Balinese
The Balinese is an oriental cat breed with long hair and Siamese style markings. Of all the other cat breeds they most resemble the Siamese cat (as they are their ancestors) with their medium length coat and plumed tail, but require much less grooming. They were originally registered as longhaired Siamese cats which date back to the early 1920s. They were sold as house cats, not show cats, because they were seen as an oddity until about the 1950s when two breeders decided they would commence a breeding program for them. Marion Dorsey lived in California at the time and Helen Smith in New York. They named the cat the Balinese because they felt they showed the same grace and beauty of Balinese dancers.
An extended History of the Balinese cat
The earliest history of the Balinese cat is much the same as the history of the traditional Siamese cat breed. The Siamese is considered to be a natural breed; one that developed without the intervention of man. They first appeared in the mid to late 1800s and today dominate the modern day show ring.
Balinese cats are so named after Balinese dancers.
There are many who claim to know how the Balinese cats originated, but in truth there are different ideas. Many say that Balinese kittens have always appeared in purebred Siamese litters except with a longer coat. Another opinion is that it was an outgrowth of domestication of the Palas cat that originated in China. And still another idea is that the Balinese is a result of early British breeders crossing them with the popular Angora or Turkish Angora. Since there are several different opinions, there may be some truth in all theories. The long haired Siamese were registered with the CFF in 1928 but were not bred until 1955.
When Balinese cats were bred with Balinese cats they proved to give a purebred Balinese litter and they were then qualified as true purebred. Many believe that the Balinese cat received its name because it came from Bali, however they adopted this name due to the thought that they were extremely graceful, and athletic, and resembled the Balinese dancers.
By the late 1950's all Siamese and Balinese cat breeds were thought of as the traditional Siamese and Balinese cat breeds. The Traditional Balinese however fell out of favor with the judges of the 1950's and were gradually replaced with a more modern version of the breed. This new modern version of the Balinese cat is a much smaller, longer, and thinner, more angular cat with large ears and a short coat. The only long hair found on the modern Balinese cat breeds today is on its plumy tail.
Today the traditional Balinese cat breeds are still quite rare, but seem to be making a comeback as many pet buyers and breeders have rediscovered several endearing qualities that top notch cats have.
Most Balinese cats have a very kind temperament and are adored by their owners all over the world. They love attention and are very playful and fond of human company. If you are lucky enough to own a Balinese cat you will have a best friend for life. They love to be involved with everything and make excellent pets for the family.
The Balinese will become an integral member of the family if you decide you want one. They are highly intelligent, interactive, and a loving addition to any family.
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