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Balinese vs Somali
Both are silky, medium-coated, clever cats; the Somali is a quiet, ticked climber, the Balinese a talkative, pointed, clingier one.
Verdict
These two are close in coat length and intelligence, and they differ in temperament. The Somali is the longhaired Abyssinian, with the top energy and play scores, a quiet voice and a ticked coat. The Balinese is pointed, scores top marks for affection, talks often and has the lowest independence score. The Balinese suits an apartment better. The one thing that decides it is voice and closeness: choose the Somali for a busy, quiet climber and the Balinese for a chatty, devoted companion.
Choose the Balinese if
- You enjoy a cat that talks.
- You want the more affectionate, clingier cat.
- You live in a smaller home.
- You like the pointed pattern and a coat that sheds lightly.
Choose the Somali if
- You want a quiet voice from an active cat.
- You want the most energetic and playful cat of the two.
- You have space for climbing.
- You like a ticked coat and a full, bushy tail.
Where they are alike
Both are medium-coated, intelligent cats with moderate grooming needs and a strong bond with their people. Neither suits a home where the cat is alone all day.
Side by side
| Balinese | Somali | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Longhair and semi-longhair | Longhair and semi-longhair |
| Origin | United States, from long-haired kittens born in Siamese litters | North America, from Abyssinian lines |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | — | 6-13 lb (2.7-5.9 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | — | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Medium | Medium |
| Coat | Soft, silky, medium-length coat with no woolly undercoat and a plumed tail | Soft, fine, silky double coat, longer on the ruff, belly and britches, with a full plumed tail |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 1979 |
| How common | Uncommon | Uncommon |
| Affection | 5 | 4 |
| Energy | 4 | 5 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 4 | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 3 |
| Shedding | 2 | 3 |
| Good with children | 4 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 1 | 2 |
| Trainability | 5 | 5 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 3 |
| 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 household that wants a clever, active, affectionate cat and will give it play, climbing space and company. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who wants a quiet cat, or who is away from home for long hours. | Anyone out all day, anyone wanting a quiet lap cat, or a home without room to climb. |
| 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