The Balinese is a graceful and lively breed, with the elegant look of a Siamese cat and a long silky coat. They were first bred in the 1950s after Siamese breeders in the United States noticed that some kittens were fluffier than the others. They were originally going to be named ‘Long-haired Siamese’ however Siamese breeders rejected this. The graceful movements of this breed reminded people of the Balinese Temple Dancers, so they became known as Balinese
Balinese
The Balinese is an elegant breed with a fine bone structure and long-tubular body, with slender legs and a long, plumed tail. These cats have long triangular heads which narrow into prominent muzzles. Their large, pointed ears are set wide apart on the heads, and their gorgeous blue oriental eyes slant down towards the nose. Balinese cats are medium-sized, weighing anywhere between 5 and 10lbs and reaching up to 18 inches in length. Males are generally larger than females.
Coat
The coat of a Balinese is medium length, silky, and fine. These cats do not have an undercoat, which makes them easier to groom than other long-haired breeds. The fine hairs sit close to the cats’ body, which shows off the elegant bone structure of this breed. Balinese cats come in a variety of coat colors; however, the face, tail, and paws are always darker than the rest of the body. Accepted coat colors include Lilac Point, Chocolate Point, and Seal Point.
Eyes
The striking sapphire blue eyes of this breed are perhaps their most distinct feature. The eyes are set quite close together, which gives these cats their adorable inquisitive and alert look.
Like their Siamese cousins, Balinese cats are very loving. You could describe them as lively, vocal, clingy, and incredibly affectionate. They tend to form strong bonds with their owners and like to be involved in everything, whether you are working on a computer or cooking in the kitchen.
Balinese love to play games and climb up to high places, so cat trees and high perches are a must for this breed. Expect to find yours on top of the refrigerator or bookshelf looking for something play with.
If you adopt a Balinese, be aware that they can be quite clingy and may want to droop around their beloved owners throughout the day. Don't be surprised if they follow you around the house, chatting continuously.
It's very important to account for the fact that these cats don't do well when left alone for long periods. They seek lots of attention and will become mischievous or even destructive when they don’t get what they desire.
Balinese cats are thought to be some of the most intelligent cats on the planet, so they enjoy learning new tricks and respond well to clicker training. They also love to play interactive games with the family, including fetch. They are known to be very sensitive to their owners’ moods, which, alongside their chatty natures, makes them very attentive companions.
Cats of this breed are affectionate, interactive, chatty, and playful. These characteristics make them incredibly popular with families, and Balinese often get on well with children and other pets. They can even get along with dogs they have grown up with, and have been known to make friends with smaller companion animals.
The Balinese breed boasts a medium-length coat that lies close to the body, so they are relatively easy to groom. A weekly or twice-weekly brush should be suitable for this breed, as their single-layer coat is less likely to matt compared to other long-haired breeds. Like most cats, Balinese tend to shed more in the spring and autumn months, so will require more frequent brushing during these times.
Balinese cats are not only beautiful to look at, but they also have the personalities to match! Still not sure whether you should adopt one? Here are a few short pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Balinese cats are incredibly playful and intelligent, making them one of the most interactive breeds you will find. If you are looking for a fun-loving, chatty companion, then the Balinese could be the pet for you! They are considered a good choice for people with allergies, as they shed less than most other cat breeds. However, it is important to remember that no cat is 100% hypoallergenic.
Cons
The high demand for attention could become problematic for families that are out of the house for long periods during the day. If you are considering adopting one of these stunning cats, you need to ensure you have the time to care for it properly. You will also have to account for a constant vocal presence, which does not appeal to everyone.
In Short
If you are looking for a cat that loves attention and a good conversation, then the Balinese might be just the breed for you. Although this breed is not quite as loud and demanding as the Siamese, they are incredibly affectionate and enjoy being a part of everyday family life. You will never be bored with a Balinese around.
The Balinese is considered to be a relatively healthy breed, but they do tend to suffer from the same inherited disorders as Siamese cats. These include:
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which is an eye disorder that causes visual degradation and can lead to blindness.
- Another common condition found in Balinese and Siamese breeds is Strabismus, which causes the eyes to appear cross-eyed.
- Balinese cats are at increased risk of becoming overweight, so give plenty of room for exercise and try not to overfeed them.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balinese_cat#Health
https://www.petmd.com/cat/breeds/c_ct_balinese
