Balinese Cat
The Balinese is literally a Siamese breed of cat with a longer coat. This spontaneous mutation among the Siamese breed occurred sporadically and was once considered as an undesirable quality by the breeders. It was in 1950s when two ingenious Siamese breeders initiated a separate line of breeding to their longhair Siamese kittens. This new natural breed was named after the Balinese dancers' refinement and classiness that resembled the long silky coats of this cat.
The set breed standard for the Balinese is basically the same attributes that the Siamese breed had, a long and slender body and legs. The only exception is their lavish tail plumes and their longer coat lengths. Because the Balinese has a single coat, their fur reclines close to their body and curves naturally toward the rear. This enhances the long, slim lines of their basic body structure.
The Balinese cat became popular between 1975 and 1985. But there was some serious rifts among its breeders when some of them had the idea of classifying the Balinese as Colorpoint shorthairs. Traditionalists opposed because this would cause the Balinese to lose its class as a natural mutation of the Siamese. The reclassification controversies and the development of other cat breeds impaired the budding fame of the Balinese.
Nonetheless, an owner is a sure winner with a Balinese cat in his life. The Balinese is a great companion that can share one's emotion. They have a warm disposition and likes to be with people. Grooming them is not a burden - a Balinese just needs occasional gentle coat combing, claw clipping and teeth brushing.
Own a Balinese kitten? See our list of Balinese cat names.