Group Classification: semi-longhair
Country of Origin: U.S.
Date of Origin: 1961
Weight (M): 10-14 lbs.
Weight (F): 8-12 lbs.
Life Expectancy: 12 years

History
Breeder Marion Dorsey of California began to produce longhaired Siamese in the 1950s; they were exhibited in 1955 and recognized in 1961. Established Siamese breeders demanded a different name be adopted for the new breed; their delicate and flowing moves reminded breeders of Balinese dancers and the name stuck.

General Description
A semi-long coat and feathered plumed tail soften the Balinese's tubular oriental body type and wedge-shaped head. This is the same head type as the Siamese, with the same flat profile and flared ears. Talkative like their Siamese forebears, these are inquisitive felines happiest when they can explore their environment completely.

Color
Traditional colors are seal, chocolate, blue and lilac points. (Red, cream, lynx and parti-color points are registered in some associations.)

Coat
Semi-long, fine and silky with no undercoat.

Health and Care
Balinese are unable to completely retract their claws so bare floors are difficult for them. Trimming nails regularly will help them to be more surefooted on smoothe surfaces. Regular brushing and combing will keep their silky coat in ideal condition.

Balinese have many characteristics in common with their immediate relatives, the Siamese. Hereditary liver amyloidosis is found in some breeding lines; deadly, this eventually causes liver failure. Dilated cardiomyopathy, an enlargement of the heart, is found in some lines of Siamese and closely in related breeds like the Balinese.

Regular toothbrushing (by you or your vet or both) can prevent the tartar and plaque some Balinese are prone to, thereby avoiding gingivitis. Be sure to use a special cat toothpaste.

While largely eliminated through careful breeding, the crossed eyes known as the "Siamese squint" can still be found in some Balinese.

Resource
http://www.rantipole.demon.co.uk/bcs/index.html (UK association); www.balinese.com