The Balinese is a result of breeders in the 1930's crossing a Siamese with an Angora to produce a longhaired Siamese. Initial matings were unsuccessful and offspring were born with shorthair. When two shorthair offspring were mated it produced a Siamese with a longer coat that was later called a Balinese a semi-longhaired cat. The graceful way the cats moved was thought to be like dancers on the island of Bali, therefore the name "Balinese" was chosen by the breeders. The breed was recognised in the USA in 1963.
The Balinese is exactly the same as a Siamese except for its long coat. It is a sleek, well muscled, elegant, graceful fine bodied cat. The head is long and straight, in proportion to it's body and the muzzle fine and wedge shaped. The neck is long and slender and the ears very large and pointed. They have long slim elegant legs with small oval paws. The coat is fine and silky in texture requiring regular grooming. All recognised Siamese colours are accepted in the breed, it is a colourpoint cat.
As far as temperament, they are not as boisterous or vocal as the Siamese. They are very active, extroverted and intelligent cats so dislike being left alone. They can be mischievous if bored so it's probably not advisable to be the only pet in the household. |
