Balinese Cat Breed
The name of Balinese stems from the graceful dancers on the island of Bali in Indonesia, but the cat was bred in the United States. This breed, though very similar to the Siamese in appearance, is a separate breed. Longhair kittens appear from time to time in all shorthaired breeds and are usually considered unsuitable for showing. When this occurred in the Siamese in the 1940s, some breeders decided to develop them as a new breed. This was not difficult, because the gene for long hair was recessive. The breed was officially recognized by the American Cat Fanciers' Association in 1970. The Balinese has become well-known and more and more popular. Initially, the breed was referred to as the Long-haired Siamese.
Although the breed began as longhair, the Balinese is now more properly described as a semi-longhair. The coat lies flat and close along the body. The long hairs are confined to the areas below the stomach and on the tail. The Balinese looks like and old-style Siamese, without the extreme triangular head seen now.
Kittens are born with white coats and only does the characteristic coloration begin to develop. The coat will take a full year to develop its adult color. Adult cats become somewhat darker as they start to age. Unlike many of other semi-longhair breeds, the Balinese does not have a woolly undercoat, so the coat is relatively easy to keep in good condition. When the cat is shedding, a special rubber brush is ideal for removing loose, dead hairs from the coat, but use it with care because you can inadvertently damage the Balinese's fine coat if you are overly enthusiastic.
The Balinese is less assertive than Siamese and has a quieter voice. These cats are Siamese in type and are playful and naturally friendly. Friendly and very affectionate, the Balinese wants to be part of the family and will take the antics of children in its stride. However, it should not be left alone for long periods of time if you do not want the risk of destruction of your furniture. To prevent boredom and moping, provide plenty of games and space for exercise. People who keep this breed say that their cat is as demanding as 2 or 3 ordinary cats. If Balinese do not get enough attention, they will let you know. Balinese are very talkative. They can easily be taught some tricks, such as fetching wadded-up balls of paper. Most of them learn very quickly how to walk on leash.
The Siamese type also means early sexual maturity so be prepared; female Balinese may begin calling when they are as young as 6 months. Elegance and balance are vital features of the Balinese, with all parts of the cat's body in proportion to each other.
Grooming is easy, as the silky hair texture helps prevent matting.
Fur Colors and Patterns
In the United States, all Balinese must have the classic Siamese colors (Seal, Chocolate, Blue or Lilac Point). Other Colors, such as Tabby and Tortie Point, are called Javanese.
LILAC POINT, CHOCOLATE POINT, SEAL POINT, SEAL TORTIE LYNX POINT, CHOCOLATE TORTIE POINT, RED LYNX POINT, BLUE LYNX POINT, SEAL LYNX POINT, CHOCOLATE LYNX POINT
Special health problems of the Balinese are few but include strobismus (squint) and tail kink. Strobismus may affect one or both eyes, but does not impair vision. There is no effective surgery or other treatments, but it is considered a fault in showing. Tail kink is a deviation of one or more tail bones, often up to 90 degrees, which frequently occurs in Balinese (as in Siamese). It is often found at the very tip of the tail but can occur anywhere along the length. It does not affect the general health of the cat but is not acceptable in a show cat.
Balinese Cats for Sale