Balinese Cats have an appearance and fur color quite similar to Siamese Cats, although their fur is slightly longer. Therefore, many people consider them a long-haired version of Siamese Cats.
Let’s DailyPets.net learn more about this cat breed through the article below.
Historical Origin of Balinese Cats
Although Balinese is an island in Indonesia, the origin of Balinese Cats is not related to this region or any other part of Indonesia. In the 1800s, some breeders brought Siamese Cats from Thailand to England and the United States. Some Siamese kittens with long fur appeared during the breeding process and were considered a genetic anomaly. However, some people appreciated the beauty of these long-haired Siamese cats and continued to develop the breed. By the 1950s, serious efforts were made to create a new breed.
The name “Balinese Cats” was given by early breeder Helen Smith. She believed that using the name “Siamese long hair” would be too complex, so instead, she chose the name “Balinese” to evoke the grace and elegance of the cats, similar to Balinese dancers. In the 1960s, Sylvia Holland actively worked to establish breed standards for Balinese Cats. In her description, only colors such as seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, and lynx points were recognized. Other colors like tortoiseshell and mottled were called Java-Balinese (Javanese). By the 1970s, the CFA officially recognized the Balinese Cat breed.
Physical Characteristics of Balinese Cats
Overall Body
Balinese Cats currently have two body types: traditional and modern. The traditional type resembles Ragdoll cats with large bodies and round heads. The modern type has a more slender Oriental appearance with a wedge-shaped head. Their noses are straight and prominently outlined in black. They have large, almond-shaped eyes that are captivatingly blue. They also have large ears that stand erect on top of their heads.
Coat & Colors
The length of a Balinese Cat’s fur is moderate. Kittens resulting from the crossbreeding of two Balinese Cats tend to have slightly longer fur than those from the cross between one Balinese and one Siamese. The breed has been accepted with the following colors: seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, tortoiseshell, and lynx points.
Balinese Cat’s Temperament
Balinese Cats have active and friendly personalities. They are generally cheerful and enjoy playing and interacting with their owners. They are highly intelligent, curious, and like to explore their surroundings. Like purebred Siamese cats, Balinese Cats are quite vocal, often meowing and persistent. They are relatively laid-back and enjoy sunbathing on the balcony for long hours. Owners should take note to spend quality playtime with them daily, as they can become unhappy if left alone for extended periods.
How to Care for Balinese Cats
Despite their Western origins, caring for Balinese Cats is not overly complicated. You should ensure the following:
- Provide a well-balanced diet with the necessary nutrients.
- Regularly groom their long fur, as it can become tangled.
- Establish a regular bathing schedule, using products designed for long-haired cats.
- If you’re too busy, take them to a grooming salon for trimming and grooming.
Balinese Cat price
The price of a Balinese Cat can vary widely based on factors such as pedigree, age, color, and breeder reputation.
Balinese kittens from reputable breeders typically range from $800 to $2,500. Rare colors and patterns may command higher prices, while older cats may cost less.
Choosing a responsible breeder and considering adoption from shelters as a cost-effective alternative is essential.
