Balinese

The Balinese is a slender, Oriental cat from Indonesia. Also known as the long-haired Siamese, this breed is active, curious, and loves attention. It gets along well with other animals and has an easy-to-maintain coat

Temperament

The Balinese is an active, lively, and playful cat. While often referred to as the long-haired Siamese, the Balinese is calmer than its Siamese relative and has a softer voice. This cat dislikes being alone and demands a lot of attention from its owner. It also enjoys the company of other cats or dogs. Sensitive and affectionate, the Balinese forms strong bonds with its owners.

Physical characteristics

Colour

All Siamese colours are also recognised in the Balinese. The point colour must be uniform, with a clear contrast between the points and the body colour. At birth, the Balinese is completely white, and its final colour develops over the course of a year. Four colour variations are officially recognised: seal point, blue point, chocolate point, and lilac point.

Body, legs, and tail

The Balinese has a long, slender body with an Oriental build, a fine bone structure, and well-developed muscles. The legs are long and narrow, with small oval paws. Tufts of fur grow between the toes. The tail is long, thin, and tapers towards the tip.

Head, ears, and eyes

The head of this breed is medium-sized, long, and triangular, with a straight profile. The forehead is flat, and the skull is slightly domed or flat. The Balinese has a fine muzzle with a long, straight nose. Its ears are large, broad at the base, pointed, and covered in fur, set wide apart. The eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, and deep blue in colour.

Coat

The Balinese has a semi-long, fine, and silky coat. The fur is longer on the body, belly, and tail. This cat has no undercoat. The Balinese is essentially a semi-long-haired Siamese. Its coat requires little maintenance—weekly brushing and combing are sufficient, as the Balinese does not shed excessively.