Balinese

The Balinese is a domestic cat breed developed in the United States from long-haired traits appearing in Siamese lines. Its name connects its graceful impression with Balinese dance; it does not mean a wild cat or endemic species from Bali. Organizations can differ in the scope of names used to group colors and long-haired lines. Despite shared points, Siamese, Balinese and Himalayan descriptions should be read with their differing coat and body standards in mind. A photograph alone cannot verify pedigree.

A long, slender body, wedge-shaped head, blue eyes and points, a soft semi-long coat and a full tail are typical. Its proportions differ from long-haired pointed cats with round, short Persian-type faces. The coat can look different with age and season, and the points may become more distinct during growth. Consider both the volume created by long hair and the actual slender body lines. Do not make one particular color in a photograph the shared appearance of every individual.

The breed is described as tending to interact with people and engage actively in play and exploration. A close history with the Siamese does not mean that every individual vocalizes at the same volume or enjoys the same contact. Observe separately the cat surveying its surroundings from a high place and coming down to play. Avoiding touch or lowering the ears are signals to stop contact and observe. Graceful appearance does not guarantee a calm personality.

Brush comfortably while checking for tangles in the semi-long coat, the skin and the condition around the tail and belly. Provide play, routes between elevated places and quiet resting spots together. Long hair does not mean uniformly frequent bathing is necessary; base care on actual condition. Do not guarantee an allergy-free breed. Use a photographic example showing both a slender Siamese-type body and long hair, without presenting it as sharing the Himalayan’s flat face.