Balinese Cat

Breed Overview

Introduction

The Balinese is a long-haired breed of domestic cat with Siamese-style point coloration and vivid blue eyes. Although it shares ancestry with the Siamese, the Balinese is distinguished by its silky semi-long coat and elegant appearance.

This breed is highly social, intelligent, and affectionate. Balinese cats are often playful and inquisitive – they love games and exploring their environment – and they are also very vocal, frequently “chatting” with their owners in Siamese-like meows and trills.

Owners describe Balinese as friendly, outgoing, and emotionally attuned companions that form strong bonds with their families. With proper care and companionship, Balinese cats can live into their late teens or even early 20s, making them long-lived feline friends.

Breed History

The Balinese breed originated in the United States in the mid-20th century, despite its exotic name. In fact, the name “Balinese” was chosen to evoke the elegance of Balinese dancers, not the Indonesian island – there is no direct connection to Bali.

The history of the Balinese begins with Siamese cats imported to the West in the 1800s, some of which carried a recessive gene for long hair.

In Siamese breeding programs in the 1940s, breeders in New York (Helen Smith) and California (Marion Dorsey, among others) noticed occasional long-haired kittens among Siamese litters.

Two such long-haired kittens caught the breeders’ attention, and they launched deliberate programs to stabilize the trait. Helen Smith coined the name “Balinese” to reflect the grace and beauty of these longhaired cats.

Over the next decades the Balinese was refined and recognized by cat associations. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) granted breed status to the Balinese in 1970.

Early Balinese programs focused on the classic point colors (seal, blue, chocolate, lilac).

Later, other registries recognized red, cream, tabby (lynx), and tortoiseshell points by creating a parallel breed called the Javanese. (In 2008, Balinese and Javanese breeders in some registries voted to merge them into one breed with multiple color divisions.)

It’s worth noting that even “traditional” Balinese cats have diverged into two styles: an older apple-headed type (similar to early Siamese) and a more modern, slim wedge-faced type. Both types share the characteristic silky coat and lively personality of the breed.

In all, the Balinese emerged from purebred Siamese bloodlines via a natural mutation and selective breeding, making it essentially a long-haired Siamese with a distinctively plume-tailed elegance.

Physical Characteristics

The Balinese cat is medium-sized and should appear balanced and athletic. Its body is long and graceful, with a firm, muscular build and fine bone structure.

Compared to the average Siamese, Balinese cats are equally lithe but with longer fur draping their bodies.

The head is shaped in a wedge (in modern type) or more rounded wedge (traditional type), with large pointed ears set wide and a straight profile. Their eyes are a deep sapphire blue, almond-shaped and expressive.

The defining trait of the Balinese coat is its texture and length. It is a single, silky coat without an underlayer, typically ranging from 1 to 2 inches long on the body.

The lack of undercoat means the fur lies flat and does not mat easily. A distinguishing feature is the long plume of fur on the tail, sometimes reaching up to 5 inches in length. There is generally no ruff around the neck, giving a neat, elegant outline.

Coat color follows the Siamese-style point pattern: the head (mask), ears, legs, and tail are a darker color, while the body is a pale cream or ivory color.

The common points are seal (dark brown), chocolate, blue, and lilac, but Balinese may also be red (flame point), cream, torbie, or tortie in these base colors. The eyes are invariably blue, often a vibrant, clear shade.

Balinese cats are medium in height and weigh roughly 5–8 pounds for females and 8–12 pounds for males. They have long legs and dainty paws, contributing to a graceful, dainty appearance.

Their physical elegance – flowing coat, long tail, and slender body – gives them a regal yet playful look that hints at their agile nature.

In terms of coat and grooming, the Balinese is relatively easy. Because of the single coat, shedding is minimal. A gentle weekly brushing is usually sufficient to remove loose hairs and keep the coat shiny.

Balinese do not have matting issues or the heavy shedding of other longhaired breeds. Occasional wiping with a damp cloth can help keep the fur clean. Owners should still trim nails regularly and keep eyes and ears clean, as with any cat.

Behavior and Personality

Balinese cats are highly social and affectionate. They form strong bonds with their families and are known to be “people-oriented” cats.

These cats thrive on companionship; they may follow you from room to room, sit on your lap or shoulders, and even “help” with your activities (for example, walking on your keyboard or chatting while you work). They are often described as gregarious and loyal.

Indeed, a TICA breed profile notes: “Balinese have extremely loving temperaments and bond closely with their families…and thrive on attention and affection”.

They get along well with children, other cats, and even friendly dogs, making them excellent family pets. One TICA note specifically calls the Balinese a “perfect choice for families with children and cat-friendly dogs”.

Balinese are also highly intelligent and curious. They can learn new tricks easily, enjoy interactive play, and are excellent at games like fetch.

According to the International Cat Association, Balinese are “highly intelligent, agile and athletic” and “require stimulation or lots of toys to keep them occupied”. They excel at puzzle toys, agility courses, and even walking on a leash.

Their playful nature often lasts into adulthood: they may bat around small toys, pounce on moving objects, or chase laser pointers, and they often invent games to entertain themselves.

This combination of energy and cleverness means Balinese do best in an environment where their minds and bodies are engaged.

Balinese cats are known for their sweet and sensitive disposition. They seem attuned to human moods and often serve as emotional companions. They may soothe a sad owner by purring close by.

However, their need for interaction means they do not do well left alone for long periods. A bored Balinese may become mischievous or exhibit separation anxiety behaviors (excessive vocalizing, clawing, or destructiveness) if neglected.

In short, a Balinese is happiest in a household where someone is around much of the day – other pets can help – and where mental and physical stimulation is provided regularly.

Care Tips:

Diet

Feed your Balinese a high-quality, balanced cat diet suitable for its life stage and activity level. As an active, muscular breed, they require a protein-rich diet.

Portion control is important: despite their high energy, Balinese can be prone to weight gain if overfed. Consult your veterinarian for proper rationing.

Given their curiosity, try puzzle feeders or “hunter” toys at mealtimes to provide mental stimulation while eating. Avoid feeding too many treats – treats should be <10% of daily calories.

Exercise

Encourage daily play sessions to keep a Balinese physically fit and mentally stimulated. Use interactive toys like feather wands, laser pointers, or balls.

Vertical spaces (cat trees, shelves) allow climbing and surveying their territory, which many Balinese enjoy. Training games (fetch with a toy, agility courses) can also channel their intelligence.

Regular exercise helps prevent obesity and satisfies their natural agility. Remember, “there’s never a dull moment with the Balinese” – they love to run, jump, and play.

Environment & Enrichment

Provide an enriched home environment. As a people-oriented breed, Balinese appreciate a busy household. Give them safe perches (high cat trees, shelves, window perches) so they can climb and watch the world below.

Offer a variety of toys and rotate them to keep interest. Balinese enjoy puzzle toys and treat-dispensing games that challenge their mind.

Also, companionship matters: if you’re away often, consider adopting a second pet or scheduling regular play to prevent loneliness.

Balinese adapt well to active homes and even tolerate gentle children and dogs, but they should not be forced to be alone for long hours.

Grooming

Balinese have relatively low grooming needs for a long-haired cat. Brush the coat once or twice a week to remove loose hairs and prevent tangles.

Use a soft slicker or comb designed for fine hair. Because they lack an undercoat, mats and tangles are uncommon. Occasional bathing is optional but rarely needed.

Check ears regularly for wax and trim the nails every couple of weeks. Brush their teeth daily or a few times a week to prevent periodontal disease – as with all breeds, Balinese are prone to dental issues.

Mental Stimulation

Balinese thrive on interaction. Spend time petting, talking, and playing with your cat daily. Training sessions (clicker training, tricks) are often very successful, as Balinese are quick learners.

Provide feeding puzzles or snuffle mats at meal times to mimic hunting and keep them busy. Use catnip toys or treat tubes to encourage solo play. Remember to rotate toys to keep them novel.

A Balinese left with nothing to do may get into trouble, so a stimulating environment is key to their happiness.

Health Concerns

Is This Breed Right for You?

FAQ

Do Balinese cats shed a lot? 

No, Balinese shed very little compared to many other breeds. Their fine single coat lacks an undercoat, so fur loss is low. Occasional brushing helps control the minimal loose hair.

Are Balinese cats vocal? 

Yes, Balinese are quite talkative. They use a variety of meows and chirps to communicate with their owners. If you enjoy a chatty cat that “talks back,” this trait is a plus.

Are Balinese cats hypoallergenic? 

No. Balinese are not hypoallergenic. Like all cats, they produce the Fel d 1 protein in saliva and skin oils, which can trigger allergies. Their lower shedding may reduce allergens slightly, but allergic people should still be cautious.

Are Balinese good with children? 

Yes. Balinese are known for being gentle and social with families. They typically do well with kids and enjoy interactive play. Of course, any child should be taught to treat pets respectfully, and an energetic Balinese should be handled gently.

How much does a Balinese cat cost? 

Pet-quality Balinese kittens from reputable breeders typically range from about $800–$1,500. Show-quality or rare-color Balinese with strong pedigrees can reach $2,000–$3,000. Adoption from shelters or rescues is an option (often $50–$200), though Balinese are relatively uncommon in rescues. (Prices vary by region and breeder.)

Bonus Facts

The Balinese is named for island dancers, not its origin. Helen Smith chose the name “Balinese” to evoke the elegance of Balinese temple dancers. The breed itself was developed in America.

Shoulder riders: Many Balinese love to perch on their owner’s shoulders and tag along like a little passenger. This quirky habit has been noted by breed enthusiasts.

Long-lived cat: Balinese often live well into their late teens and even early 20s. Some have been known to reach 20+ years. Good nutrition and regular vet care contribute to their longevity.

Plumed tail: One distinctive trait is the bushy, plume-like tail. The long hairs on the tail can reach up to 5 inches, giving it a spectacular feathered look.

Limited official colors: Despite many color variations, the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) only recognizes four pointed colors for Balinese: seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac. Other associations may accept red, cream, tortie, and tabby points under the “Javanese” designation.

No undercoat: Unlike many long-haired breeds, Balinese cats lack an undercoat. This not only reduces shedding, but also means their fur is silky rather than fluffy.

Ancient Siamese roots: The Balinese shares lineage with the native “Luit” cats of Siam (Thailand), which were sacred temple cats. In fact, Balinese cats are sometimes called “Thai Siamese” and are considered by some organizations to be closely related to Thailand’s traditional cat breeds.

References

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“Breed Standard Balinese” (PDF). World Cat Fancy. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 May 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2023.

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“Balinese | International Cat Care”. icatcare.org. Retrieved 30 April 2018.

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