Animals

The Balinese cat is relatively new to the cat world, beginning in the mid 1950s (although a longhaired Siamese was registered in 1928).

Although the occasional ‘fluffy’ popped up from time to time in pure Siamese lines, they were sold off as pets until a few breeders in the U.S decided they were so taken with them that they would start up a breeding program.
Mrs Helen Smith (Prefix ‘Merry Mews’), one of the pioneer breeders, came up with the name ‘Balinese’ because, as they walked, their tail gently waved from side to side and this reminded her of the exotic Balinese dancers.

A Balinese should be the same as a Siamese in most respects, the main difference is a beautiful Semi-longhaired coat.
Some say that everything on a Balinese is slightly ‘softer’ than on a Siamese, the length of coat giving ‘softness’ to the lines of the cat and that the voice is a little quieter.
The Balinese has a wedge head, in the shape of an equilateral triangle, with large flared ears positioned so as to continue the triangle. The eyes are rich brilliant sapphire blue and are oriental or almond in shape.

A long slender neck leads into a refined, lengthy body, well muscled and tubular in shape, the legs are fine boned yet strong, with delicate oval paws.

The Balinese is a medium sized cat breed with a luxurious tail plume. Male Balinese weigh from 10 to 15 pounds and females from 8 to 12 pounds which is similar to the Siamese. The Balinese is svelte and dainty but also lithe and muscular. This is a long slender cat that resembles the Siamese except for the longer coat and plumed tail. The head of the Balinese forms a long and tapering wedge with a long and straight profile. The ears are large. They complement and extend the wedge. The eyes are Oriental, slanted slightly and are a deep vivid blue. The Balinese coat is medium length and silky to the touch and since there is no undercoat, it lies flat to the body. The tail has longer hair than the coat, about 2 to 3 inches, and when brushed forms a luxurious and graceful plume.

The only point colors recognized by the CFA are the same as the pedigreed Siamese cat. Points refer to the face, ears, tail and paws which contrast with the body color. The points should all be the same shade and clearly defined with no ticking or white hairs in the points.