Picture: BalineseWhen this cat walks with its tail held erect, its graceful tail plume sways from side to side in a manner not unlike that of a Balinese dancer – hence its name. The natural elegance of the Balinese stems from its Siamese origins: it has the same long, svelte body, wedge-shaped head, and entrancing blue eyes. It can, in fact, be thought of as a longhaired Siamese, although its ermine-like coat is shorter than most Longhairs and doesn’t form a ruff.
History
Most probably, the Balinese derived from Siamese parents carrying a mutant gene for long hair. It appeared first in the US during the late 1940s or early 1950s, and was accepted for championship by all US associations by 1970. The Balinese has a keen fan club in Great Britain, where it is now being bred.
Temperament
The Balinese has the reputation for being less loud and boisterous than a Siamese, but with a tendency to be very playful with its offspring. It usually adores human company.
Varieties
All the Siamese colour are recognized for the Balinese. Varieties other than Seal-point, Chocolate-point, Blue-point, and Lilac-point are known as Javanese by some US associations.
Lilac Tabby-point Balinese
This variety is known as a Frost Lynx-point in the US, a name that perhaps more accurately describes its delicate markings.
HeadA long, tapering wedge shape, with a long, straight nose. Lavender-pink nose pad. Distinct tabby markings on points.
Eyes
Medium in size and almond-shaped. Colour should be sapphire-blue.
Ears
Wide at the base, large, and pointed.
Facial Characteristics
Lilac Tabby-point Balinese.
BodyMedium in size and lithe, but still strong and muscular. Body has long, tapering lines.
Coat
Fur is fine and silky, with a tendency to wave where it is longest. There is no soft undercoat. The mask, ears, legs, tail, and feet should be pinkish-grey in colour, contrasting with an even, milk-white body colour.
Tail
Long and thin, with a fine point. The tail fur should spread out like a plume.
Legs
Long and slim. Forelegs are shorter than the hind legs.
Feet
Paws are neat, small, and oval with lavender-pink paw pads.
Blue-point BalineseSlate-blue paw and nose pads and blue points provide striking contrast against a blue-white body in this variety.
