The Balinese cat was not born on the island of Bali, as you might think from the name, but in America. Its story began with… an accident. In a litter of purebred Siamese cats sometimes appeared kittens with long hair – at first it was considered a defect. But in the middle of the XX century catteries in the United States paid attention to these unusual kittens, and subsequently began a targeted selection. So there was a separate breed – Balinese, or Balinese cat – elegant, like a dancer, graceful and intelligent, with all the characteristic features of the Siam, but in a silk, long outfit.
The breed was named precisely because of its association with the grace of Balinese dancers – not because of geography, but because of movement, plasticity, lightness. The breed was officially recognized by CFA back in the 1970s, and since then has gained fans all over the world, but has retained its aristocratic rarity.
Balinese appearance
The Balinese is the classic Oriental type: graceful body, long paws, narrow muzzle, large ears and almond-shaped bright blue eyes. The body is muscular but not heavy, every movement is like a smooth brush stroke. The coat is semi-long, very soft and fine, without a thick undercoat, shiny and almost does not fall off. The tail is long, fluffy, often with a “feather” at the end – one of the visiting cards of the breed.
The color of the Balinese is always color-point, like the Siamese: the body is light, but the muzzle, ears, paws and tail are dark. The most common shades are: sil-point, blue-point, chocolate-point, mauve, cream, red. But in some systems are recognized and variants with tabby patterns or tortie.
Character of the Balinese cat
Balinese are very sociable, they need contact. They should not be left alone for long periods of time. These are cats for those who are ready to live in a pair. They are loyal, responsive, friendly to children, peaceful with other animals, but they are quite selective: they do not open their souls to the first person they meet.
Their talkativeness is less sharp than that of classical Siamese – their voice is softer, more melodic, but they also like to talk. And if they don’t like something – you’ll know about it.
Balinese cat grooming
The Balinese’s coat is a gift and a challenge. It is as soft as silk, easy to comb, does not pile up, but requires regular attention. It should be brushed once every 4-5 days with a soft brush to keep it shiny and clean. In periods of seasonal shedding – more often. Due to the lack of undercoat, they are more sensitive to cold, so the apartment should be at a comfortable temperature.
Eyes, ears, claws – standard care, but due to the activity of Balinese their claws can be sharpened naturally. Bathing often is not necessary, but if done correctly – Balinese do not resist. Many of them even like the water.
At the V.O.G DOG SALON grooming salon special procedures are available for Balinese for delicate combing, washing with hypoallergenic products, ear cleaning, claw cleaning and caring care without stress. These cats need respect, not coercion – and our groomers do just that.
