In this article
Have you ever wondered about the differences between Balinese and Siamese cats? The two breeds are incredibly similar, and for good reason. The Balinese is actually an offshoot descendant of the Siamese family tree. However, there are a few differences between the two breeds that are worth noting.
So, if you’re on the fence regarding which cat breed is best for you, we’ll examine both breeds to help you make the right decision for you and your family.
Visual Differences
At a Glance
- Average Length (adult): 12–18 inches
- Average Weight (adult): 6–12 pounds
- Lifespan: 10–16 years
- Grooming needs: Weekly brushing
- Traits: Friendly, Active, Loving
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Average Length (adult): 15–20 inches (not including tail)
- Average Weight (adult): 6–14 pounds
- Lifespan: 12–20 years
- Grooming needs: Weekly brushing
- Traits: Talkative, Playful, Curious
- Dog-friendly: Yes
Balinese Cats
You may think the Balinese cat hails from Indonesia, where they share their namesake with a popular island destination, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Balinese cats were initially bred in the United States. They started as a genetic mutation birthed from a Siamese litter.
Instead of separating these “long-haired Siamese,” breeders nurtured them and built upon their variety. In 1961, the Cat Fanciers Federation granted them an official status.
So why the Balinese name? It’s said that the original breeders compared the grace and beauty of the cats to temple dancers on the island of Bali.
| Length: | 12-18 inches |
| Weight: | 6-12 pounds |
| Life Expectancy: | 12-20 years |
| Colors: | Primarily cream-colored with darker color (black and brown hues) prints around face, ears, legs, and tail |
| Eye Color: | Striking blue |
| Temperament: | Smart, playful, affectionate, vocal, curious. |
Balinese Cat Care
A Balinese cat is a wonderful family cat, and they get along with kids and adults. Balinese are active members of the family. They don’t necessarily follow many other cats’ “look but don’t touch” philosophy.
Grooming ✂️
Although the Balinese cat is also known as a long-haired Siamese, it is technically considered a short-haired cat. It’s the only longer-haired relative to a Siamese. The Balinese’s coat is a single layer without undercoat and is very silky. You’ll also notice they have a tail plume up to 5 inches long.
However, you will need to comb its hair from time to time. Cats normally self-groom, but the Balinese need minimal help to maintain their coats and maximize hairball control.
Personality
The Balinese cat is active and has high energy levels. They are extremely curious and may try to force themselves into anything you do. They’re also vocal, so be prepared for many kitty conversations. If you’re looking for a quiet cat, the Balinese is not it.
Playfulness and Interaction
Balinese are very playful and affectionate cats. However, they are not content simply being lap cats. Sure, they’ll give you a little time to snuggle, but they’d much rather be out doing something.
Since they’re such a smart breed, Balinese require plenty of healthy mental stimulation.
Looking for toys that will cater to the many needs of your cat? The Hepper Hi-lo Cat Scratcher is one of our favorite cat products, and it will encourage your cat to get active. Its clever three-angle design offers multiple ways for your cat to climb, stretch, and exercise. Made of a sturdy plywood base and a replacement cardboard insert, this scratcher is an option that cats can enjoy for years to come. If your cat requires a little encouragement for self-play, the Hepper Catnip Mice Toy Set is a fantastic choice for their instinctual needs. Made with natural, bite-resistant hessian fabric and filled with organic catnip. Cats can satisfy their natural prey instincts while getting the physical activity they need to thrive.
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
Great for Exercise
|
Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher |
|
Check Price |
Encourages Self-Play
|
Hepper Catnip Mice Toy Set |
|
Check Price |
At Catster, we've admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Special Considerations for the Balinese Cat
The Balinese is a fun, playful, and relatively easy cat to care for. However, there are a few things to consider when owning one.
Leaving Them Alone for Extended Periods
Balinese cats don’t like to be left alone for too long. They crave interaction and stimulation. If left to their own devices, they may grow bored and mischievous, leading to clawed furniture or other acts of wanton destruction.
However, this doesn’t mean you need to be there 24/7. There’s a straightforward solution to this issue. Get a second cat. Balinese love company! Getting another cat will give them someone to interact with during the day, minimizing the mayhem caused.
Diet
When it comes to their diet, Balinese cats are far from high maintenance. That doesn’t mean they should be eating out of the garbage can or fed table scraps. You need to choose a nutritious food for them that’s high in protein and taurine, and plenty of great dry food is available.
Health Considerations
The Balinese cat is a relatively healthy breed compared to some cats, but that doesn’t mean they have no issues. They actually share many hereditary issues from their Siamese ancestors. Perhaps the most common health conditions in Balinese cats are eye problems. It’s not rare at all to see cross-eyed Balinese cats. There’s nothing too harmful about it and has largely been bred out. They can also suffer from glaucoma at later stages in life.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Balinese Cat
- Generally healthier than Siamese cats
- Great family cats
- Smart, playful, and affectionate
- Longer hair makes them more difficult to groom than Siamese
- Has issues being left alone for extended periods
- More expensive than Siamese cats
Siamese Cats
Siamese are easily one of the most recognizable cat breeds. They are among the oldest domesticated cat breeds in the world, and their origin is shrouded in myth. One story tells of a pair of beautiful cats whose sole job was to guard a treasured royal goblet. The cats stared so deeply and longingly into the goblet with such ferocity that their eyes became permanently crossed. Since they had wrapped their tails around the goblet, they became permanently kinked.
Although they are known for their crossed eyes and kinked tails, modern-day Siamese generally don’t have these traits anymore. They’ve been selectively bred out through breeders and fanciers worldwide.
| Length: | 15–20 inches |
| Weight: | 6–14 pounds |
| Life Expectancy: | 8–15 years |
| Colors: | Light to cream with darker point colors (black, brown, chocolate, lilac) |
| Eye Color: | Deep blue eyes |
| Temperament: | Highly intelligent, playful, active, vocal, affectionate |
Siamese Cat Care
Bringing a Siamese cat into your care can be an excellent choice for your family. They’re great with kids and larger pets (cats or dogs). They’ll love all the company and playmates they can get. Not only that, they are not as high maintenance as other cats, despite their regal elegance.
Grooming ✂️
Siamese cats are extremely easy to groom and care for because they do most of the work. Their short coats seldom need brushing, and they don’t shed much compared to other cat breeds. This can be a significant advantage for those with cat allergies.
Personality
Siamese cats are known for their intricate personalities. They are extremely opinionated cats and won’t hesitate to let you know. If you’re looking for a quiet cat, you’ll have to search elsewhere. However, they love their owners and often become their human’s new shadow. You may find yourself tripping over them time and time again.
If you’re looking for a devoted companion and best friend, the Siamese is a wonderful choice.
Playfulness and Interaction
The Siamese is one of the most playful and active felines around. Not only that, but they’re intelligent as well. This means that they require a lot of physical and mental stimulation. Interactive toys, puzzles, or large cat trees are recommended to help provide the proper entertainment they require.
Special Considerations for the Siamese Cat
It’s easy to see why Siamese cats are so popular. Compared to other cats, they are much more engaged with their family. However, understanding their needs is vital to ensure you provide them with a loving home.
Indoor Cat vs Outdoor Cat
Regarding indoor versus outdoor living for Siamese cats, we recommend keeping them indoors. Siamese cats can have relatively delicate constitutions, and there’s a good chance they can catch parasites or other diseases from exposure. They’re also lovers and not fighters, so if they come across an aggressive outdoor cat or unfriendly dog, there’s a high chance of injury.
But one of the biggest concerns about turning your Siamese cat into an outdoor feline is other people. Not that someone will intentionally steal your cat, but their playful, social nature makes them friendly even towards strangers. Somebody may mistake this craving for attention as a call for help. With their beauty, the allure of rescuing a Siamese stray can be difficult to resist.
Diet
All cats, including Siamese, require a high-protein diet. This can be found either through dry or wet food. Just be sure to check the labels to ensure the food isn’t loaded with fillers. Cats have a very short digestive tract, and they’ll need to get the best food they can to absorb as much nutrition as possible.
Health Considerations
Compared to the Balinese cat, a Siamese cat does have additional health ailments you’ll need to look out for. This is due to the different head shapes that a Siamese cat can have. There are two main head shapes: the apple and the wedge. Apple-headed Siamese are the healthier of the two. Wedge-headed Siamese are much more prone to respiratory and dental problems.
- You may also be interested in: How Much Do Siamese Cats Cost? Updated Price Guide
Pros and Cons of Owning a Siamese Cat
- Grooming is extremely easy
- Cheaper kitten price than Balinese
- Very active and social
- Very vocal — not for quiet cat lovers
- Not as robust as Balinese cats
Final Thoughts
We hope you enjoyed our detailed overview of the Balinese and Siamese cats. While every feline has a unique personality and quirks, both breeds are affectionate, social, and active cats. Reflect on your lifestyle and how much time you can dedicate to a cat to help you decide which one is for you. If you’re still right down the middle, their differing aesthetic beauty is bound to push you in one direction.
See Also:
- Siamese Cat vs. Oriental Shorthair Cat: Which Breed is Right for You? (With Pictures)
- 12 Types of Balinese Cats: Colors, Breeds & Patterns (With Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: Left Pasiaflora, Shutterstock | Right Witsawat.S, Shutterstock
