Personality:
- Gregarious, people-loving cats.
- Demonstrative and affectionate.
- Loves to be on shoulders and laps.
- Easily trained to walk on a leash and to fetch.
- Softer voice than their Siamese counterparts.
History:
Originated as a spontaneous genetic mutation in litters of Siamese cats that resulted in some kittens being born with long hair. Although longhaired Siamese have always appeared in Siamese litters, it wasn’t until the 1940′s that a serious effort to promote the longhaired version as a separate breed was initiated. Accepted for championship in the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1970. In CFA, any colors other than seal point, blue point, chocolate point and lilac point are considered to be a separate breed known as Javanese. There is no such color distinction in The International Cat Assocation (TICA).
Body Type:
- Medium-sized with long, svelte lines, fine bones and firm muscles.
- Plume like tail.
- Head is a long, tapering wedge with large, pointed ears.
- Blue eyes are almond shaped.
Coat:
- Coat is medium long, fine and silky, and without an undercoat.
- Mask, ears, legs, feet, and tail are pointed.
- Long coat does not mat and sheds less than many shorthaired breeds.
- Body is a contrasting pale color that darkens slightly as the cat matures.
- Kittens are born white, developing colorpoints when they are seven to 10 days old.
Health and Wellness:
- Gingivitis has occurred in some lines. Preventive dental care and early treatment can keep this condition under control.
- These cats are meant to be lean and muscular. Watch the weight of neutered cats.
What you should know:
- Although like Siamese, some Balinese may have crossed eyes or a kinked tail. These are only show faults and do not effect the well-being of the cat.
- Balinese enjoy company and do best when they have a companion cat.
