Balinese Cat

Basically, the Balinese is a Siamese with a semi-longhaired coat. Its grace and elegance, combined with its liveliness and intelligence, makes it an increasingly popular breed.

The Balinese Cat consists is a very unique breed. It is a highly intelligent creature that is available in two unique sub breeds – the apple head and the wedge head. In keeping with the appearance and the personality of this breed its history is rather interesting.

The Balinese Cat, too, has an interesting tale behind its name. Like the Siamese cat which was named after the island of Siam, in Thailand, one would expect the Balinese cat to be named after its area of origin. However, the Balinese cat has no real genetic link with Bali. This breed has been named after Balinese dancers as the breeders felt that these cats carry the same grace as these lovely dancers.

First seen in California in the late 1940s, the Balinese was the result of a natural mutation in a litter born from two shorthaired Siamese cats. When two of these "fluffy" Siamese were mated together, they proved to breed true; all had the distinctive himalayan coat restriction so typical of Siamese, but with the added attraction of a long, silky coat. The Balinese was officially recognized in the U.S. in 1963, but not in Britain until the 1980s.

The Balinese Cat is one of the most popular descendants of the Siamese Cat. This long haired beauty has certain that you must look out for when you are bringing them home.

The shape of the head is very important for the Balinese Cat, just like the Siamese Cat. Depending on whether you bring home a traditional or a modern breed, your cat will either have an apple-head or will have a wedge shaped head.

The long fur is the quality of the Balinese cat that distinguishes it from the Siamese Cat. In fact, many breeders consider the Balinese cat to just be a mutant, long haired variety of the Siamese Cat. Unlike other long haired cats, the Balinese is quite easy to maintain. This is because they have no undercoat. As a result, the chances of matting are very low. The tail is the highlight of this cat breed. The plumes on the tail can grow up to 5 inches in length. The texture of the coat is silky and fine. The length of the fur on the body varies from half an inch to about two inches. Of course, the length of the hair also depends upon whether you have a traditional Balinese or a modern Balinese.

The Balinese Cat is known for its color points. The body is usually a creamy white color while the color points are of a contrasting color. Usually, the color points are restricted to the legs, ears, face and tail. There is a wide variety of colors that are available. Sometimes, different patterns are also seen in the coloration of the Balinese Cat.

The most interesting characteristic of the eyes is that it changes color as the cat grows. In case of a Balinese Cat the eyes are usually blue in color. As they grow the tone may change to green or gold. The eyes have a very heavy brow over them and are triangular in shape.

There are three different types that of tails in the Balinese Cat. The desired standard is a tail that is 2" to 4" in length. This is where the fur is the longest and thickest.

Undoubtedly the Balinese Cat is one of the most unusual breed. The Balinese cat is definitely a very different cat breed in terms of its appearance. For this reason, it is also preferred in shows. The graceful Balinese cat is a beautiful breed to bring home. Along with the gorgeous exterior, this breed also comes with a rather unique personality.

Origin: U.S.A.

Grooming: 4/5

Activity: 5/5

GCCF Group: Siamese

The Balinese Cat originated from a wild species that was common in the North American region so one would expect this breed to depict several characteristic of a natural predator. This means that an average Balinese Cat would be expected to be solitary, aggressive and even averse to people. However the adorable Balinese Cat is anything but the above. It makes a perfect companion and is extremely gentle in all its ways.

If you always dreamt of having a dog for a pet but lack of necessary resources for it the Balinese Cat is the perfect replacement. This is one of the few domestic breeds that can be leash trained. So just like a dog you can even take your Balinese Cat on long walks. It is always recommended that a breed that can be leash trained must be taken out only under the supervision of the owner. This is because most domestic breeds are susceptible to attacks by predators and larger animals.

Less boisterous and vociferous than their shorthaired relative the Siamese, Balinese cats are active, smart and sociable.

Gregarious by nature, the Balinese enjoys the company of other pets and children. The long, silky coat requires regular grooming.