Balinese cat breed: facts, temperament and care

About the Balinese

The Balinese is the long-haired version of the Siamese. Despite the name, the breed has nothing to do with Bali. Long-haired kittens occasionally appeared in Siamese litters, and some were registered as show cats in 1928. In the United States, breeders began developing the type as a separate breed in the mid-1950s, and Helen Smith named them Balinese, a name usually linked to the graceful dancers of Bali.

The cat has the Siamese body, long and fine-boned, with a wedge-shaped head, large ears and blue almond eyes. The coat is silky and medium in length, lies close to the body and has no woolly undercoat. The tail carries a full plume. The points, meaning the ears, face, legs and tail, are darker than the body. The CFA accepts seal, blue, chocolate and lilac points. It classes cats in other colours as Javanese, and since 2008 it treats the Javanese as part of the Balinese breed. Most other associations accept the extra colours under the name Balinese.

Temperament and living with one

Balinese are social, curious and inquisitive. They are often described as the most intelligent of the longhaired breeds. They have a voice, though a softer one than the Siamese, and they use it to comment on the day and to ask for attention. Many follow their people from room to room and take part in whatever is going on.

They are energetic and playful, and most enjoy puzzle toys and fetch. They bond closely and do not like long periods alone, so a home with company, or a second cat, suits them. They tend to get on with children who are gentle and with other pets.

Care: coat, food and play

The coat is easier than it looks, because there is little undercoat to tangle. Comb once or twice a week and a little more in spring. Check the teeth, ears and nails.

Feed a complete diet in measured portions. A Balinese is lean by nature, but indoor adults can still gain weight if fed freely. Provide tall cat trees, scratching posts, puzzle feeders and several play sessions a day. Boredom may lead to noisy, demanding behaviour.

Health

The Balinese shares ancestry with the Siamese, and the gene pool is small, so unknown inherited disorders are possible. Progressive retinal atrophy, which causes gradual vision loss, is a confirmed concern. Ask a breeder about the health and testing of the parents. A vet can advise on checks, dental care and weight. Changes in eyesight, appetite or breathing deserve a prompt visit.

Is it right for you?

Choose a Balinese if you want a talkative, clever companion and are home often enough to give it attention. If you prefer a short coat, the Siamese is the same cat in shorter fur. For a calmer pointed longhair, see the Birman. For a pointed cat in more varied colours, compare the Javanese and the Oriental Longhair.