Balinese

History

Balinese enhance the elegance, grace and intelligence of the Siamese with the luxury of a silky flowing coat. coat is the most unique feature of the breed. It does not mat and lays close to the body, flowing along the cat’s lines, the tail forming a proud plume. It is generally accepted that the breed originated as a spontaneous longhaired mutation of the Siamese cat. Because the Balinese has a single coat, in contrast to the double coat of other longhairs, the hair lies close to the body, flowing naturally toward the rear. Thus, it does not detract from the long, slim lines of the basic body structure. Grooming is simple, for the coat does not mat like the double coat of most longhaired breeds.

Description

Named after dancers on the Indonesian island of Bali, Balinese cats are a longhaired variety of the Siamese cat.

Grooming and Physical Needs

Size: Balinese are medium-size cats that typically weigh 5 to 10 pounds.

  • Grooming Needs: Comb 1-2 times a week to remove dead hair. Fairly low maintenance but may require a bath every now and then.
  • Coat Type: Fine, silky coat very similar to Siamese except Balinese have a medium-length coat.
  • Moulting: Moderate shedding.
  • Exercise Needs: Keep brain active with puzzle toys and keep body exercised with teaser toys that they can chase, and a big cat tree they can climb.
  • Average Life Span: 9 to 15 years
  • Healthcare: Cat develop cross eyes and asthma.

Behaviour

  • Family: Highly affectionate with adults and kids.
  • Temperament: Balinese are extremely fond of their people. They like to be “helpful” and will follow you around and supervise your every move.
  • Trainability: Good at training themselves and may be running your household before you know it.
  • Sociability (Other Pets): Lives peacefully with fellow cats and cat loving dogs.
  • Meowing: Relatively quiet.

Notes

Information courtesy of Governing Council of the Cat Fancy Australia and Victoria Inc.