A Balinese makes an excellent pet, it wants to enjoy fun and games with the family and loves people. In fact a longhaired Siamese, it resembles the Siamese in its graceful beauty, but is quieter in voice and temperament and less boisterous. It is easy to care for. Although still rather a rare breed, the Balinese is becoming increasingly popular because of its delightful personality. A Balinese would be a good choice of pet for the person who likes the Siamese look, but prefers a less over whelming personality!
Grooming
The Balinese is easy to groom. Although the coat is fairly long, it is very silky and non-matting. It does need daily grooming however to remove dead hairs and to keep the coat in good condition, but this is not the chore that it may be with a Persian. A few minutes gentle brushing with a soft brush is all that is required.
Origin and history
The Balinese is a natural mutation derived from Siamese parents with a mutant gene for long hair. A few longhaired kittens first appeared in Siamese litters in the United States. They were soon recognized by breeders as potentially beautiful cats, and selectively bred together. First recognized as a breed in 1963, by 1970 the Balinese was recognized by all governing bodies in the United States. They have reached Europe only recently. The name is unconnected with their origin: they were so named because of their graceful agility, their movements resembling those of Balinese dancers.
Breeding
Longhaired Siamese kittens appear from time to time in Siamese litters. When two are mated together they breed true, producing all-Balinese kittens. Outcrossing to Siamese is necessary occasionally to improve type. Balinese litters normally contain five or six kittens.
Kittens
The kittens are born white, the point markings gradually appear ing over the first few weeks.
Grooming
The Balinese is easy to groom. Although the coat is fairly long, it is very silky and non-matting. It does need daily grooming however to remove dead hairs and to keep the coat in good condition, but this is not the chore that it may be with a Persian. A few minutes gentle brushing with a soft brush is all that is required.
Origin and history
The Balinese is a natural mutation derived from Siamese parents with a mutant gene for long hair. A few longhaired kittens first appeared in Siamese litters in the United States. They were soon recognized by breeders as potentially beautiful cats, and selectively bred together. First recognized as a breed in 1963, by 1970 the Balinese was recognized by all governing bodies in the United States. They have reached Europe only recently. The name is unconnected with their origin: they were so named because of their graceful agility, their movements resembling those of Balinese dancers.
Breeding
Longhaired Siamese kittens appear from time to time in Siamese litters. When two are mated together they breed true, producing all-Balinese kittens. Outcrossing to Siamese is necessary occasionally to improve type. Balinese litters normally contain five or six kittens.
Kittens
The kittens are born white, the point markings gradually appear ing over the first few weeks.
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