Tonkinese come in four colors and three patterns. The colors range from dark to light brown (natural or champagne) or gray (blue or platinum) depending on the presence or absence of a diluted gene. The patterns are similar to the original parents of the breed.

"Pointed" cat have high contrast between point and body color and blue eyes, similar to the Siamese pattern.

"Minks" have moderate contrast with shaded body tones and blue to green eyes, with Aqua the desired shade.

"Solids" have low contrast and green to yellow eyes, similar to the Burmese pattern.

Regardless of the pattern, all cats look like Tonkinese and have the same wonderful temperament.