Balinese

Often compared to a Siamese cat, the Balinese cat is a long haired breed with a graceful appearance. With large, perky ears and long, elegant lines, this breed is loved for its distinct features. They have blue eyes and a characteristically slender body with longer hair covering their hind legs. The tail is luscious and plumed, one of the most clear differences between the Siamese and Balinese breed. Balinese cats also tend to have lighter colouring without the dark brown mask or paw markings of the Siamese.

Other Names
Balinese cats are sometimes mistaken for the very similar Javanese cat.
Country of Origin
America
Colour

A combination of white to grey with different coloured “points” of colour on their ears, face, tail, legs and paws. These include blue, seal brown, chocolate and lilac.

Cost
Size
Medium
Health
Health checks are advised from the age of eight for this breed. Owners should be aware of the health of their teeth, liver and kidneys, otherwise they are generally a healthy breed.
Life Span

10-12 years

Intelligence
They are considered one of the most intelligent long haired breeds and enjoy playing fetching games.
Suitability (Children)
Medium
Feeding

It is recommended to feed your Balinese Cat around 80 kilocalories of food per kilo of bodyweight every day. There are no obesity issues with this breed.

Feeding Cost
Hair Shed
Moderate
Ailments
Health checks are advised from the age of eight for this breed. Owners should be aware of the health of their teeth, liver and kidneys, otherwise they are generally a healthy breed.
Grooming Requirements
Their long coat needs regular attention and will do best when brushed and combed a couple of times a week. It is recommended to begin this regime when you first bring your kitten home to familiarise them with the process. The Balinese Cat has fine hair although is still prone to knots and tangles.
Balinese cats are shrouded with a mysterious history. Formerly considered to be a long haired version of the Siamese cat breed, there is also a theory that they are a result of crossbreeding Siamese cats and Turkish Angoras. Some Siamese litters are still known to produce a Balinese cat every now and then as a result of the long hair recessive gene Siamese breeds sometimes carry. The breed was originally established in America, with breeding programs being introduced in the 1950s when two American owners of long haired Siamese cats, Marion Dorsey and Helen Smith, formed a partnership and began a breeding program for the Balinese breed, consequently increasing their popularity. The women named them Balinese cats after Balinese dancers, noting that their elegant and graceful appearance was reminiscent of these performers. Marion Dorsey passed her cattery on to prominent Siamese breeder Sylvia Holland who later played an important role in having the Balinese cat breed officially recognised by the Cat Fanciers’ Assocation.


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