The Balinese cat is a long-haired feline breed of oriental origin similar to the Siamese. It has the same features and appearance as the Siamese, apart from its long, flowing hair. Cats were recognized as early as the first decades of the 20th century, in sporadic mutations of Siamese litters. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that their beauty was truly appreciated and the breed’s development began in earnest. The name ‘Balinese’ was given as a representation of his grace, similar to that of the exotic Balinese dancers.

Two variants of the cat have emerged over the years. One is the ‘traditional’ Balinese with semi-long hair all over the body. Another is the ‘contemporary’ Balinese who has short hair on his body in addition to his fluffy tail that has long hair. Both types have the same markings as Siamese cats, their only distinction being their ermine fur. The body is slim, long and muscular. The head is wedge-shaped with sapphire eyes somewhat slanted accordingly. The recognized colors are the traditional Siamese blue, chocolate, lilac and seal. There are also other colors such as red and cream, although these cats are often characterized as Javanese rather than Balinese.

The silky fur and aristocratic appearance make the Balinese a highly sought-after breed of cat. They are often considered the most intelligent of the long-haired cats. This, along with their unique coat that does not tangle or shed or require constant care, means that they are quite suitable to be the ideal house cat.

Despite their long hair, the Balinese have a robust physical appearance and are elegant and attractive. Being quite active and playful, they require constant love and attention for their continued intellectual stimulation. Sometimes you can gain weight due to lack of regular exercise. In general, they make very good pets and companions.