Balinese
The Balinese is the longhaired Siamese - identical in body type, colour, and personality, with a flowing silky coat.
Overview
The Balinese is the longhaired Siamese - identical in body type, colour, and personality, with a flowing silky coat. The name comes from the dancers of Bali, whose graceful movements reportedly resembled the cats. Affectionate, vocal, and intelligent, the Balinese offers the Siamese temperament with a softer appearance.
History & Origins
Longhaired kittens appeared occasionally in Siamese litters from at least the 1920s. American breeders developed them as a separate breed in the 1950s. CFA recognition came in 1970.
Appearance
Medium-sized, slender, fine-boned - identical to Siamese except coat. Adults weigh 3-5 kg.
- Coat: medium-long, silky, single-coated (no thick undercoat). Plumed tail.
- Colour: pointed - seal, blue, chocolate, lilac (plus additional colours in Javanese / Colorpoint Longhair variants).
- Eyes: brilliant blue.
- Head: long wedge.
- Body: long, slim, fine-boned.
Temperament & Character
Identical to Siamese: vocal, intelligent, demanding, deeply bonded. Cannot tolerate being alone for long.
Care
Coat & Grooming
Surprisingly low - the silky single coat resists matting. 1-2 times weekly brushing.
Health & Lifespan
12-18 years. Same concerns as Siamese (amyloidosis, asthma, dental, HCM).
Pros & Cons
Pros: Siamese personality with softer appearance, low-maintenance for a longhair. Cons: loud, demanding, same health risks as Siamese.
Balinese - frequently asked questions
Balinese vs Siamese?
Same breed, different coat length. Balinese is longhaired Siamese.
🧠 Test yourself: guess the cat
Three clues from our quiz bank, each about another of our cats. Can you name them?
Clue 1.Often called the Sacred Cat of Burma, this long-haired feline has deep blue eyes, dark points, and four contrasting white feet.
It's the Birman - read the full profile →
Clue 2.A calm, sweet-natured lap cat, this breed's extreme brachycephalic face was exaggerated by show breeders over the 20th century.
It's the Persian - read the full profile →
Clue 3.This tiny, large-eared cat has a sepia-toned ticked coat and is named after the Malay word for its country of origin.
It's the Singapura - read the full profile →