The Balinese is the long-haired version of the Siamese, although they are considered their own breed.
History
Despite the breed’s name Balinese, they didn’t originate from Bali but got their name because of their lean body, grace, and elegance that resembled that of dancers in the temples of Bali.
Long-haired Siamese cats have been documented over the years, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that cat fanciers in the United States decided to breed the cats with the intention of creating a new breed.
Some believe that the longhair gene was introduced to the Siamese when the breed almost went extinct during WW1 and breeders resorted to crossbreeding the Siamese with other cats.
Others believe that the longhair gene was always present in the Siamese.
In 1961, the breed gained full championship status with the Cat Fanciers’ Federation (CFF).
Appearance & Physical Attributes
The Balinese closely resembles the Siamese, likely because she is the long-haired version!
Balinese cats have a long, slender body with a triangular-shaped head and ears.
All Balinese cats are colorpoint and have blue eyes.
Their coat is medium-length with no undercoat, meaning that they shed less than other long-haired cats.
Personality & Behavioral Traits
Balinese cats are very sociable, outgoing, and vocal, just like their Siamese counterparts.
They are very intelligent, curious, and athletic.
Balinese parents should be mindful to not leave their cat alone for a long period of time as they’re susceptible to loneliness and can get destructive.
The breed generally does well with other cats, dogs, and children.
Health & Care
Balinese cats are prone to eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy and strabismus as well as other health problems like dilated cardiomyopathy, and hereditary liver amyloidosis.
The breed only requires weekly grooming seeing how they lack an undercoat and shed less than other longhaired cats.
Mental and physical stimulation is essential for all Balinese cats. It’s important to keep toys, scratching posts, and cat trees available for your cat, especially when you’re absent.
Occasional baths are beneficial for the Balinese cats’ fur and overall health.
Annual check-ups with your local vet are very important because cats are good at hiding pain and sickness.
Fun Facts:
Balinese cats are the only longhaired cat breed that is considered to be hypoallergenic.
They typically weigh between 6 and 11 pounds (3-5 kg).
The breed’s life expectancy is 12-20 years.
They are known to be easier to train than other breeds.
Works Cited
“Balinese Cat Breed Profile,” Petfinder,
“Balinese Cat–Complete Breed Profile, History, and Facts,” Real ESA Letter,
“Balinese” Embrace Pet Insurance,
Johnstone, Gemma, “Balinese Cat–Full Profile, History, and Care,” The Spruce Pets,