Information for pet owners on traits, history, caring for their animals, and other subjects
Along with their remarkable beauty, Balinese cat people are known for their intelligence, kindness, curiosity, and playfulness. They are also quite assertive and demanding. The breed was created as a result of a genetic mutation that happened spontaneously in pure-bred Siamese cats and led to the evolution of a longer coat type.
Breed Overview
- WEIGHT: 6 to 11 pounds
- LENGTH: About a foot and a half long
- COAT: Long
- COAT COLOR: Creamy white body with a variety of possible color points on the face, ears, legs, and tails
- EYE COLOR: Deep, vivid blue
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 20 years
Characteristics of the Balinese Cat
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | High |
| Kid-Friendly | High |
| Pet-Friendly | High |
| Exercise Needs | High |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | High |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to Vocalize | High |
| Amount of Shedding | Medium |
Historical background of Bali
Despite the fact that the Balinese have no connections to Indonesia, the breeders gave the cat the name “Balinese” because they thought its grace and elegance matched that of the dancers in the Bali temples (their Siamese relatives are actually originated from Thailand).
The breed’s history is not very lengthy. In the 1940s, long-haired Siamese kittens first arrived in America after being discovered in a litter. In an effort to encourage more of this spontaneous mutation, the breeders launched the first Balinese breeding program in the 1950s.
However, this upset some purists, which is one of the reasons they are no longer referred to in breeding circles as “Long-haired Siamese.” Some individuals could merely consider the Balinese to be a long-haired Siamese Cat variation.
The Cat Fanciers’ Federation granted the Balinese championship status in 1961.
Japanese Care
The medium-sized Balinese cat is usually quite active, clever, loving, and particularly social. It’s essential to have a ton of toys, scratching posts, and enrichment activities available to keep them active and stimulated because they enjoy playing and are very inquisitive.
They were simpler to teach using positive reinforcement methods than many other breeds because of their bright nature. They are occasionally characterized to as clowns because of their comical mannerisms, despite their intelligence and grace.
They also long for companionship. They are not the kind of cats that perform well when left alone for long stretches of time; doing so could make them agitated and possibly act destructively. When introduced appropriately, they are a breed that gets along well with children, dogs, and other animals. They’re frequently a popular choice for a domestic cat.
They prefer perching high, like many cats, so make sure you leave surfaces clear and provide them with suitable “hiding” spots so they may have peace if they so want. This might stop your drapes from fading and your fragile items from shattering.
If you want a quiet home, a Balinese cat might not be the best choice for you because they are known to be fairly chatty and enjoy spending time with their owners. They are, however, frequently noted as being a touch quieter than a regular Siamese.
Even though they shed annually, Balinese have a medium-length, smooth coat that doesn’t require much maintenance. They are less likely to form tangles or mats since they don’t have an undercoat. Once a week should be adequate for a thorough brushing out of any loose, dead hair to preserve the condition of their coat.
The breed comes in a variety of colors. Their coats frequently have a primary body that is creamy white with distinct color points on the face, ears, tail as a whole, and legs. The most common ones are seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac, and these four are frequently recognized as acceptable official breed standards. They may also have spots that are tortoiseshell, lynx, or red in color.
They have stunning blue eyes, enormous ears, a magnificently plumed tail, and a muscular frame. They are a very attractive and athletic species. Although their huge ears can need a little more care when cleaning compared to certain cats.
Some supporters of the Balinese claim that their breed is hypoallergenic. There is no scientific evidence to support this, though. There is no guarantee that the Balinese would experience fewer allergy reactions because they don’t have an undercoat, which suggests that they shed less.
Common Health Problems
Despite being generally a healthy breed, the Balinese might experience some of the same inherited problems as the Siamese. A great breed of dog owner will do in-depth medical exams to identify any issues before they arise.
They could be more susceptible to the following illnesses:
- Progression One of the most common health problems affecting Balinese people is retinal atrophy. Although these characteristics have largely been bred away, they may also be predisposed to glaucoma and having crossed eyes.)
- liver amyloidosis (this involves amyloid proteins being deposited in the liver, and this reduces function and may lead to liver failure)
- respiratory illnesses, most commonly asthma or bronchitis.
- neurological disorders (Hyperesthesia syndrome which causes excessive grooming and licking, and Nystagmus which results in rapid eye movement)
- Heart problems (including Dilated Cardiomyopathy)
Food intake and diet
Balinese cats, like all cats, should be fed premium food in moderation to avoid any health problems brought on by being overweight. You could find that they prefer wet food to dry kibble because they have a reputation for being picky eaters. They might need more frequent dental cleanings to prevent gum disease if they consume a wet diet.
Pros
- Balinese are friendly, entertaining, social, and companionable animals.
- They have beautiful coats that don’t require much maintenance, yet they are more intelligent than many breeds and simpler to train.
Cons
- Some people may find them annoying because they might be boisterous and speak nonstop.
- When left alone for long stretches of time, they struggle.
- They require a lot of stimulation and interaction to keep them from participating in dangerous behavior because of their intelligence and level of activity.
Where to Find a Bali Cat for Sale or Adoption
You might be possible to find a pure-breed Balinese cat from a local breeder, but if you’d rather adopt from a rescue organization, have a look at:
- Petscaretip Catfoodsite
Breeds of Cats Not Listed Here and More Research
Before deciding whether a Balinese cat is the right choice for you, be sure to do extensive research. Find reliable breeders, talk to other Balinese owners, and get in touch with reputable rescue groups for more information.
If comparable breeds are of interest to you, you might wish to consider:
- Myanmar Birman Cat Tonkinese Siamese Cat
Before determining which cat breed is perfect for your home, you can research a number of them.
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