Balinese Cats
Balinese Cats
Physical Characteristics
In the initial years of breeding, the Balinese had heavier bones and apple shaped heads, more akin to the former standard Siamese. They also had much longer coats than the Balinese breed today, with full ruffs and britches. Over the years, Balinese breeders have improved the physical form of the breed by outcrossing it with the parent breed, the Siamese, and the features of the Balinese have become leaner and longer, just as the modern Siamese has. The breed standard for the Balinese is identical to the standard for the Siamese in most respects, including overall body type and color, with the obvious differences being in overall coat length, and in the full plume tail. The coat is single coated, with only minimal shedding. In fact, the Balinese is noted for its lack of shedding amongst long coated cats.The coat on the contemporary Balinese is of a silky texture, medium length and lying close to the body. This breed is typified by a long and tapering form, with softer lines than the Siamese owing to the fuller coat. It is both dainty and muscular. The head is wedge shaped, the eyes slanted and vivid blue, the ears are remarkably large, open and pointed, and the profile is linear. Colors are standard with the Siamese as well: seal point, blue point, lilac point, and chocolate point.
The general life span for the Balinese is 18-22 years, and with the exception of crossed eyes, this breed is not particularly known for any serious physical defects.
History
Named for the exotically graceful dancers on the Indonesian island of Bali, the Balinese is a longhaired variety of Siamese. It is unknown whether the long hair is the result of a natural mutation or a cross between the Siamese and a longhaired breed such as a Persian or Turkish Angora.
Although longhaired Siamese appeared earlier, the cats did not begin to
be developed as a breed until the 1940s and 1950s. The Cat Fanciers
Federation recognized the Balinese in 1961, followed by the Cat Fanciers
Association in 1970. They are also recognized by the American Cat
Fanciers Association and The International Cat Association, as well as
other cat registries. Balinese can be outcrossed to Javanese, Siamese, Colorpoint Shorthairs and Oriental Longhairs.
Personality
It is said that a Balinese can sense the mood of its humans, showing affection and staying close when people are blue. Although the demeanor of this cat is of an independent and reserved style, it is most content when being loved by a human. These cats also love to play, reveling in a good game of fetch, and back and forth ball play. Having a home that is friendly for jumping and climbing is a practical consideration for the Balinese fancier. Objects of value should not be displayed on open shelves, and silk curtains are certain to be frayed. The Balinese is well suited for indoor life, but the main concern is of a practical nature, since outdoor cats are more at risk of injury, illness, and abduction.
Health
Both pedigreed cats and mixed-breed cats have varying incidences of health problems that may be genetic in nature. The same problems that may affect the Siamese can also affect the Balinese, including the following:Amyloidosis, a disease that occurs when a type of protein called amyloid is deposited in body organs, primarily the liver in members of the Siamese familyAsthma/bronchial diseaseCongenital heart defects such as aortic stenosisCrossed eyesGastrointestinal conditions such as megaesophagusHyperesthesia syndrome, a neurological problem that can cause cats to excessively groom themselves, leading to hair loss, and to act frantically, especially when they are touched or pettedLymphomaNystagmus, a neurological disorder that causes involuntary rapid eye movementProgressive retinal atrophy, for which a genetic test is available
Care
The
fine, silky coat of the Balinese is easily cared for. Comb it once or
twice a week with a stainless steel comb to remove dead hair. A bath is
rarely necessary.
Brush the teeth to prevent periodontal disease. Daily dental hygiene is
best, but weekly brushing is better than nothing. Wipe the corners of
the eyes with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge. Use a separate
area of the cloth for each eye so you don’t run the risk of spreading
any infection. Check the ears weekly. If they look dirty, wipe them out
with a cotton ball or soft damp cloth moistened with a 50-50 mixture of
cider vinegar and warm water. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can damage
the interior of the ear.
Keep the litter box spotlessly clean. Like all cats, Balinese are very
particular about bathroom hygiene.
It’s a good idea to keep a Balinese as an indoor-only cat to protect him
from diseases spread by other cats, attacks by dogs or coyotes, and the
other dangers that face cats who go outdoors, such as being hit by a
car. Balinese who go outdoors also run the risk of being stolen by
someone who would like to have such a beautiful cat without paying for
it.
