Balinese Cat Breed - Facts and Personality Traits
Have you ever wished for a cat that is like a human in disguise—deeply affectionate and values your companionship? What you need is a Balinese cat! This article tackles all the essential information you need to know about this breed. Who knows? It might be the perfect cat for your household!
Balinese Cat Breed Origin & History
Balinese cats originated in America during the 1900 s. The first Balinese breeders were Marion Dorsey, Sylvia Holland, and Helen Smith. They started the Balinese line after observing some Siamese kittens with unusually long hair. The occurrence was rare; hence it was perceived to be a new mutation.
Some speculated the trait resulted from a cross between Siamese and Persian or Turkish Angora breeds. Siamese kittens typically had short and not long hair. Curious owners encouraged the mutation and started a breeding program. They named the new resulting breed “Balinese.”
The Cat Fanciers Federation, Cat Fanciers Association, American Cat Fanciers Association, and International Cat Association all recognize the Balinese breed.
Other Names
Balinese are also known as long-haired Siamese. They got this name in 1928 for their resemblance to Siamese cats. However, by 1950, “Balinese” became the more common name for the breed. The name came from the breeders, who were inspired by the dancers in Bali Temples. They claimed the cats had the same grace and elegance as the talented dancers.
Balinese Cat Breed Personality
Balinese are renowned for their unmatched intellect, curiosity, humor, and playfulness. They are extroverted and tend to be playful and friendly with people. Their excellent communication skills also lend to their interactive nature. Balinese have a chatty personality, and you will never feel alone when you are with them.
Plus, these cats are not high maintenance. Balinese cats are easy to groom since they do not shed as much as other cat breeds. A Balinese only needs to have their coat brushed weekly. They still need their nails trimmed and proper dental care. These cats have a deep understanding of people's emotions. They can detect the slightest change in mood—even just a lift in the tone of voice.
Whatever you're feeling, a Balinese will always be there to cheer you up. Balinese cats are intelligent and willing to please, making them easy to train. You can teach them using positive reinforcement methods and a proper coaching tone. However, there are also some cons to consider when it comes to owning a Balinese.
They are vocal and unfit for cat owners who do not have much patience when it comes to constant chatter. Also, they cannot be on their own for a long time since they crave company. Due to their high intellect and activity level, they need various activities to keep them from engaging in destructive behaviors.
Balinese Cat Breed Characteristics (Physical)
Balinese cats have various unique physical attributes, with their most prominent feature being their long hair. They also have a majestically plump tail. Their bone structure is thin and long, and their tail hair extends just like a plume. This breed's coat is silky and fine and without an undercoat.
Since the Balinese only has a top coat, they only need a little combing to maintain their health. The length of their coat varies, though it is the longest on their tail. Balinese cats have long, tubular bodies. You'll notice that their shoulders are broader than their hips. They also have a tight abdomen, fine bones, and lean muscles. Overall, this breed possesses a strong physique.
Balinese Cat Breed Size
Balinese can grow up to 1.5 feet long, not including the tail. They are considered medium in size.
Weight Range (Male and Female)
The weight range of Balinese cats differs between females and males. Females can weigh between five and six pounds. On the other hand, male Balinese cats weigh between seven and eight pounds.
Head
Balinese cats have a unique and distinguished head that is unlike other cat breeds. You'll notice their head is shaped like a wedge. The wedge starts at their nose, flares out in straight lines, and extends to the tips of their ears to form a triangle. There is no break at the whiskers. The head is proportionate to the body.
Eye Color
Balinese Cats have bright and vivid blue eyes. They slant towards their nose, laying in harmony with their ears and the lines of the wedge. Their eyes are almond-shaped and medium in size.
Ears
Balinese have large ears that point out at a 45-degree angle. Their ears are wide at the base and continue the line of the wedge. You need to pay more attention when cleaning their ears since they are larger than other cat breeds.
Legs & Paws
Balinese cats have slim, long legs. The hind legs of Balinese are higher than their front legs. However, despite this, their legs are proportional to their body. The paws are neat, dainty, and oval in shape. This breed has five toes on their front paws and four toes on the back. Their paw pad has different colors that correspond to their color point.
When the paw pad is pink, the Balinese has lilac and chocolate points. However, when the paw pad is dark, the Balinese has seal and blue points.
Coat
Initially, the Balinese only had four colors: seal, blue, lilac, and brown. However, when the International Cat Association recognized the Balinese, various colors were accepted. Their main body coat can be shades of creamy white, though the color of their face, ears, tails, and legs should differ.
Their face, ears, tail, and legs can come in the following colors: lynx, tortoiseshell, red, seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac. This breed's coat can become darker with age.
Balinese Cat Breed Lifespan
Balinese Cats have a lifespan of 18 to 22 years, which is longer than most other breeds.
Health Problems
In general, the Balinese is a healthy breed. However, like other cats, they can experience various health problems. It's vital to take your Balinese to the vet regularly to maintain its health.
Amyloidosis
Amyloidosis is a disease that occurs when amyloid, a protein typically produced in bone marrow, is deposited in other organs. It most commonly affects the kidney. Symptoms vary depending on the organ affected, but cats often become lethargic and lose their appetite.
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Heart Issues
The Balinese can also experience congenital heart defects such as aortic stenosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Aortic stenosis is the narrowing of the heart valves, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy occurs when the heart muscle thickens.
Physical Deformities
This breed is prone to kinked tails and crossed eyes. You will notice these defects at birth, and they often don't bring too much trouble to the cat. Most owners love the cat's quirky appearance.
Megaesophagus
Megaesophagus can also occur in this breed. This condition causes the esophagus to enlarge, which leads to difficulty eating. A vet must treat this ailment quickly.
Hyperesthesia Syndrome
Hyperesthesia syndrome is a neurological problem that leads to over-grooming and hair loss. Affected cats are also often very sensitive to touch and may act grumpy when you pet them.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) affects photoreceptor cells in your cat's eyes. The condition gradually degrades these cells, reducing your cat's vision over time. In worst case scenarios, PRA can cause permanent blindness in Balinese cats.
How to Care for a Balinese Cat
First off, a Balinese must always be active to keep them stimulated and entertained. They are fond of exploring and playing with lots of toys. Training also keeps their minds busy and engaged. In addition, this breed must always have company. They are social animals and are not used to being alone. They may resort to destructive behavior if they are left by themselves.
To keep your Balinese healthy, they must receive proper medical attention. Cats require vaccinations for different diseases such as Feline Leukemia, Rhinotracheitis, Rabies, Panleukopenia, Calicivirus, and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. Seeing a veterinarian twice a year is recommended for Balinese. This breed likes to have its own space. It's important to set up hiding spots for them.
This is crucial since there are times that they need to be alone and at peace. On that note, the cat's space must also be clean. The litter box should be fresh at all times, and their water and food bowls must always be kept clean. Lastly, though they are not high maintenance, you should still brush their fur once a week to ensure that it is in its best condition.
Cats are generally self-sufficient and able to groom themselves, but weekly brushing reduces shedding in your home. You should also clean their ears regularly since they are larger than other cat breeds. Their dental hygiene must also be properly maintained.
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Nutrition
Balinese cats are picky eaters. They prefer to have a wet diet over dry kibble. Overall, a Balinese should eat a high-quality diet that's low in carbohydrates to prevent weight gain.
Children, Family, & Other Pets
Balinese are known for their social skills and high activity level, so they are the perfect breed for families, especially those with small children. When properly introduced, they can get along well with children and cat-friendly pets. The Balinese are not known to cause problems with other sociable animals.
Moreover, Balinese are easily entertained—they can be happy even with simple games such as fetch. They love to exercise their mind and hence can easily learn tricks. However, it is essential to treat Balinese with uttermost politeness and respect. It's best to keep an eye on young toddlers who may be tempted to pull the cat's tail or ears.
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More About This Breed
Balinese cats are not hypoallergenic. No cat breeds are truly hypoallergenic; they all produce dander that can trigger human allergies. However, Balinese are least likely to induce allergic reactions since they produce extremely low amounts of Fel D1 and Fel D4 protein allergens. A Balinese may be suitable not only for cat lovers who want a low-shedding cat but also for those with allergies.
If you have realized that a Balinese is the cat breed you are looking for, you can either buy or adopt them. If you are considering buying, they cost around $75 to $100. Buying your Balinese from a breeder can be prohibitive and would be much more costly and expensive. They cost around $1,000 to $1,500 when you directly buy Balinese from a breeder.
You can find Balinese breeders linked with The Cat Fanciers Association and the International Cat Association by browsing their websites. These breeders should be able to provide appropriate health screenings and health guarantees for their Balinese litters. that you will buy. You can also adopt a Balinese through a rescue group.
You can visit the websites, Adopt-a-Pet, Petfinder, and National Rescue Network to find available Balinese up for adoption. You will need to input your location to find cats nearby. There are also Balinese that are available for adoption at local animal shelters or rescues. You can inquire at your nearest animal rescue if there are Balinese available for adoption.
Balinese might not be the cat breed for everyone. Still, if you feel that the Balinese is the perfect cat breed for your household, then it is never too late to buy or adopt one now!