Pet Wiki

Balinese

Also called Long-haired Siamese, Javanese (colour division)

Chatty, loving and keen to be involved in everything.

SizeMedium
Weight2.3 to 5.4 kg (5 to 12 lb)males 2.7 to 5.4 kg, females 2.3 to 3.6 kg12
Lifespan18 to 22 years12
CoatSemi-longhair, single coat
OriginUnited States, from longhaired kittens in Siamese lines originally from Thailand34
Last checked2026-09-30
Recognised breedShort profile
affectionate and people-focused
clever, playful and a bit of a clown
one of the easiest longhairs to groom
31

Personality what they are like

Chatty, loving and keen to be involved in everything. It follows its people around, joins in with daily routines, and is often likened to a dog in how it bonds and plays, though it chats a little less than a Siamese.324

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Balinese. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery 2 days
  • Deshedding springBrush more while sheddingevery day
  • Nail trimevery 3 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • Litter scoopevery day
  • Litter changeevery week
  • PlayDaily playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

semi-longhair, single coat

A slim, long-lined and athletic cat with a wedge-shaped head, large pointed ears and vivid blue almond eyes. Its fine, silky coat is medium length with no woolly undercoat, lies flat against the body and finishes in a feathery plumed tail.34

Coloursseal pointchocolate pointblue pointlilac pointred and cream pointscinnamon and fawn pointslynx (tabby) pointstortie pointssmoke points32

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. Needs daily play and mental challenges, climbing and jumping spots, and can learn to fetch or walk on a lead.21

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The single coat rarely tangles; a weekly comb or brush is enough, plus routine nail, ear and tooth care.21

Home where they are happiest

Enjoys cat trees and high places to explore.2

Company who they like around

Craves company and does not like being left alone for long stretches.21

The story where it all began

Longhaired kittens turned up in Siamese litters for decades before American breeders Helen Smith and Sylvia Holland began developing them seriously from the 1950s. Smith named the breed after the graceful dancers of Bali, and CFA granted championship status in 1970.34

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Despite the name, the breed was developed in the United States and has no link to Bali; the name honours Balinese dancers.2

  2. 2

    Longhaired Siamese were registered as show cats as early as 1928.4

  3. 3

    Breed pioneer Sylvia Holland was an illustrator at Walt Disney Studios.4

  4. 4

    Many Balinese like to jump up and ride on their owner's shoulders.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the graceful dancers of the Indonesian island of Bali, reflecting the cat's elegant and lithe appearance.1

Name ideas for your new friend

MochaSukiKaiLunaZiggyMiloCocoPippinNalaOllieTillyRocket

A day in the life told by a Balinese

I wake up and immediately start chatting, there's so much to tell! I follow my human from room to room, offering opinions on everything. I love a good game of fetch with my favorite toy mouse, and I'm always up for a climb up the cat tree. After a busy morning, I curl up for a snuggle and a nap. But don't be fooled: I'm ready for more fun at a moment's notice. Every day is an adventure with my family!

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

CFA
Championship 1970; Javanese colours added 1979 and merged into the Balinese as a division in 20083
TICA
Accepted for competition in 19792
GCCF
Championship status 19851
FIFe
Recognised4

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Cat-Friendly Pancakes

A simple, no-bake treat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a suitable occasional reward for cats who gain weight easily.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water, no salt added
  • 1/2 cup finely diced cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup pure sweet potato puree (no added sweeteners)

How

  1. Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl.
  2. Break the tuna into small bits with a fork.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the bowl.
  4. Slowly stir in the sweet potato puree until the mixture binds together, being careful not to make it too watery.
  5. Shape the mixture into mini pancakes.
  6. Serve to your cat as an occasional treat.

How much: Give small amounts occasionally, as treats should not exceed 10-15% of daily calorie allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Tuna Biscuits for Cats

These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
  • Extra water as needed

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
  4. Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
  5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
  8. Allow to cool completely before storing.

How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Balinese, and at what times?

Feeding schedules vary by your cat's age, weight, and activity level. Please ask your vet for a tailored plan that suits your Balinese best.

What should a Balinese eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality cat food is ideal. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Always check with your vet for specific dietary needs.5

Does a Balinese need baths?

Balinese rarely need baths because their single coat stays clean. Only bathe if they are very dirty or sticky, following general cat care guidance.6

How often does a Balinese need brushing?

Weekly combing or brushing is enough for their silky coat. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every two days, and more often during shedding periods.21 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Balinese's claws, and how often?

Trim claws every few weeks; Pet Wiki suggests every 21 days. General guidance advises every ten days to two weeks. Go slowly and only trim the tip to avoid the quick.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does a Balinese need?

Balinese have high activity needs and require daily play, climbing spots, and mental challenges. They can even learn fetch or walk on a lead for extra fun.21 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Balinese's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth daily if possible; Pet Wiki suggests every two days. Clean ears gently as needed. Your vet can show you the best technique for both.21 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Balinese live?

Balinese enjoy a long lifespan, typically living 18 to 22 years with good care.12

Is a Balinese good with children and other pets?

Balinese are loving, chatty, and bond closely with their family. Based on their social temperament, they usually do well with children and other pets when properly introduced.324

Can a Balinese be left alone?

Balinese crave company and dislike being left alone for long periods. They do best in homes where someone is around most of the time.21

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

SiameseJavaneseOriental Longhair

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Balinese - GCCF gccfcats.orgused for weight, lifespan, grooming, UK recognition
  2. Balinese - TICA tica.orgused for weight, lifespan, activity, care, facts
  3. Balinese - CFA cfa.orgused for history, recognition, standard, colours, temperament, grooming
  4. Balinese cat - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history, facts
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.