At a glance the quick version
GCCF gives males 6-8 lb and females 5-7 lb; TICA gives males 8-12 lb and females 5-8 lb. Balance matters more than size.
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.12
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.142
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.43
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.43
Home where they are happiest
Enjoys cat trees and high places to explore.4
Company who they like around
Craves company and does not like being left alone for long stretches.43
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 1970.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Despite the name, the breed was developed in the United States and has no link to Bali; the name honours Balinese dancers.4
- 2
Longhaired Siamese were registered as show cats as early as 1928.2
- 3
Breed pioneer Sylvia Holland was an illustrator at Walt Disney Studios.2
- 4
Many Balinese like to jump up and ride on their owner's shoulders.4
Recognised by the official bits
- CFA
- Championship 1970; Javanese colours added 1979 and merged into the Balinese as a division in 20081
- TICA
- Accepted for competition in 19794
- GCCF
- Championship status 19853
- FIFe
- Recognised2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Balinese. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
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. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every two days, and more often during shedding periods.43 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Balinese's claws, and how often?
Trim claws every few weeks; Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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.43 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Balinese's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily if possible; Furry Diary suggests every two days. Clean ears gently as needed. Your vet can show you the best technique for both.43 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Balinese live?
Balinese enjoy a long lifespan, typically living 18 to 22 years with good care.34
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.142
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.43
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Balinese - CFA cfa.orgused for history, recognition, standard, colours, temperament, grooming
- Balinese cat - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history, facts
- Balinese - GCCF gccfcats.orgused for weight, lifespan, grooming, UK recognition
- Balinese - TICA tica.orgused for weight, lifespan, activity, care, facts
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.