Balinese Cat Breed Overview
The Balinese cat is a graceful, long-haired version of the Siamese. Known for its silky coat, it features a slender, athletic body, striking blue almond-shaped eyes, and large, pointed ears. Their coat comes in color points like cream, chocolate, and lilac. Intelligent, playful, and affectionate, Balinese cats are highly social and love interacting with their owners, making them wonderful companions.
Weight: 4 – 10 lbs
Color: Blue, Chocolate, Cream, Lilac, Red and Tortoise Shell
Coat: Long and Soft
Temperament: Affectionate, Intelligent and Playful
Kitten Price Range: $1100 – $1500
The Balinese cat is like the Siamese’s glam cousin—just as elegant, but with a luxurious silky coat! These cats are the ultimate mix of beauty and brains. They’re incredibly smart and love to play, so don’t be surprised if your Balinese figures out how to open cabinets or fetch like a dog!
With their sleek, long bodies and those mesmerizing blue eyes, they strut around like little supermodels. But don’t let their fancy looks fool you—they’re total lovebugs! Balinese cats are super affectionate, always ready for snuggles, and love to chat. You’ll find them following you around the house, purring sweet nothings in your ear, and being your personal shadow.
Oh, and they’ve got energy for days! Whether it’s chasing toys, climbing cat trees, or just zooming around the house, a Balinese is always up for fun. They’re the kind of cat that’ll keep you entertained and melt your heart at the same time!
Affection
Child Friendly
Dog Friendly
Energy Level
Grooming
Intelligence
Shedding
Social Needs
Stranger Friendly
Vocalization
Body
The Balinese cat has a slender, graceful, and athletic body. They’re long and lean, with a sleek, muscular frame that gives them an elegant appearance. Despite their delicate look, they are surprisingly strong and agile, always ready to jump and climb with ease.
Head
The head of the Balinese is wedge-shaped, tapering smoothly from the narrow muzzle up to their large ears. It’s finely proportioned, giving the cat a refined and regal look. Their straight profile and defined cheekbones add to their sleek, sophisticated appearance.
Ears
Balinese cats have large, wide-set ears that are pointed and give them an alert and curious expression. These ears not only add to their elegant look but also help amplify their sharp awareness of everything happening around them.
Eyes
Their almond-shaped eyes are striking and always blue. The deep, vivid blue is one of the most captivating features of the Balinese, and their expressive gaze adds to their enchanting charm. These eyes are full of intelligence and seem to communicate their thoughts with ease.
Coat
The Balinese is known for its soft, silky coat, which is longer than a Siamese but still fine and smooth to the touch. Unlike other long-haired breeds, the Balinese coat lies close to the body without an undercoat, so it doesn’t mat easily and requires minimal grooming.
Color
Balinese cats share the classic “pointed” coloration of the Siamese. This means their body is typically lighter in color, with darker color “points” on the face, ears, paws, and tail. Common point colors include seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac, giving them a striking contrast between their body and extremities.
Legs & Paws
Their legs are long and slim, in perfect proportion to their elegant bodies. Balinese cats are built for agility and speed, and their graceful movement shows in their long, fine-boned legs. Their paws are small and oval-shaped, completing their delicate, refined appearance.
Tail
The Balinese tail is long, plumed, and feather-like, gracefully trailing behind them as they move. It’s one of the most beautiful features of this breed, often described as flowing and wispy, giving them a fairy-like presence. Their tail helps maintain their balance, especially when leaping and climbing.
The Balinese cat has an interesting history that begins with the Siamese breed. Despite its name, the Balinese cat is not from Bali or Indonesia—it got its name because its graceful, flowing movement reminded breeders of Balinese dancers.
The breed’s origins trace back to the early 20th century, when long-haired kittens began appearing unexpectedly in Siamese litters. These long-haired Siamese were initially considered “flawed” by breeders and were not encouraged. However, some breeders found their beauty irresistible and began selectively breeding them to create a distinct, new breed.
In the 1940s and 1950s, breeders in the U.S. began taking these long-haired Siamese cats seriously. Two women, Marion Dorsey and Helen Smith, are credited with developing the Balinese as we know it today. Dorsey began breeding long-haired Siamese for their elegant looks and friendly temperament, while Smith gave the breed its name, finding the “long-haired Siamese” label inadequate for such a graceful feline. Thus, she chose “Balinese,” drawing a parallel between the cat’s elegance and the artistry of traditional Balinese dancers.
By the 1970s, the Balinese cat was recognized as a distinct breed by major cat registries, including the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA). Although closely related to the Siamese, the Balinese is distinguished by its longer, silky coat and slightly calmer demeanor, though it retains the intelligence and affectionate personality of its Siamese cousins.
Today, the Balinese cat enjoys popularity as a strikingly beautiful and affectionate breed, beloved for its social nature, elegance, and playful spirit. The breed has remained relatively unchanged over the decades, maintaining its strong connection to its Siamese ancestry while carving out its own place in the world of cats.
The Balinese cat is generally a healthy breed, thanks to its natural evolution alongside the Siamese, from which it descends. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to some health issues, particularly those associated with their genetic lineage. With proper care and regular vet visits, these cats can enjoy long, healthy lives, often living between 15 to 20 years.
Common Health Issues
Though relatively healthy, Balinese cats can be prone to certain hereditary conditions, many of which are shared with their Siamese ancestors. Some common health concerns include:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This genetic condition can cause gradual vision loss and, eventually, blindness in some cats. While it’s not curable, regular vet checkups can help monitor and manage this condition.
- Respiratory Issues: Due to their elongated heads, some Balinese cats may experience respiratory problems, although this is less common than in other breeds with similar facial structures.
- Liver Amyloidosis: This condition can cause a buildup of amyloid protein in the liver, which may lead to liver dysfunction. While it is rare, it’s a concern that can affect the breed.
- Heart Disease (Cardiomyopathy): Like many cats, Balinese can be susceptible to heart problems, particularly hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thickened.
Weight Management and Activity
Balinese cats are naturally slender and active, but it’s important to ensure they maintain a healthy weight. Like all cats, they can become overweight if overfed or not given enough exercise. Encourage regular play and provide a balanced, high-quality diet to keep them in top physical shape. Their natural athleticism and love for climbing and jumping make them active cats, so they need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy.
Dental Health
Balinese cats can be prone to dental issues like gingivitis and tooth decay, so regular dental care is essential. Providing them with dental treats, toys that promote oral health, and, when possible, brushing their teeth will help prevent these problems.
Lifespan and Routine Care
With proper care, Balinese cats often live long lives, with some reaching up to 20 years. Routine veterinary care, including vaccinations, parasite control, and regular wellness checks, will help ensure their overall well-being. Keeping an eye on their eyes, heart, and overall weight will also help address any issues before they become serious.
In summary, Balinese cats are a relatively healthy and long-lived breed, but like any cat, they benefit from regular care, a proper diet, and plenty of activity to stay fit and happy.
Caring for a Balinese cat means embracing their active, affectionate nature and providing a loving, stimulating environment. These intelligent and social cats thrive on interaction and need both physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Here’s a guide to properly care for your Balinese cat:
1. Diet and Nutrition
Balinese cats are naturally lean and active, so they require a high-quality, protein-rich diet to maintain their sleek physique and energy levels. Opt for high-quality cat food that’s rich in protein and low in fillers. Like all cats, they benefit from a mix of dry and wet food. Ensure they have access to fresh water at all times to stay hydrated.
2. Exercise and Playtime
Balinese cats are very playful and active, so they need plenty of daily exercise. Invest in interactive toys, laser pointers, and puzzle feeders to keep them engaged. They love to jump, climb, and explore, so providing cat trees or shelves for climbing is a great way to satisfy their natural instincts. Regular playtime also helps strengthen the bond between you and your cat while keeping them mentally stimulated.
3. Grooming
Even though Balinese cats have long fur, their coats are silky and don’t mat easily. They only have a single layer of fur, so grooming is relatively simple. A weekly brushing is usually enough to keep their coat shiny and free of loose hairs. This also helps minimize shedding around your home and keeps them comfortable.
4. Health Care
Routine veterinary care is key to ensuring your Balinese stays healthy. Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite control are essential. Balinese cats can be prone to certain hereditary conditions, such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and heart issues, so monitoring their health closely with the help of a vet is important. Additionally, keeping up with dental care by brushing their teeth regularly can prevent gum disease and other oral problems.
5. Mental Stimulation
Balinese cats are highly intelligent, so they need more than just physical exercise—they crave mental stimulation as well. Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing balls, and interactive play will keep their sharp minds engaged. These cats are curious by nature, so changing up their toys and activities can prevent boredom. You can also teach them tricks or commands, as Balinese cats are highly trainable and enjoy learning.
6. Affection and Social Interaction
Balinese cats are affectionate and love being around their human companions. They’ll often follow you from room to room, wanting to be involved in everything you do. Make time for cuddling and bonding, as they thrive on attention and companionship. These cats are also chatty and will “talk” to you with soft, melodic meows, so be prepared for lots of conversation.
7. Safe Environment
While they love to explore, it’s important to ensure that your home is safe for your Balinese cat. Keep hazardous items, such as toxic plants and small objects, out of reach. If you allow your Balinese access to the outdoors, consider providing a safe, enclosed space or harness training them for supervised outdoor adventures.
8. Companionship
Balinese cats do not like to be left alone for long periods, so if you’re away from home often, consider adopting a second cat to keep them company. They get along well with other cats and pets, and having a playmate can help keep them happy and entertained.
In summary, Balinese cats thrive on a mix of love, attention, and stimulation. With a proper diet, regular vet care, plenty of playtime, and mental engagement, your Balinese will be a happy, healthy, and devoted companion for years to come!