Balinese Cat
Cat Facts
The Balinese cat breed was previously known as the Longhaired Siamese, a graceful and elegant cat with a magnificent coat to match. They were named 'Balinese' after the temple dancers of Bali who are known for their grace and elegance. In some cat registries this cat is known as the Javanese cat and in others it is known as the Longhaired Oriental cat.
The Balinese cat breed and Siamese cat are almost identical in terms of features, the only difference between the two is that the Balinese has a long coat. Although the coat is long, it does lie close to the body and it is therefore easier to identify their long, fine-boned torso. The body is described as slim and graceful, elegant and muscular. Their tails are thin, long and taper towards the tip. A distinguishing feature of the tail is the luxurious plume. Legs are long and slim and in proportion to their bodies. The back legs are slightly longer than the front. Their head is triangular in shape, with a long nose. Ears are pointed and large with a broad base and lynx-tip ears. Their oriental, vivid blue eyes are almond-shaped and slant slightly towards the nose.
The single coat has silky-fine, semi-long hair which flows backward outlining their shape rather than detracting from their sleek lines and is characterized by a lack of undercoat. The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) of America only recognize 4 main pointed colors as the Balinese, they classify the other pointed colors as the Javanese Cat. Balinese cat (CFA): Seal Point, Blue Point, Lilac Point and Chocolate Point Javanese cat (CFA): Red Point, Cream Point, Tortie Point, Tabby Point and Parti-color. Other associations recognize all colors as Balinese (see below Javanese), whilst Australia classifies the Balinese as an Oriental Longhair. Colorpoint colors must be even and show a clear contrast between the points and the background color. As with the Siamese, the kittens are born white and only reflect their mature coloring after about 12 months. The kittens are born with short coats and show no markings.
The Javanese comes in a wider range of colors ranging from Red and Cream (solid or self colors); Lynx Points; Parti-Color Point and even Fawn and Cinnamon. If you are in any doubt and need to have a thorough understanding of Balinese cats and Javanese standards pertinent to your country, contact the all breeds of cat governing body, association, or federation in your country.
Personality and Temperament
They are intelligent and inquisitive and adore hunting. For this reason, they prefer an enclosed safe garden to explore. But don't despair, provided they have company, they do adapt to apartment living! The Balinese cat breed has a playful and outgoing personality. They are very active and lively cats who will keep themselves amused for hours provided they have a selection of simple toys. If they become bored they can be quite mischievous. These cats are people cats; they love their owners and want to be involved with the family. Considered to be slightly less vocal than the Siamese cat, but they are quite loud.
Balinese Cat Breed Information
Would they make good pets for children? Yes, they are great with children. Children should be taught how to handle cats - most cats do not enjoy rough handling. Are they friendly to other pets? Yes, they adapt well to other cats and they are dog friendly
What is the ideal home for the Balinese cat? These domestic cats adapt well to indoor and outdoor living. They can adapt to apartment living provided they have company. The definition of 'outdoor' is an escape-proof cat enclosure or cat run. Indoor cats should have a cat adventure zone filled with toys, non-toxic plants, cat gyms and cat scratchers. Caring for Your Cat Balinese cats do not shed much hair, and the other good news is that despite having long hair, they have no wooly undercoat, so no excessive grooming is needed. We would describe it as a medium-maintenance cat breed. Bathing is not often required. A Show Cat should be bathed a week before show day to allow the coat to recover its natural oils. Whilst cats do their own grooming, good cat care means a weekly brushing or combing to maintain a healthy coat. Are there any Health Concerns? This is a healthy cat breed with few health or genetic problems. The following conditions, whilst not common, have been reported: - nystagmus
- heart disease
- upper respiratory tract infections
Always consider cat insurance for your pet and ensure that your cat receives its annual vaccinations and is regularly dewormed. Do they need a Special Diet? No special diet is required, just a well balanced diet. Your cat can be fed a high quality dry cat food, a semi-moist, raw or canned cat food. Keep your cat hydrated by providing fresh, clean water. The Average Cat Size and Weight of the Balinese? They are categorized as medium to small cats with an average weight of 2.5 - 5 kg (5.5 - 11 lbs) What is their Life Expectancy? The average life span of the Balinese cat is 9 - 15 years. We have some great information about extending your cat's life in our chapter on 'how long do cats live?'
Related Cat Pages: Balinese Cats for Sale - international cat breeders directory
Cat Picture Courtesy of: Photographer: ©Tetsu - Animal Photography, Tetsu Yamazaki Provided by: Lorna Dawn Friemoth of NuDawnz Cattery Japanese & American Bobtails, Colorpoint SH, and Exotics Cat: GC/BW/RW NuDawnz Time Bomb, red lynx point Balinese.
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