The Balinese cat, often referred to as the long-haired Siamese, embodies all the cherished traits of the classic Siamese but with an added touch of elegance – a flowing, silky coat. This luxurious coat is not just an aesthetic feature; it’s the defining characteristic that sets the Balinese apart and explains the breed’s very existence.
Beyond their stunning coats, Balinese cats are Siamese through and through. They are renowned for their playful nature, remarkable intelligence, deep devotion to their families, and engaging, often vocal, personalities. If you adore the Siamese temperament but desire a softer, more glamorous feline companion, the Balinese might be your perfect match.
Balinese Cat Breed Profile
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Balinese |
| Common Name | Balinese (long-hair Siamese) |
| Height | 8 to 11 inches |
| Weight | 8 to 15 pounds |
| Lifespan | 15 to 20 years |
| Temperament | Affectionate, sociable, intelligent |
| Good With | Children, families, seniors |
| Intelligence | High |
| Shedding | Normal |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | Active |
| Vocal Level | Frequent |
| Coat Length | Long |
| Coat Colors | Blue, chocolate, cream, fawn, lilac, red, white |
| Coat Patterns | Color point |
| Traits | Friendly, loyal, good lap cat, groom-intensive |
Appearance of the Balinese: The Silky Siamese
Imagine a Siamese cat draped in a medium-to-long silky coat. That’s the Balinese in essence. This breed boasts the same refined physique as the Siamese, but with a coat that is both luxurious and practical. The Balinese coat, while long, is surprisingly low-matting and lies close to the body, emphasizing their slender, athletic build. The coat is typically white or cream with distinctive color points, mirroring the Siamese palette: classic seal, elegant blue, rich chocolate, and delicate lilac. Their tails are particularly striking, adorned with plume-like fur that matches their points, adding to their graceful silhouette.
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Physically, the Balinese are lithe and agile cats, possessing strong hind legs that make them exceptional jumpers. Don’t be surprised to find your Balinese surveying their domain from the highest vantage points in your home, like the top of kitchen cabinets. They have neat, oval paws, and their heads are distinctly wedge-shaped, accentuated by large, widely set ears that continue the head’s angular lines. The Balinese eyes are a defining feature – almond-shaped and a captivating, brilliant sapphire blue, adding to their striking appearance.
Balinese Temperament: A Siamese Soul in a Fluffy Body
When you welcome a Balinese into your home, you’re essentially adopting a Siamese in terms of personality, but with the added allure of a long coat. From a temperament perspective, this means you’re gaining a deeply devoted and affectionate companion who thrives on human interaction. Balinese cats are known to shadow their owners, moving from room to room and engaging in ongoing “conversations” throughout the day.
According to Dr. Lin Kauffman, DVM, from Prairie View Animal Hospital in Grimes, Iowa, “They carry very similar traits [to the Siamese] because they have such a close lineage. If you don’t want a cat that doesn’t have to have the last word, don’t have a Siamese, don’t have a Balinese.” This highlights their vocal nature and their desire to be involved in your life.
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While Balinese cats share the Siamese tendency to be vocal, their voices are often described as softer and more melodious. This can make them slightly more adaptable to apartment living or households with roommates, where excessive noise might be a concern.
As highly intelligent and people-oriented cats, Balinese are keen observers of their surroundings and their human companions. Dr. Chyrle Bonk, DVM, notes that these intelligent felines are capable of learning impressive tricks and enjoy interactive games. They are not shy about expressing their needs and will certainly let you know if they feel they aren’t receiving enough attention.
“They can be a little demanding of your time and speak out if you aren’t giving them enough attention,” Bonk explains. “Don’t expect to get one of these cats and simply plan to feed and clean up after them. They will want more from you than that.” Prospective Balinese owners should be prepared to dedicate time to interaction, play, and affection.
Living with a Balinese: Creating a Vertical Paradise
The Balinese is naturally a “vertical cat,” meaning they love to explore heights. They are likely to scale curtains and leap onto refrigerators with ease. To cater to this inherent climbing inclination and ensure a harmonious home environment, it’s beneficial to invest in vertical spaces. Cat trees, hammocks, and shelves strategically placed around your home will provide them with the elevated perches they crave.
“While they might not want to go around the clock, they do like to play for large parts of the day,” Bonk says. Due to their playful nature, Balinese cats make excellent playmates for children and generally get along well with other pets. “Most will be accepting of other pets, especially if they’re properly socialized beforehand,” she adds. “But don’t expect them to be welcoming to other animals if they aren’t used to them.” Early socialization is key to multi-pet households.
While Balinese cats thrive on companionship, they are relatively independent and don’t typically suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for reasonable periods. However, boredom can lead to mischief. To keep them entertained in your absence, ensure they have access to a variety of interactive toys. Despite their active nature, Balinese cats are also content to be lap cats, happy to relax and cuddle with their beloved humans whenever the opportunity arises.
Caring for Your Balinese: Grooming and Attention
Despite their long and luxurious coat, Balinese cats are surprisingly easy to groom. While they are moderate shedders, their lack of a dense undercoat means grooming is less intensive than with some other long-haired breeds. Regular brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient to prevent tangles and keep their coat in top condition.
It’s worth noting that there’s some evidence suggesting Balinese cats may produce lower levels of the Fel d1 and Fel d4 protein allergens compared to some other breeds. While this doesn’t classify them as truly hypoallergenic cats, it might make them a more suitable choice for individuals with mild allergies. However, it’s always recommended to spend time with a Balinese cat before bringing one home to assess your personal allergic reaction.
Beyond coat care, regular attention should be paid to their large ears, which require routine cleaning to prevent ear infections and wax buildup, according to Bonk. Like all cats, Balinese also need their nails trimmed regularly.
However, the most crucial aspect of Balinese care is providing them with ample attention and affection. “This is not a cat that is going to quietly go about their business,” Bonk emphasizes. “They will want to be involved in everything you do. Expect to give them lots of attention in the form of playing as well as affection. If they don’t get what they want for you, expect some retribution in the form of [undesirable behavior] or vocalization.” Meeting their social and interactive needs is paramount for a happy and well-adjusted Balinese cat.
Balinese Health: Potential Considerations
Balinese cats are generally a healthy breed with a commendable lifespan of 15–20 years. However, they can be predisposed to certain health conditions similar to those seen in Siamese cats, as noted by Bonk.
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Eye problems in cats are a concern for the breed, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a degenerative condition of the retina that can lead to vision impairment or blindness. Cross-eyes can also occur in Balinese cats, Bonk mentions.
Heart conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy, which enlarges the heart muscles and weakens heart function, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), are potential risks, though HCM is considered to be a lower risk for this breed. Liver amyloidosis, a condition that can lead to liver failure, is another health concern.
Balinese cats may also be more prone to respiratory issues, particularly asthma. Prospective owners should be aware of these potential health concerns and discuss them with a veterinarian and breeder.
History of the Balinese: From Siamese Surprise to Breed Recognition
Evidence suggests that long-haired Siamese kittens have appeared sporadically in litters since the early 19th century. Initially viewed as an undesirable anomaly resulting from a recessive gene, these kittens were often neutered and given away.
However, in the early 20th century, some breeders began to appreciate the unique beauty of these long-haired Siamese and started to keep them for exhibition. The American Cat Fanciers’ Association (ACFA) registered “long-haired Siamese” for showing in 1928. Yet, they were still considered a variety of Siamese, not a distinct breed.
It wasn’t until the 1950s that breeders actively worked to establish these cats as a separate breed. Helen Smith, a Balinese breeder, gave them the name “Balinese,” inspired by their graceful movements and silky coats, which reminded her of Balinese dancers. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) officially recognized the Balinese for championship status in 1970, marking their formal establishment as a breed.
Fun Facts About Balinese Cats
- The name “Balinese” was chosen to distinguish them from their Siamese ancestors and because their elegance evoked images of Balinese dancers for breeder Helen Smith.
- The Balinese is considered a rare cat breed, adding to their special appeal.
- To maintain the purity of the Balinese lineage, only registered, purebred Siamese cats were permitted in the early Balinese breeding programs, ensuring the preservation of their distinctive traits.
