Balinese cat

The Balinese is a long-haired domestic cat known for its striking appearance.

These cats feature Siamese-style point coloration and sapphire-blue eyes. They are often described as being highly intelligent, vocal, and social. Many people compare their personality to that of a dog because they are so clingy and active. While their name suggests an origin in Indonesia, they have no actual connection to the islands of Bali or Java. Instead, they are a long-haired variant of the Siamese cat.

The unique look of a Balinese is caused by a specific genetic mechanism.

Their "pointed" pattern is a form of partial albinism. This occurs due to a mutation in tyrosinase, which is an enzyme used in melanin production. This mutated enzyme is heat-sensitive. It fails to function at normal body temperatures. However, it becomes active in the cooler areas of the cat's skin. This results in dark colors on the face, ears, paws, and tail. The face stays cool because air passes through the sinuses. Kittens are born pure cream or white. They develop their visible points by the time they are four weeks old.

There are two distinct physical varieties of the Balinese.

The traditional type, also called "old-style" or "apple-head," was the popular type when the breed was first established. These cats are more substantial with broader heads and sturdier bodies. The modern type, or "contemporary" type, is much different. This variety was developed as the short-haired Siamese became more popular. Modern Balinese are extremely elongated and slender. They feature a wedge-shaped head with a long, tapering muzzle and larger, broader ears. By the mid-1980s, the traditional type had mostly disappeared from cat shows.

The history of the breed began with Siamese cats imported from Thailand.

In the mid-1800s, some of these cats carried a recessive long-haired gene. At first, breeders viewed long-haired kittens as a fault in the bloodline. They were sold only as pets rather than show cats. In 1928, "Long-haired Siamese" were first registered with the American Cat Fanciers' Federation. In the mid-1950s, breeders began serious efforts to create a separate breed. A breeder named Helen Smith gave them the name "Balinese." She chose the name to reference the grace of Balinese dancers.

During the 1960s and 1970s, breeder Sylvia Holland worked to establish the breed standard.

She only accepted cats with classic points like seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac. She believed other colors came from crossing with different breeds. Other organizations created the term "Javanese" for long-haired cats with different colors. These include red, cream, lynx, or tortoiseshell patterns. While the American Cat Fanciers' Association views Javanese as a separate breed, other registries do not. In 2008, many breed councils voted to combine them. They decided to classify Javanese as a color division of the Balinese.

The physical traits of the Balinese are very specific. Their coat is medium-length, soft, and silky. Unlike many long-haired breeds, they do not have a fluffy undercoat.

Every Balinese should have a distinctively plumed tail with long hair. Their eye color can range from pale blue to sapphire or violet. The intensity of this color may change based on age or diet. You can even identify their color point by looking at their paw pads. Pink pads indicate chocolate or lilac points. Dark pads indicate blue or seal points.

Because the Balinese is a pedigree breed, it comes from a small gene pool. This pool started from the original Siamese cats with the long-hair mutation. A small gene pool can increase the chance of inheriting health disorders. One confirmed disease for the breed is Progressive Retinal Atrophy, or PRA. This is a condition where the retina in the eye degenerates. This can lead to impaired or weak vision. Despite these risks, the breed remains known for its acrobatic nature and high energy levels.