Characterized by its graceful, slender physique, the Balinese cat is a medium sized feline with a fine boned build and a semi long haired, silky coat. Unlike many long haired cat breeds, the Balinese, originating from the island of Bali, boasts a sleek, close fitting coat devoid of an undercoat, minimizing the risk of matting. Similar to the long haired Siamese, the Balinese cat shares striking features including large ears, a wedge shaped head, and a long, lithe body, with modern types exhibiting more extreme characteristics. Renowned by Balinese people, these cats are often cherished for their elegance and companionship.

• Requires an experienced owner.
• Loves playing with cat toys.
• Highly energetic and inquisitive feline.
• Independent yet sociable.
• Expressive and vocal Boasts a lean and elegant physique.
• Requires weekly grooming sessions.
• Needs ample outdoor space to roam.
• Best suited for quiet environments.
• Comfortable being left alone for short periods.
• Thrives in a calm and peaceful setting.
• Great indoor cat needs plenty of enrichment.
• Intelligent and quick to learn new tricks or commands.
• Can form strong attachments to one or two favorite people.
• Prefers structured routines and consistency in daily life.

Balinese cats may experience health conditions:

• Progressive retinal atrophy, an inherited disorder causing degeneration and wasting away of part of the eye, potentially leading to blindness.

Available testing for health conditions includes:

• DNA testing for progressive retinal atrophy to determine the cat's susceptibility to this condition.

The Balinese is a playful and curious breed, known for its intelligence and demand for attention. They thrive on interactive play and mental stimulation but may become vocal and exhibit destructive behavior if their needs are not met. Considered towards the high-maintenance end of the cat spectrum, they are more suited for experienced owners who are willing to provide ample engagement and entertainment.

The Balinese owes its origins to the unexpected appearance of long-haired kittens within litters of Siamese cats. Initially noticed in the 1940s, American breeders decided to separate these kittens and selectively breed them to determine if they could consistently produce long-haired offspring while maintaining the Siamese appearance. Unlike other cat breeds, the Balinese has no other ancestry and was first introduced to the UK in 1973.

It's worth noting that, akin to the Siamese, the Balinese comes in two variations: the traditional and the modern. These variations exhibit distinct differences in head and body shapes but are considered to belong to the same breed.

The Balinese cat's bold personality and vocal nature make them unsuitable to be left unsupervised outdoors, where they may bother neighbors, engage in mischief, or become targets for theft. However, given their athleticism and intelligence, they greatly benefit from the enrichment provided by the outdoors. Therefore, we recommend a cat-proofed garden or a spacious enclosure, known as a "catio," to give your Balinese ample space to play, observe birds, and indulge in climbing activities.

Similar to their Siamese ancestors, Balinese cats enjoy climbing, exploring, and playing. It's important to invest in extensive cat trees and cat toys; otherwise, they will undoubtedly redirect their attention to your trinkets, ornaments, and furniture. In fact, it's advisable to avoid having delicate items if you have a Balinese cat, as they are likely to end up on the floor! While they may entertain themselves at times with automatic cat toys and cat slow feeding mat, this is not a substitute for quality time spent with you. Be prepared to devote time to your Balinese cat, as they are quite insistent on getting attention. Explore our suggestions for fun cat games you can enjoy together.

Each cat is unique, with its own specific preferences and dietary requirements. However, all cats are carnivores and must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients varies based on factors such as age, lifestyle, and overall health. Therefore, it's important to recognize that a growing, energetic kitten requires a different nutrient balance in her diet than a less active senior cat. Additionally, it's essential to feed the correct quantity of food to maintain the cat's "ideal body condition" as per feeding guidelines and to accommodate individual preferences regarding wet or dry cat food recipes. For more detailed information on feeding your cat, check out our guide on Feeding Your Cat .

Find out more about cat nutrition with our article. 

Regular and frequent grooming is essential to keep the Balinese cat's lovely but fine coat in good condition and free from knots and tangles. It's important to note that a greasy coat may indicate that your cat is no longer grooming itself, which could be a sign of poor or declining health. Like all cats, the Balinese benefits from regular vaccination, feline parasite control, and an annual veterinary health check.

If you're prepared to dedicate much of your free time to entertaining your Balinese cat and don't mind bidding farewell to knick-knacks, trinkets, and ornaments on windowsills and mantelpieces then the Balinese might be the perfect fit for you! This breed is ideally suited to an adult only household or a home with older children who can respect a cat's space and needs, as they can be rather loud and demanding companions to live with.

With a majority of Balinese cats possessing the characteristic long hair and striking blue eyes reminiscent of their Siamese ancestors, the Balinese is a unique and captivating addition to any home. Renowned by Balinese people for their elegance and companionship, these cats bring a touch of grace and charm to the household. If you're ready to provide the attention and care these haired Siamese descendants need, the Balinese will reward you with endless love and affection.