Balinese

Is a Balinese right for you?

The Balinese is, in short, a long-haired Siamese cat. The blue eyes, color-point coat, and talkative, social character are the same as the Siamese; the difference is a silky, single-layer long coat. It isn't as vocal as the Siamese, but its emotional attachment to people is just as strong.

The question to ask before choosing this breed: are you ready to take on the Siamese character with a somewhat softer voice and long-coat grooming on top? If yes, the Balinese will be both a beautiful and a genuinely devoted companion.

Before you adopt

When choosing a kitten, ask the breeder about heart screening (echocardiogram for HCM) and an eye exam. Because the Balinese is a direct offshoot of the Siamese, it carries most of the same hereditary risks; the two breeds' health profiles largely overlap aside from type differences. There is a visible difference between the modern show type (slim, elongated head) and the traditional/"applehead" type; the traditional type generally has a more balanced health profile.

Temperament

The Balinese is intelligent, social, and extremely attached to people — in this respect it is nearly indistinguishable from the Siamese. The most noticeable difference is its voice: it isn't as loud and insistent as the Siamese, with a softer, more melodic way of "talking."

It follows you from room to room, climbs into your lap, and takes an interest in everything happening in the household. It doesn't enjoy being left alone; if it will be alone for long stretches, a second cat is generally a good solution. It's intelligent, enjoys mental stimulation from toys and food puzzles, and some individuals learn tricks.

It loves climbing and observing from high places, with an active, athletic build. It gets along well with other cats and gentle children.

Health issues and lifespan

Sources generally report a lifespan of 12-15 years, with some noting well-cared-for individuals reaching 20.

• Amyloidosis: A known hereditary risk inherited from the Siamese line; abnormal protein buildup affects the liver. It can present at a young-to-middle age with lethargy, loss of appetite, and jaundice.
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): Reported in this breed; a genetic test exists. It leads to vision loss over time.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): The most common heart disease in cats; periodic heart checks are recommended.
• Asthma and respiratory issues: More common in the Siamese and related breeds; a cough-like spasm and wheezing are signs. Keep away from dust and cigarette smoke.
• Crossed eyes and a kinked tail: Cosmetic traits from the breed's genetic history, seen in traditional lines; they don't seriously affect vision.
• Dental misalignment and gum disease: The short jaw structure can accelerate tartar buildup.

Feeding

An adult Balinese (2.5-4.5 kg) needs the energy equivalent of about 45-65 g of dry food per day; it's a slim-bodied breed, so looking "lean" is normal.

• Kitten (2-12 months): Kitten food, three to four meals a day.
• Adult: High protein, low carbohydrate.
• Senior (9+ years): Liver values should be checked annually, given the amyloidosis risk.

Since it's an active breed, food puzzles both tire the mind and slow down eating; fiber-enriched food can help reduce hairball risk.

Grooming and coat

Although the Balinese's coat looks long, it is single-layered and silky rather than double-coated and dense like a Persian's, which makes grooming noticeably easier.

• Brushing two to three times a week is enough to prevent matting.
• Since the undercoat is nearly absent, the Persian's daily-brushing requirement doesn't apply here.
• Hairball risk is somewhat higher than in the short-haired Siamese because of the longer coat; regular brushing reduces it.
• Trim nails every two to three weeks, brush teeth several times a week; given the short jaw, don't skip dental care.
• Bathing is rarely needed.

Living space and enrichment

1. Social contact. Active attention several times a day; this is the breed's top need.
2. Vertical space. A cat tree, shelves, high observation points; it loves to climb.
3. Active play twice a day. Wand toys, fetch, mental puzzles.
4. A second cat. Worth seriously considering if it will be alone for long periods.
5. A quiet conversational setting. It communicates with a soft voice; responding to it strengthens the bond.

History

The Balinese resulted from a spontaneous long-hair mutation that appeared in Siamese kittens in the 1940s; the gene is recessive, so long-haired kittens occasionally turned up from Siamese-to-Siamese pairings. In the mid-1950s, Helen Smith of New York and Marion Dorsey of California decided to develop these long-haired Siamese into a separate breed, keeping the bloodline pure to Siamese without introducing other breeds.

The breed was named after Balinese dancers, known for their graceful, flowing movement. CFA recognized the breed in the 1960s and granted championship status in 1970; today it is recognized by CFA, TICA, and GCCF.

Because the Balinese is a direct extension of the Siamese, its history is largely intertwined with the Siamese's own; breed clubs today still take care to maintain the connection to Siamese bloodlines. The Javanese cat, developed later and accepted in additional colors, is considered a sub-branch or close relative of the Balinese.