Balinese at a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 2.3–4.5 kg
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one cat. Not assessed yet: Other cats, Typical lifespan.
Is the Balinese right for you?
Like every breed, the Balinese is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You have a calm, cat-friendly dog and can introduce them slowly.
- You would enjoy an active, playful cat and have time to play every day.
- You would enjoy a chatty cat that talks to you.
- You would like a coat that is fairly easy to look after.
Consider another breed if…
- The cat would regularly be alone for long working days.
- The cat would have to live indoors only.
- You have young children at home.
- This would be your first cat.
How would the Balinese fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Balinese
The Balinese is a graceful, fine-boned, medium-sized cat that can be described as a Siamese in a long coat. It shares the Siamese wedge-shaped head, large ears, vivid blue eyes and colourpointed pattern, but has a silky, close-lying single coat and a full plume tail. It is a curious, outgoing and very vocal cat that loves to chat and be involved.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual cat.
- Size
Medium
A mid-sized cat.
- Coat length
Semi-long
A semi-long coat.
- Activity level
Very active
Very active; needs plenty of play and things to climb.
- Grooming
Weekly
The coat usually needs brushing about once a week.
- Shedding
Low
Tends to shed little, though every cat sheds some hair.
- Vocal
Very talkative
Often very talkative, with a voice that carries.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other cats
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Good with dogs
Often fine
Often gets on with a cat-friendly dog.
- Suits first-time owners
Experienced owners
Best with an experienced cat owner.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Prefers company and is best not left alone for long.
- Indoors and outdoors
Outdoor access
Usually happier with access outdoors.
Longhaired kittens appeared from time to time in early Siamese litters, because some of the first Siamese imported into the USA and UK carried the recessive longhair gene. In the USA these kittens were registered as longhaired Siamese from 1928, and from the 1950s American breeders began to develop them as a separate breed, named after the dancers of the island of Bali. The first Balinese reached the UK in the 1970s. They were accepted into the GCCF Siamese section in 1980 and granted Championship status in 1985. The GCCF lists the Balinese as a minority, or rare, breed.
Like the Siamese, the Balinese comes in an old style and a modern style, with quite different head and body shapes, but both count as the same breed.
Balinese temperament
Balinese are typically curious, intelligent and extrovert, with excellent communication skills. They are known for their chatty personalities. They are said to be a little quieter and softer-voiced than the Siamese, but they are still not for anyone who thinks cats should be seen and not heard.
They are usually demonstrative, good-humoured and affectionate, and are often in tune with their owner's moods. They can also be demanding, and quite assertive when they want attention. A Balinese that does not get enough attention and play may become loud and destructive. Purina describes the breed as more of a specialist cat than a relaxing, quiet companion, and better suited to an experienced owner.
Size and appearance
The Balinese is medium-sized and lithe, with a slim body, slender legs and small oval paws, but it is well muscled. Adults typically weigh about 2.3–4.5 kg, with females usually a little lighter than males.
The coat is semi-long, fine and silky, with no undercoat, so it lies close to the body rather than standing out. All Balinese are colourpointed, with colour on the face, ears, legs and tail and a pale cream to white body. Point colours include seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, apricot and caramel, with tortie, tabby point and tortie tabby point varieties. Eyes are a deep, vivid blue.
How active is the Balinese?
Balinese have high energy levels and love to climb, explore and play. Provide plenty of toys, scratching posts and tall cat trees, and a home that is friendly for jumping and climbing. Without enough to do, they are likely to turn their attention to ornaments and furniture. Climbing frames and food-dispensing toys help, but they are no substitute for time spent playing with you.
Balinese grooming
Because the single coat has no undercoat, it rarely mats or tangles, and the Balinese is probably the easiest longhaired cat to keep looking good. Weekly combing with a wide-toothed comb to remove loose hair is usually enough, and shedding is typically minimal. Check the large ears regularly to make sure they are clean.
The Balinese is said to produce less of the Fel D1 protein than other cats, which may cause fewer reactions in people with allergies, but there is no reliable test for this.
Indoors and outdoors
Balinese are not ideal cats to let out unsupervised: they may pester neighbours and are at risk of being stolen. They are athletic and intelligent, though, and benefit from the enrichment that outdoor space provides, so a cat-proofed garden or a large enclosure or catio is recommended.
They do not like to be left alone for long periods, and suit homes where someone has time to spend with them every day.
Living with a Balinese
Balinese can get on well with children and fit into family life. They can also be loud and demanding, so they are probably best suited to an adult-only home or one with older children who respect a cat's space and needs. Whatever the breed, young children should be supervised around cats and shown how to stroke them gently and let them walk away.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Dogs
Often gets on with a cat-friendly dog.
Indoors and outdoors
Usually happier with access outdoors.
Being left alone
Prefers company and is best not left alone for long.
First-time owners
Best with an experienced cat owner.
Other cats and pets
Balinese usually get on well with other pets and with cat-friendly dogs.
Balinese health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own cat’s health.
The Balinese is described as a generally healthy breed. Because it is closely related to the Siamese, it may share some of the same inherited disorders. Lifespan estimates vary widely: the GCCF gives an average of about 18 years or more, while Purina gives 9–15 years.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
An inherited disorder in which part of the eye degenerates, which can lead to blindness. A DNA test for PRA is available for the Balinese.
Feline asthma
The GCCF names feline asthma as an example of a disorder the Balinese may share with the Siamese.
Squint
Squints are occasionally seen in the breed.
Amyloidosis
Amyloidosis has been found in some Siamese and Oriental lines, but so far the Balinese appears to be free of it.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Balinese home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Kittens should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, cats must be microchipped and registered by 20 weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a kitten was raised.
How much does a Balinese cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Balinese home, and looking after one well. Kitten prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, litter, scratching posts and toys, and a cattery or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the cat’s life, not just the first year.
Buying a Balinese
If you have decided the Balinese suits your life, take the same care choosing where your cat comes from. Meet the kitten in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Balinese
Balineses do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the cat. An adult cat arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the cat’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a cat once, well.
Balineses looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
There are no Balinese adverts at the moment.
Find Balinese adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
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Balinese FAQs
Is the Balinese good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual cats vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the cat you are considering.
Can the Balinese be an indoor cat?
Usually happier with access outdoors. Indoor cats need daily play, places to climb and scratch, and a window to watch from.
How active is the Balinese?
Very active and usually keen to play. Short play sessions every day help any cat stay fit and settled.
Does the Balinese shed?
Tends to shed little.
How much grooming does the Balinese need?
Typically: about once a week.
Can the Balinese be left alone?
Prefers company and is best not left alone for long. Every cat needs company, play and someone to check on it each day.
Is the Balinese a talkative cat?
Often very talkative. Individual cats vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the cat you are considering.
Is the Balinese good with dogs?
Often gets on with a cat-friendly dog. Individual cats vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the cat you are considering.
How big does the Balinese get?
Adults typically weigh 2.3–4.5 kg.