Are Tonkinese cats rare?

Yes, Tonkinese cats are somewhat rare compared to more mainstream breeds like the Siamese or the Maine Coon. This rarity comes down to a few factors. First, they were developed relatively recently, in the 1960s, so they haven’t had as much time to spread and become as well-known. Additionally, breeding Tonkinese cats requires careful selection to maintain their unique blend of Burmese and Siamese traits, which can be more complex and specialized than other breeds. This means fewer breeders focus on them, making them less common in shelters and catteries.