How to Understand the Balinese

Origin

The Balinese is an oriental cat that has Siamese style points or markings with long hair. The Balinese does resemble the Siamese but are not as talkative. If you go back through history you will find the Balinese registered as a longhaired Siamese as far back as the 1920’s. during this time, a long haired kitten was born in a Siamese litter and considered to be more of a misfit than a show cat and were sold only as pets. In the 1950’s this changed. Two breeders, , Mrs. Marion Dorsey of Rai-Mar Cattery in California and Mrs. Helen Smith of MerryMews Cattery in New York, decided to start a breeding program for these longhaired cats. Helen named the cats Balinese as in her opinion they reminded her of the grace seen with Balinese dancers and the name longhaired Siamese did nothing for these graceful and loving cats.

Height and Weight

The Balinese is a medium sized cat breed weighing between six and eleven pounds.

Colors and Coat

The Balinese has two varieties just as their ancestors the Siamese. You will find both “traditional” Balinese and “contemporary” Balinese. The traditional Balinese has a two-inch coat all over their body looking similar to that of the Ragdoll, whereas the contemporary has a shorter coat and looks more like a show Siamese except for its silky plume tail. Coat colors for both varieties include the four traditional Siamese point colors, which are blue, chocolate, lilac, and seal, and other colors such as red, cream, lynx point, and tortie point.

Temperament and Living Environment

The Balinese is known for being an energetic and can be a vocal breed even though his voice is quite soft. He is not one that likes to be left alone and will become bored which will often lead to his mischievous behavior. He will do well living in an apartment and does well with children, however, if you are not home the majority of time, it would be wise to have two cats, so he does not become bored.

Grooming

Little grooming is needed; however, you will need to brush his long coat. According to if he is a show cat more care may be needed. His long coat does not matt and he will not shed.

Diet and Care

A well balanced diet is fine. This breed does need exercise or they become overweight.

Health issues and Life expectancy

The Balinese has no known health issues with a life expectancy of 9 to 15 years.