Balinese
The Siamese and the Balinese might differ in coat length, but beneath the skin they are identical. Balinese are extremely fond of their people. They like to be “helpful” and will follow you around and supervise your every move. When you are sitting down, a Balinese will be in your lap, and at night he will be in bed with you, probably under the covers with his head on the pillow.
Length
Up to 18 in
Weight
6.6-11 lbs
Life Expectancy
10-18 yrs
History of the Balinese
In the early 1900s, longhaired kittens began appearing spontaneously in otherwise shorthaired Siamese litters. Some believe the recessive gene for long hair was introduced into the European Siamese gene pool after World War I. Since the Siamese was nearly obliterated during the war, other breeds and some mixed-breed domestic cats were used to revitalize the breed. The Turkish Angora, a breed with a silky semi-long fur similar to the Balinese coat, was thought to have been one of the breeds used.
Read More: Balinese cat
Characteristics of the Balinese
Balinese cats are playful, curious and constantly up to something. At the same time, they’re loving, loyal and sensitive.
Playfulness
Affection Level
Friendliness Pets
Grooming Requirements
Vocality
Balinese Care
The Balinese is generally a very active, intelligent, affectionate and particularly social, medium-sized cat. They enjoy playing and are very curious, so it is important that you have lots of toys, scratching posts and enrichment ideas ready to keep them entertained and stimulated.
Like many cats, they do like to find high vantage points, so make sure that you keep surfaces clear and provide them with suitable "hiding" spots to allow them peace should they desire it. This could save your curtains from being ruined and your fragile items from being shattered.
If you enjoy a tranquil home, the Balinese may not be the cat for you; they are known for being particularly vocal and do like to chat with their owners, often demanding attention. They are generally accepted as being slightly quieter than a normal Siamese though.
Nutrition
Balinese, like any cat, should be fed a high-quality diet that is appropriately portion-controlled to avoid any weight-related health problems. They are known for being picky eaters so you may find they are more inclined to eat a wet diet than dry kibble. If they are on a wet diet, they may need a more regular dental hygiene regime to prevent them from developing gum disease.
Problems
While they are generally a healthy breed, the Balinese can develop some of the same hereditary conditions as the Siamese. A good breeder will do rigorous health checks to minimize any problems developing.
Some of the conditions they can be prone to include:
- Eye problems (Progressive Retinal Atrophy is one of the most common health conditions seen in Balinese. They can also be prone to being cross-eyed (although this has mostly been bred out) and developing Glaucoma)
- Liver Amyloidosis (this involves amyloid proteins being deposited in the liver, and this reduces function and can lead to liver failure)
Respiratory issues (most commonly asthma or bronchial disease/infections) - Neurological problems (Hyperesthesia syndrome which causes excessive grooming and licking, and Nystagmus which results in rapid eye movement)
- Heart problems (including Dilated Cardiomyopathy)
Pros
- Beautiful fur
- Very playful
- Very intelligent
Cons
- Meows a lot
- Needs a lot of exercise
- Lots of grooming required
Did You Know?
The Balinese cat is considered one of the most intelligent cat breeds.
