Balinese cat
Other names: Long haired Siamese
Despite their name, this breed is not native to Bali. They originate from litters of Siamese kittens, where some were born with mid-length fur. At the time, they were of little value to their breeders as they did not meet the requirements for Siamese cats. It was not until 1950 that two breeders became interested in these mid-length-haired kittens, and in order to preserve this trait they decided to try and create a new breed. These cats emanated such grace that one of the breeders decided to change their name (formerly known as Long-haired Siamese) in honour of the elegance of Balinese dancers.
Key facts about the Balinese cat
Origins and history
This breed did exist naturally, as from time to time long haired kittens were born into Siamese litters. However, they were then removed from breeding programmes, as they did not meet the required standards for Siamese cats. Two Siamese breeders in the United States began breeding Long Haired Siamese by selecting precise kittens. Since the year 2000, their popularity has declined due to the appearance of other breeds, which makes it quite rare in Europe.
Physical characteristics of the Balinese cat
Adult size
Female : Approximately 12 in
Male : Approximately 12 in
Weight
Female : Between 7 and 11 lb
Male : Between 7 and 11 lb
Coat colour
Seal, chocolate, blue, lilac, cream, tortoiseshell
Type of coat
Mid-length.
Eye colour
Blue.
Description
Balinese have long, athletic and muscular bodies with thin frames. This gives them their majestic natural elegance. They have beautiful triangular shaped heads with almond blue eyes.
Good to know
Balinese reach sexual maturity early in their lives (Like Siamese): they can come into heat at 6 months old.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Balinese cat
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Compatibility
Price
A Balinese kitten costs approximately £300. Their price varies depending on their lineage, age and sex. They cost approximately £25 per month to keep them healthy and to feed them well!
Grooming
Weekly brushing and combing is usually sufficient for Balinese.
Shedding
Even during moulting, Balinese only lose a little hair. This breed has no undercoat.
Nutrition of the Balinese cat
They should be provided with high quality food recommended to them by their vet to ensure that they stay healthy and avoid gaining too much weight.
Health of the Balinese cat
Life expectancy
15 to 20 years.
Strong / robust
Their thin fur and lack of an undercoat mean that they are poor at dealing with large swings in temperature.
Tendency to put on weight
By expending their energy daily, and providing them with a balanced diet using an interactive bowl, you will prevent your cat from becoming overweight.
Common illnesses
Balinese can develop the same illnesses as any other cats, such as oral diseases. Some other diseases may appear, including:
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - this results in the thickening of the heart muscle. This pathology causes heart failure that can result in arrhythmias or even pulmonary aedema. Screening can be done by means of an echocardiography examination, which is usually renewed annually. Treatment can be administered to improve the cat’s quality of life.
Progressive retinal atrophy - a disease that can cause blindness in Balinese. Screening tests exist.
Renal amyloidosis - an irreversible hereditary disease. This disease progresses quickly and clinical signs generally arise between the age of 1 and 5. They are similar symptoms to those of severe renal failure. There is no screening test to date as the gene(s) that cause the disease have not yet been identified. Nevertheless, vigilance on the part of the breeders has caused this disease to remain rare.
Reproduction
Balinese have on average 4 kittens per litter.
Cross breeding is permitted with Siamese, Mandarin, Orientals and other Balinese.
Names
Good names for a Balinese cat: Darcy, Kenzo, Peace, Turtle
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