Balinese
The Good
- Exceptionally intelligent and trainable companions
- Beautiful, low-maintenance silky coat despite being long-haired
- Devoted family cats who form strong bonds with their humans
- Excellent with children and other pets when properly socialised
The Real
- Very vocal and chatty - not ideal if you prefer quiet cats
- Don't cope well with being left alone for long periods
- Need plenty of mental stimulation to prevent destructive behaviour
- Can be reserved and cautious around strangers
Gallery
Breed Overview
The Balinese is essentially a long-haired Siamese, sharing the same striking blue eyes, colour-point coat pattern, and intelligent personality. These graceful cats emerged from a spontaneous genetic mutation in Siamese litters, developing their signature silky coat and plumed tail that gives them an elegant, dancer-like appearance - hence their name inspired by Balinese temple dancers.
These medium-sized cats are renowned for their exceptional intelligence and strong bonds with their human families. They're highly social creatures who thrive on interaction and can become quite vocal when expressing their needs or simply having a chat. Unlike many long-haired breeds, Balinese cats are surprisingly low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, as their silky coat lacks an undercoat and rarely mats.
Balinese cats are active, playful companions who need plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They're excellent climbers and love having tall cat trees and shelves to explore. These cats do best in homes where they won't be left alone for extended periods, making them perfect for work-from-home Australians or families with varied schedules. Their combination of beauty, brains, and devotion makes them wonderful companions for the right household.
History
Despite their exotic name, Balinese cats have no connection to Indonesia. The breed originated in the United States during the 1940s when long-haired kittens began appearing in purebred Siamese litters. For decades, these longhaired variants were considered undesirable mutations and were often excluded from breeding programmes.
The turning point came in 1928 when a long-haired Siamese was first registered at a cat show, though serious breeding efforts didn't begin until the 1950s. Two American breeders, Marion Dorsey in California and Helen Smith in New York, recognised the potential of these elegant cats and began developing them as a distinct breed. Smith coined the name "Balinese," inspired by the graceful movements that reminded her of Balinese temple dancers.
The breed gained official recognition relatively quickly. The Cat Fanciers' Federation granted championship status in 1961, with other major registries following suit throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Initially, only the four traditional Siamese colours (seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac) were accepted, though additional colour variations have since been recognised.
Today's Balinese maintains the beloved Siamese personality while offering the added appeal of a luxurious coat. The breed has found particular favour among Australian cat enthusiasts who appreciate their adaptability to our varied climate conditions and their suitability for both apartment and house living across our diverse landscapes.
Traits & Characteristics
Balinese characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Balinese cats are generally healthy with impressive lifespans of 12-20 years, though they can inherit some conditions from their Siamese heritage. The most significant concern is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a genetic eye condition that can lead to blindness. Responsible Australian breeders should test breeding cats for PRA carriers, so always ask about genetic health testing when choosing a kitten.
Hepatic amyloidosis, where abnormal proteins deposit in the liver, is another condition seen in Asian breeds including Balinese. Early signs include lethargy, loss of appetite, and abdominal swelling. Regular vet check-ups can help detect this condition early, and while there's no cure, treatment can slow progression and manage symptoms.
Like all cats, Balinese can develop dental issues, so establishing a tooth-brushing routine early is crucial. Some may also be prone to respiratory conditions like asthma, which can be triggered by dust, pollen, or strong scents.
Some lines of Balinese may also have a predisposition to certain cancers, such as lymphoma, which is a cancer of the white blood cells. Symptoms can be varied and non-specific, including weight loss, lethargy, and changes in appetite. Regular veterinary wellness exams are key to early detection. As with any breed, choosing a kitten from a breeder who is transparent about the health history of their lines is important.
Australian Seasonal Care: During our intense summer months (December-February), ensure your Balinese has access to air conditioning or cooling mats when temperatures exceed 30°C, particularly in inland areas like western Sydney or Adelaide's suburbs. Their medium-length coat provides some insulation, but they can overheat in extreme conditions. In cooler regions like the Blue Mountains or Hobart winters, provide warm bedding and consider heated cat beds during those 5°C mornings. Coastal areas with high humidity like Brisbane or the Gold Coast require good ventilation to prevent skin issues. Always maintain fresh water and watch for excessive panting or lethargy during temperature extremes.
Balinese cats thrive on high-quality commercial cat food that meets Australian pet food standards. As active, intelligent cats, they benefit from portion-controlled feeding rather than free-feeding to maintain their athletic build. Most Balinese do well with two to three small meals daily rather than one large serving.
These cats can be quite particular about their food preferences - many favour wet food over dry kibble, which actually benefits their overall health by increasing moisture intake. This is particularly important during Australia's hot summer months when adequate hydration becomes crucial. If feeding primarily wet food, you may need to be more diligent about dental care to prevent gum disease.
Given their high intelligence and energy levels, consider using puzzle feeders or food-dispensing toys to provide mental stimulation during mealtimes. This is especially valuable for apartment-dwelling Balinese in cities like Melbourne or Perth, where indoor enrichment becomes more important. Snuffle mats and treat-dispensing balls can turn feeding time into an engaging activity that satisfies their curious nature.
Monitor portion sizes carefully as Balinese can develop weight issues if overfed, despite their typically active nature. The combination of Australia's indoor lifestyle trends and their food-motivated personality means weight management requires attention. Treats should comprise no more than 10% of their daily calories. During cooler months when activity levels might decrease slightly, adjust portions accordingly. Always consult with your local vet about the best feeding schedule and portions for your individual cat, particularly if you're in regional areas where specialist feline nutrition advice might be less readily available.
Despite their luxurious appearance, Balinese cats are surprisingly low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their silky, semi-long coat lacks the dense undercoat that causes matting in many long-haired breeds, making them much easier to care for than you might expect. A thorough brushing once or twice weekly is typically sufficient to remove loose hair and keep their coat looking magnificent.
During Australia's seasonal changes, particularly the transition from winter to spring (August-October), you may notice increased shedding as they adjust their coat. This is when more frequent brushing becomes beneficial - perhaps every second day - to manage the extra hair and prevent it from decorating your furniture. A good quality slicker brush or metal comb works well for their coat type.
Their large ears may need more attention than some breeds, so check them weekly for debris or signs of infection. The striking blue eyes that can sometimes appear crossed (a normal breed characteristic) don't require special care unless you notice discharge or irritation. Regular nail trimming every few weeks and dental care complete their grooming routine.
Coat Specifications:
- Coat Length: Semi-long with silky texture that lies close to the body
- Coat Colours: Cream to white body with colour points in seal, chocolate, blue, lilac, plus red, lynx, and tortoiseshell variations
- Coat Patterns: Traditional colour-point pattern with darker colours on ears, face, legs, and tail
- Hypoallergenic: No, though they may produce fewer allergens than some long-haired breeds due to less shedding
The lack of undercoat means they shed less than many other semi-long haired breeds, which some allergy sufferers find more tolerable. However, no cat is truly hypoallergenic, so spend time with the breed before committing if allergies are a concern.
Balinese cats are among the most trainable feline breeds, combining high intelligence with a strong desire to please their humans. They excel at learning tricks, coming when called, and even walking on a lead - perfect for secure courtyard exploration in Australian suburban settings or supervised balcony time in apartments.
Mental stimulation is absolutely crucial for this breed. Without adequate enrichment, Balinese cats can become destructive, using their intelligence for mischievous purposes like opening cupboards or knocking items off shelves. Puzzle feeders, interactive toys, and rotating toy collections help keep their minds engaged. Many Balinese enjoy fetch games, making them more dog-like in their play preferences.
Their social nature means they thrive on interactive play sessions with their humans. Wand toys, laser pointers (always ending with a physical catch), and hide-and-seek games satisfy their hunting instincts. Cat trees and climbing shelves are essential, as they love surveying their territory from high vantage points - particularly useful in open-plan Australian homes.
Socialisation from an early age is important, as Balinese can be reserved with strangers despite their outgoing nature with family. Expose them to various household sounds, visitors, and experiences while young. Their vocal nature means they'll often "talk" through new situations, which is normal behaviour rather than distress. Many Australian Balinese owners find their cats learn to respond to their names and simple commands, making them delightful interactive companions for families who enjoy engaging with their pets.
Who is an ideal owner?
Balinese cats are perfect for Australian households that can provide plenty of attention and interaction. They're ideal for work-from-home professionals who enjoy having a chatty companion throughout the day, or families with school-age children who can engage in interactive play. These cats don't suit people who work long hours or travel frequently, as they genuinely suffer when left alone for extended periods.
They're excellent for apartment living across Australian cities, provided there's adequate vertical space and enrichment. Their moderate exercise needs can be met indoors, making them suitable for renters who might face pet restrictions on outdoor access. However, they do appreciate secure balcony access or catio setups where possible.
Balinese thrive in households that appreciate their vocal nature - if you enjoy having conversations with your cat, you'll love this breed. They're less suitable for people seeking a quiet, independent pet. First-time cat owners often do well with Balinese due to their trainable nature and clear communication style, though their need for attention requires commitment.
They're wonderful for families with other pets, as their social nature means they often prefer company to solitude. Empty nesters or retirees who can dedicate time to interactive play and training often find Balinese cats particularly rewarding. These cats also suit households that enjoy the grooming ritual, though their needs are modest compared to other long-haired breeds.
Interesting facts about the Balinese
Interesting Fact
The breed name comes from their graceful movements that reminded breeders of Balinese temple dancers, not from any connection to Indonesia
Interesting Fact
Many Balinese cats can live well into their twenties, making them one of the longer-lived cat breeds
Interesting Fact
They often have crossed eyes or flickering eye movements (nystagmus), which are normal breed characteristics that typically don't affect their vision
Interesting Fact
Balinese cats are known to be excellent at learning to walk on leads and can be trained to perform tricks more easily than most cat breeds
FAQ
The main difference is coat length - Balinese have semi-long, silky fur while Siamese have short coats. Both share the same colour-point pattern, blue eyes, and intelligent, vocal personality. Think of Balinese as the long-haired version of Siamese cats.
Not particularly! Despite their long coat, they're actually quite low-maintenance as they lack an undercoat that mats easily. Weekly brushing is usually sufficient, and they don't require special bathing unless they get particularly messy.
Expect to pay between $800-$2,500 AUD for a Balinese kitten from a reputable breeder, with show-quality cats commanding higher prices. Always research breeders thoroughly and ask about health testing for genetic conditions like PRA.
Absolutely! They adapt well to apartment living provided they have adequate vertical space, enrichment, and aren't left alone for long periods. Their moderate exercise needs can be met indoors, making them excellent for city living across Australia.
Yes, they're quite adaptable to our varied climate conditions. Their semi-long coat provides some insulation without being too heavy for our warmer regions. Just ensure adequate cooling in summer heat and warmth during cooler months in southern regions.
Balinese cats are excellent with children and generally very social with other cats and dogs when properly introduced. Their playful, gentle nature makes them wonderful family pets, though they prefer older children who understand how to interact respectfully with cats.
Very vocal! They're chatty cats who like to "talk" to their humans throughout the day. If you prefer quiet cats, this breed isn't for you. However, many owners find their conversational nature endearing and entertaining.
Not really - their grooming needs remain consistent year-round. You might need slightly more frequent brushing during seasonal coat changes (spring and autumn), but their silky coat is naturally resistant to matting even in humid coastal conditions.