The Balinese cat breed, also known as the long-haired Siamese, is known for its intelligence and stunning beauty. This feline is always the center of attention because of its graceful look. If you want to welcome a Balinese into your home, Canvas Personalized is your best guide. We have everything you need to know about this amazing cat breed, from their history and personality to their health and care.
| Lifespan | 15 to 20 years |
| Weight | 8 to 15 pounds |
| Length | 8 to 11 inches |
| Coat | long |
| Colors | blue/gray, chocolate / brown/sable, cream/beige/tan, fawn, lilac, red/orange, white |
| Eye color | blue |
| Energy level | active |
1. Historical and Origins of the Balinese Cat Breed
The Balinese, which is related to the Siamese, is from Thailand. Breeders thought the cat’s grace and style reminded them of the dancers in the Temples of Bali, so they gave these cats this name.
This cat has only appeared recently. In the 1940s, a litter of Siamese cats with long hair brought them to America for the first time. Siamese breeders Helen Smith of New York and Marion Dorsey of California collaborated in the middle of the 1950s to start breeding Siamese cats with long hair, which are now called Balinese.
Some people may regard the Balinese as merely a Siamese cat with longer hair. But this has generated controversy among Siamese purists and is one reason they are no longer called “long-haired Siamese” in breeding circles. In 1961, the Cat Fanciers’ Federation gave the Balinese official championship status.
Today, this feline has two versions: the traditional and the modern. Traditional cats look more like Ragdolls and have longer hair. Modern cats look more like Siamese and are the only ones accepted by cat show judges.
2. Balinese Cat Physical Traits
Let’s look at the table below to get an indication of how much the Balinese cat breed is likely to weigh during developmental stages.
| Age | Balinese cat – Male | Balinese cat – Female |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Months | 0.9 – 1.8 kg (2.0 – 4.0 lbs) | 0.9 – 1.3 kg (2.0 – 2.9 lbs) |
| 4 Months | 1.1 – 2.3 kg (2.4 – 5.1 lbs) | 1.1 – 1.6 kg (2.4 – 3.5 lbs) |
| 5 Months | 1.3 – 2.8 kg (2.9 – 6.2 lbs) | 1.3 – 1.9 kg (2.9 – 4.2 lbs) |
| 6 Months | 1.5 – 3.2 kg (3.3 – 7.1 lbs) | 1.5 – 2.2 kg (3.3 – 4.6 lbs) |
| 7 Months | 1.7 – 3.6 kg (3.7 – 7.9 lbs) | 1.7 – 2.4 kg (3.7 – 5.3 lbs) |
| 8 Months | 1.9 – 4.0 kg (4.2 – 8.8 lbs) | 1.8 – 2.6 kg (4.0 – 5.7 lbs) |
| 9 Months | 2.1 – 4.4 kg (4.6 – 9.7 lbs) | 1.9 – 2.8 kg (4.2 – 6.2 lbs) |
| 10 Months | 2.3 – 4.8 kg (5.1 – 10.6 lbs) | 2.0 – 3.0 kg (4.4 – 6.6 lbs) |
| 11 Months | 2.5 – 5.1 kg (5.5 – 11.2 lbs) | 2.1 – 3.2 kg (4.6 – 7.1 lbs) |
| 1 Year (12 months) | 2.6 – 5.3 kg (5.7 – 11.7 lbs) | 2.2 – 3.4 kg (4.9 – 7.5 lbs) |
| 3 Years (36 months) | 2.7 – 5.4 kg (6.0 – 12.0 lbs) | 2.3 – 3.6 kg (5.0 – 8.0 lbs) |
In terms of dimensions, Balinese are relatively average among domesticated cats. However, their long fur can make them appear larger than they are. If you are fortunate enough to be raising one of these elegant kittens, you will be able to witness their transformation from a minuscule ball of fur into a full-grown adult cat.
The deep blue of a Balinese’s eyes can hypnotize anyone who meets them. These alluring eyes are ideally set relatively close together, with no more than a single eye’s width between them, adding to the cat’s charm.
Balinese cats share the same seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac point coat colors as their Siamese cousins. These are the four main Balinese cat colors that most cat organizations accept. Balinese cats can also have other coat colors, such as red, cream, caramel, apricot, solid, tortie, and tabby. They have a distinctive “color point” pattern, where only their face, ears, legs, and tail have color.
The elegance of a Balinese cat is accentuated by its long, slender tail, gracefully tapering to a fine point. The tail hair forms a majestic plume-like appearance, enhancing the feline’s overall beauty and poise. The distinctive features of a long-haired Siamese include its large pointed ears, wide bases, and finely pointed tips. These ears not only add to their striking appearance but also contribute to their keen sense of hearing.
In addition, one cannot help but admire the wonderfully stretched legs of the Balinese cat. The rear legs are somewhat higher than the forelegs, giving the Balinese cat a graceful and nimble posture. They exude an air of sophistication thanks to the oval shape of their paws.
Another remarkable trait of the Balinese cat is its hypoallergenic quality. This means that they produce fewer allergens than other cat breeds and may be suitable for people with mild allergies.
3. Balinese Cat Breed Personality
The Balinese cat is a brilliant breed that responds well to clicker training. They require a lot of play and physical activity to stay healthy and out of trouble. You may encourage their natural interest and activity by providing them with toys, cat trees, and scratching posts. They like to jump and climb, so don’t be startled if they jump up onto your tables.
Balinese is a calm and social breed. They crave human attention and become unhappy when alone for extended periods. They enjoy your company so much that they will literally follow you around the house.
4. How Do You Take Care of the Balinese Cat Breed?
Grooming and Nail Trimming
Balinese cats have lengthy fur but only one coat. They are unlikely to get matted because they don’t have dense, fluffy hair. However, you can make them look even more beautiful by brushing and combing them a few times every week. Grooming your pet is also an excellent way to bond with them and prevent hairballs.
Because these cats are active and playful, their nails should be trimmed regularly. This can prevent scratches on your skin and furniture. Finally, brush your cat’s teeth on a regular basis to keep them healthy.
Health Problems
Long-haired Siamese can suffer from the same hereditary conditions as Siamese despite the breed’s usually good health. To ensure there are no issues, you should do numerous health checks, such as vaccinations and preventative measures. Balinese kittens may be at risk for health conditions like:
- Eye problems: One of the most common ailments noticed in Balinese is eye disorders (Progressive Retinal Atrophy). They are also susceptible to glaucoma and cross-eyedness.
- Liver Amyloidosis.
- Respiratory issues: most commonly asthma or bronchitis/bronchial infections.
- Neurological problems: Nystagmus, fast eye movement, and Hyperesthesia syndrome.
- Conditions affecting the heart, such as dilated cardiomyopathy.
The Balinese cat breed is known for being picky eaters. But if they are overfed and don’t exercise much, they can quickly become overweight or even obese. This can affect a Balinese cat’s lifespan, which is typically 12 to 22 years, depending on various factors. Consult your kitten’s vet for advice on the best food and feeding schedule for your cat at each stage of its development.
Exercise
Balinese cats need to move around a lot, and most are more than happy to play alone. It would be best to give your cat a lot of toys to play with and make sure it has a place to climb. Your kitten will be especially happy in a cat tree with different levels.
This breed loves their families and has a lot of fun when they can play with other animals. Like their Siamese ancestors, they quickly learn to play fetch and like to walk on leashes because it lets them safely explore the outdoors.
5. Is a Balinese Cat a Good Pet for You?
The Balinese cat breed is known for its mild demeanor and friendliness. It gets along well with people and other pets, including dogs. This breed of cat isn’t choosy. Therefore, it’s suitable for most people of all pet-owning preferences.
Balinese cats are not the kind of cats that can be left alone for extended amounts of time. Therefore, cat owners need to invest time in training, education, and playing with them.
On the other hand, this Long-haired Siamese is perhaps not the best choice if you prefer a quiet environment at home. They prefer to chat with their owners and often demand attention because of their loud voices. However, it is widely agreed that they are a little bit quieter than a typical Siamese.
6. Is This Breed Friendly with Other Pets?
Cats and dogs can live together quite well, despite what most people think, as long as they don’t see each other as prey. Balinese cats usually get along well with other animals, which makes them a good choice for homes with more than one pet. They can get along well with other pets as long as they are respected.
While they get along well with other cats and dogs, they may have problems with smaller animals. Because cats are naturally predatory, the Balinese may not get along with smaller animals like rodents. Though they have made good friends and learned to coexist with these animals in certain circumstances, there is still a chance that their hunting instincts will get the best of them.
7. Taking a Balinese Cat home
Where to adopt or buy a Balinese Cat
If you want to buy a Balinese cat, you should find a reputable breeder who offers health guarantees and performs extensive medical tests on your cat. The Balinese cat price can vary significantly, typically ranging from $600 to $1500 on average. You can also adopt a Balinese cat from a rescue organization.
In order to assist you in finding your new best friend, we have included some reliable locations in the United States to adopt or purchase a Balinese cat.
| Name | Contact | Information |
| Balinese Royale | https://www.balineseroyale.com/ | They are a hobbyist Balinese cat breeder located in Central California. They breed TICA-registered, purebred Balinese cats in various colors and patterns. They raise their kittens in their home with love and socialization. They offer health guarantees, microchipping, and kitten starter packs. |
| Azureys Cats | https://www.azureyscats.com/availkittens.html | They are dedicated to breeding and preserving Balinese and Siamese cats, which they consider the kings of all blue-eyed cat breeds. They produce kittens in the four traditional color points, the four wild-lynx points, as well as exotic-rare points such as flame and ivory points. They are based in New Jersey and require a reservation deposit to secure a kitten. |
| Balinese Rescue Shelter | https://balinese.rescueshelter.com/ | They are a directory of Balinese rescue groups in the US and other countries. You can click on a location to view a list of all Balinese rescue groups in that state or country. You can also post a Balinese for adoption if you need to rehome your cat. |
| PetCurious | https://www.petcurious.com/cats-for-adoption/balinese/ | They are another online platform that helps you search for Balinese rescue cats for adoption. You can filter by location, age, gender, and more. You can also browse through photos and profiles of available cats and contact their rescuers directly. |
Preparing the home for a new Balinese kitten
Considering bringing a new kitten into your home may be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Here are some suggestions that will make your new kitten feel right at home.
For the first two weeks (the quarantine period), confine your new kitten to a small room where it can use its litterbox and leave its scent. You’ll have a greater chance of keeping an eye on your new cat to make sure it feeds, drinks, and adjusts to its new surroundings. Allowing your kitten this freedom will prevent it from eliminating inappropriately (e.g., beneath the bed, in the closet, on the bed).
To ensure the health and happiness of your cat, remember this two-week guideline right away. The first two weeks might be spent in a compact space that includes a bedroom, home office, bathroom, and private laundry area. Once your kitten has adjusted to its new environment, you can move the litter box and food/water bowls to their permanent locations.
Last, but not least, schedule a vet visit for your new Balinese kitten before you bring it home. Check your cat’s overall health and get any unvaccinated vaccines.
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- Savannah Cat Breed: Exotic Elegance and Wild Spirit
In conclusion, the Balinese cat breed‘s intelligence, stunning beauty, and captivating grey eyes make it an enchanting and sought-after companion. Despite not being from Bali, its allure and mystery set it apart. If you’re considering adding a new member to your family, Canvas Personalized can provide more information about this charming breed. Discover the joy and companionship a Balinese cat can bring to your home.
