and my boyfriend's laps. They immediately felt comfortable with us."

Netflix stars

The half-sister and half-brother both received a special, fitting name 'Fynnan and Aelswith'. Zoë explains how they came up with these names based on the series 'The Last Kingdom' that they were watching at the time and drew inspiration from for the names of the pair. "We wanted the name to truly reflect their personality. Therefore, we mainly looked at names that you could also give to people. At the same time, we wanted to give them a name that you don't often hear. In The Last Kingdom on Netflix, their Celtic names appear. Fynnan is a loyal, friendly, and social character in the series. Additionally, Fynnan means 'light-colored'. Perfectly fitting for our sweet blonde tomcat. Aelswith is just a feisty, stubborn, noble character in the series. We also thought that suited our cat well."

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 built such a close bond and fully belong to the family. Zoë sometimes misses her cats when she is at work, and when she comes home again she is very happy when they come to greet her at the door. Zoë works as a psychologist, and this job can sometimes be demanding. "When I come home I am more or less forced to take a break when they lie on my chest or lap. Yes, my cats really force me to be more in the here and now," Zoë says. "My cats have also become a bit like my life coaches," she continues. How wonderful is that?

The two Tonkanezen are also real buddies with each other and with Zoë and her boyfriend. They even resemble each other in many ways! They all love being outside in the garden, but can also enjoy a night on the couch (the reality series 90 day fiance is Fynnan's favorite). Both Zoë and Aelswith really love good food and trying new dishes. Aelswith really tries everything; vegetables, cookies, nuts, fries, she goes wild over it!

Partners in crime

Before they had the cat tree Maine Coon Tower at home, the couple hardly had anything left intact in the house. One small disadvantage of 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 stay intact with cats... Zoë thinks. Especially the curtains were heavily damaged because the cats like to run both horizontally and vertically. The Maine Coon Tower was therefore the perfect solution for Fynnan and Aelswith. In addition, they often lie together in one of the hammocks.

Zoë says that her clever (and therefore sometimes naughty) cats get up to many more funny tricks together. For example, she can never stand in the kitchen without a cat trying to steal your chicken, spaghetti, or pumpkin. Zoë is always alert because otherwise they steal the food from your plate in a sneaky way, one distracts you while the other grabs the meat! Then they eat it together in a corner.

In response to the question whether they get up to more mischief together, Zoë answers: Yes, among other things hanging in the chandelier, knocking over plant pots, eating toilet paper, opening chip bags, gnawing on cables.  

We were not deterred by this, because just 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, then follow them on Instagram! @thepurrrioustwo