Balinese

It is generally accepted that the breed originated as a spontaneous longhaired mutation of the Siamese cat. This mutation added a long flowing coat to the slender bodylines of this graceful oriental cat. Coat length is the only difference between bodies of the Siamese and the Balinese.

They are a svelte, dainty cat with long tapering lines, very lithe but muscular. Like its ancestor breed, the Siamese, nearly everything about the Balinese is long, including body, head, legs, and tail. It goes one step further than the Siamese in that its coat is also long. The most distinctive feature of the Balinese is its luxurious tail.

Despite his regal attitude and aristocratic appearance, the Balinese is a clown with a heart of gold. Balinese are also intelligent, alert and curious.

Although Balinese are every bit as friendly and loving as the Siamese, they are somewhat less vocal with softer voices. The Balinese has a single coat and the hair lies close to the body. Grooming is simple, for the coat does not mat like the double coat of most longhaired breeds.

The Balinese coat is a shade of white or cream marked with grey, blue, lilac or chocolate "points" on the ears, face, feet and tail.