Balinese
The Balinese is a natural long-haired mutation of the Siamese — essentially a Siamese with a flowing, silky medium-length coat and a magnificent plumed tail.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United States
Lifespan
12–20 years
Weight
2.5–5 kg (5.5–11 lbs)
Height
20–25 cm (8–10 in)
Exercise
15 to 25 min/day
Diet
Obligate carnivore — high-quality wet and dry food. Active breed with good appetite.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
The Story
The Balinese is a natural long-haired mutation of the Siamese — essentially a Siamese with a flowing, silky medium-length coat and a magnificent plumed tail. The long coat appeared spontaneously in Siamese litters in the 1950s and was initially discouraged, but breeders Helen Smith and Sylvia Holland recognised the beauty of the long-haired Siamese and developed it into the Balinese breed. The name "Balinese" was chosen not because the breed has any connection to Bali, but because the graceful, flowing movement of the cat reminded the founders of Balinese temple dancers. The Balinese shares every personality characteristic with the Siamese.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The Balinese is identical to the Siamese in body type — long, elegant, wedge-shaped head, almond-shaped blue eyes, large pointed ears. The coat is medium-length, very fine and silky, lying close to the body — it does not have the dense undercoat of a Persian. The tail has a spectacular plume of silky fur. The colourpoint pattern is the same as the Siamese: dark mask, ears, legs, and tail against a pale body.
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Coat Length
semi-long
Coat Type
silky
Brushing
2-3x-Weekly
Bathing
Rarely
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Identical to the Siamese — extremely vocal, demanding, intelligent, affectionate, and people-dependent. The Balinese is among the most communicative of all cat breeds. They do not tolerate being alone for long periods. They are excellent with children and other pets.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
4/5Attention Need
5/5Friendliness
5/5Playfulness
4/5Protectiveness
1/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
Apartment
Daily Exercise
15 to 25 min/day
Ideal Weather
15°C to 28°C
Indoor/Outdoor
Indoor-Preferred
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
40%
Attention
50%
Playfulness
40%
Communication Style
Vocal Profile
loud
Stress Signals
excessive vocalisation, pica, over-grooming, clinginess, spraying
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •The medium-length silky coat requires brushing 2–3 times weekly — it does not mat as readily as the Persian. Same social needs as Siamese — pairs strongly recommended. Regular dental care.
Nutrition Notes
Siamese longhair. Same amyloidosis risk. Reportedly lower Fel d 1 than average (like Siamese parent). Dental disease. Pica possible.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Same as Siamese with longer coat. Amyloidosis. PRA. Asthma. Lower Fel d 1 reported. Single-layer silky coat (no undercoat — low matting). 12-20 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
350 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
250 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Same health profile as Siamese — amyloidosis, PRA (DNA test available), HCM, dental disease. Shares the Siamese's notably long lifespan.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Siamese longhair. Lower Fel d 1 reported. Single-layer coat — minimal matting. India: suits climate.
Purchase Price
$600 to $2,000
Adoption Fee
$75 to $350
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Balinese is one of the cat breeds frequently cited as producing less Fel d 1 than typical breeds — though not fully hypoallergenic, some allergy sufferers report better tolerance of Balinese than most other breeds.
The name "Balinese" was chosen purely for aesthetic reasons — the founders felt the cat's graceful, flowing movement resembled the elegant dances of Bali. The breed has no genetic connection to Indonesia.
Balinese kittens are born white (like Siamese) and develop their point colouration over their first few months as their body temperature differentiates between the warmer body and cooler extremities.
