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Balinese

The Balinese is the longhaired Siamese - identical in body type, colour, and personality, with a flowing silky coat.

🗓️ Last reviewed: June 2026

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📘 PDF guide

The Complete Balinese Guide Get the guide - €10 or grab the free checklist

Lifespan

12-18 years

Weight

3-5 kg

Overview

The Balinese is the longhaired Siamese - identical in body type, colour, and personality, with a flowing silky coat. The name comes from the dancers of Bali, whose graceful movements reportedly resembled the cats. Affectionate, vocal, and intelligent, the Balinese offers the Siamese temperament with a softer appearance.

History & Origins

Longhaired kittens appeared occasionally in Siamese litters from at least the 1920s. American breeders developed them as a separate breed in the 1950s. CFA recognition came in 1970.

Appearance

Medium-sized, slender, fine-boned - identical to Siamese except coat. Adults weigh 3-5 kg.

Coat: medium-long, silky, single-coated (no thick undercoat). Plumed tail.
Colour: pointed - seal, blue, chocolate, lilac (plus additional colours in Javanese / Colorpoint Longhair variants).
Eyes: brilliant blue.
Head: long wedge.
Body: long, slim, fine-boned.

Temperament & Character

Identical to Siamese: vocal, intelligent, demanding, deeply bonded. Cannot tolerate being alone for long.

Care

Coat & Grooming

Surprisingly low - the silky single coat resists matting. 1-2 times weekly brushing.

Health & Lifespan

12-18 years. Same concerns as Siamese (amyloidosis, asthma, dental, HCM).

Pros & Cons

Pros: Siamese personality with softer appearance, low-maintenance for a longhair. Cons: loud, demanding, same health risks as Siamese.

🐾 Everyday gear for cats

Self-cleaning litter box MeoWant's self-cleaning boxes - the chore, automated. Check price → Cat tree Vertical territory keeps indoor cats sane. Check price → Scratching post Give claws a yes, and the sofa becomes a no. Check price → Interactive toys Ten minutes of hunting play, twice a day. Check price →

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Balinese - frequently asked questions

Balinese vs Siamese?

Same breed, different coat length. Balinese is longhaired Siamese.

Are they hypoallergenic?

No.

Are they good with kids?

With respectful older children.

🧠 Test yourself: guess the cat

Three clues from our quiz bank, each about another of our cats. Can you name them?

Clue 1.Often called the Sacred Cat of Burma, this long-haired feline has deep blue eyes, dark points, and four contrasting white feet.

Clue 2.A calm, sweet-natured lap cat, this breed's extreme brachycephalic face was exaggerated by show breeders over the 20th century.

Clue 3.This tiny, large-eared cat has a sepia-toned ticked coat and is named after the Malay word for its country of origin.

Want more? Play the daily Petdle or browse the quizzes.

💛 Adoptable Balineses near you

Real cats of this breed (and close mixes) waiting in shelters and rescues right now, live from Petfinder. We have no affiliation and earn nothing - if someone catches your eye, the link goes straight to their shelter. New to adopting? Start with our adoption guide.

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