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Balinese vs Siamese
The Balinese is the long-haired version of the Siamese; the Siamese is shorter-coated, louder and more common.
Verdict
These two are close, since the Balinese is a long-haired version of the Siamese. Both are slender, blue-eyed, pointed cats with top scores for affection and intelligence and the lowest independence score. The Siamese has a short, fine coat with almost no grooming and the loudest voice. The Balinese has a silky medium-length coat and a plumed tail, needs a little more brushing and talks a bit less. The Siamese is easier to find. The one thing that decides it is coat length.
Choose the Balinese if
- You like a silky medium-length coat and a plumed tail.
- You will brush it modestly.
- You want a cat that talks a little less.
- You accept a less common breed.
Choose the Siamese if
- You want the lightest grooming of the two.
- You enjoy a very talkative cat.
- You want a breed with a long CFA record and many breeders.
- You like the sleek short coat and vivid blue eyes.
Where they are alike
Both are clever, devoted cats with light shedding that do poorly alone for long hours. Each lists progressive retinal atrophy, so ask your vet and your breeder about screening.
Side by side
| Balinese | Siamese | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Longhair and semi-longhair | Shorthair |
| Origin | United States, from long-haired kittens born in Siamese litters | Thailand (formerly Siam) |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | — | 6-12 lb (2.7-5.4 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | — | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Medium | Short |
| Coat | Soft, silky, medium-length coat with no woolly undercoat and a plumed tail | Short, fine, glossy coat that lies close to the body, with no undercoat |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 1906 |
| How common | Uncommon | Common |
| Affection | 5 | 5 |
| Energy | 4 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 4 | 5 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 1 |
| Shedding | 2 | 2 |
| Good with children | 4 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 1 | 1 |
| Trainability | 5 | 5 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The coat has no thick undercoat and sheds lightly, but people who react to cats may still react to a Balinese. | — |
| Suits | An owner who is home often and enjoys a talkative, clever, affectionate cat that wants to be involved in everything. | A person or family at home often who enjoys a cat that talks, follows them about and wants to be involved in everything. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who wants a quiet cat, or who is away from home for long hours. | Anyone out all day, anyone who wants a quiet cat, or a household that cannot give a lot of attention. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026