Imagine having a cat companion who is not only talkative but also a charming buddy because of its grace and elegance. That’s the Balinese cat breed for you!
In this article, we will learn more about this long-haired Siamese cat breed.
What Does a Balinese Cat Look Like?
The Balinese cat is a long hair mutation of Siamese cat litter after breeding with a domestic cat.
| Weight | 5-9 lbs |
| Size | 8 to 10 inches |
| Life span | 12-20 years |
| Colorpoint | Lilac point, blue point, chocolate point |
| Tail | Plume, full tail |
| Eye colors | Blue eyes |
| Fur Coat | Long fur |
Balinese Cat Personality Traits
If you are considering getting a Balinese, it’s important to understand that they require a lot of attention and care, making them a significant responsibility.
- Energy Levels: High energy levels
- Sociability: Balinese cats are affectionate, playful, and crave attention, making them great family pets.
- Trainability: Balinese cats are easy to train and enjoy toys like laser lights. Providing elevated toys, such as a cat tree, is important as they love to climb.
The Origin of the Graceful Feline
In the mid-1950s, Siamese breeders Helen Smith and Marion Dorsey worked on a cat breeding program to produce long-haired Siamese, now recognized as Balinese.
Contrary to popular belief, this cat didn’t originate from Indonesia. Due to their grace and elegance, name came courtesy of the dancers in the temple of Bali. They actually come from Thailand.
How to Take Care of This Cat Grooming Needs
When it comes to grooming, Balinese cats are relatively low-maintenance. But like all cats, it’s crucial to keep them well-groomed.
Coat Care
Despite their long coat, they shed less than other long-haired cats because they lack an undercoat. Regular brushing should be enough to keep their silky coat in good condition.
Skin Care
These feline friends don’t need much skin care; just ensure their skin is healthy and smooth. Contact the veterinarian immediately if you see any signs of irritation or redness.
Eye Care
You might notice your cat is crossed eyed. Thankfully, this isn’t any cause for concern as it doesn’t impinge on their vision.
But your cat may be prone to Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). If you see your cat bumping into walls, schedule a checkup with the veterinarian. More information about this is mentioned in the next section.
Ear Care
Balinese cats don’t require any specific ear care. Despite that, it’s important to make sure the inside of your cat’s ear aren’t red, as it could be a sign of ear infection.
Common Health Problems In The Balinese Cat Breed
Although this cat belongs to a healthy breed due to certain genetic mutations, there are a few typical health conditions that your Balinese cat might experience.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy: This condition is typically inherited due to a gene mutation that affects photoreceptor cells, leading to blindness.
- Hyperesthesia Syndrome: The cause of this syndrome is unknown, but it is often found in cats with tail trauma or epilepsy. It is characterized by sensitive, itchy skin or a flea allergy.
- Liver Amyloidosis: This condition is caused when proteins called amyloid are deposited outside the cell in the liver. This disease can cause the liver to rupture, leading to bleeding.
How to Ethically Adopt a Balinese Kitten
If you want to own a long-haired Siamese cat breed, contact a renowned kitten breeder or find it on sites such as Petfinder you can also visit cat shelters.
So, Are Balinese Cats Worth it?
If you desire to be a responsible owner of a chatty and lively feline companion, you can certainly have these Balinese by your side. Remember that they require plenty of care and attention and rely entirely on their caretaker.
