The Balinese is the long-haired version of the famous Siamese cat, and besides their coat length, the two breeds are almost identical. There is much debate as to the origins of the Balinese, and some breeders speculate that the long coat is the result of a natural genetic mutation, while others hypothesize that the Siamese was crossed with a long-haired breed like the Persian.
Either way, the Balinese is recognized as a separate breed and was officially recognized by the Cat Fancier’s Association in the early 1970s. Underneath their long coat, the Balinese is essentially identical to the Siamese, and they have the same point colors as Siamese cats. The Balinese comes in a fairly wide variety of colors, and in this article, we’ll take a look at 12 common variations.
The 12 Types of Balinese Cats
1. Seal Point
As the most common coloration of Balinese and Siamese cats, the Seal Point defines the breed and was the original color point when Siamese cats were brought to the West.
This color variation is characterized by a dark brown, almost black, color on the cat’s paws, face, and tail, with a light brown, ivory, or cream body. Seal Point cats are also known for their deep, dark blue eyes.
2. Seal Lynx Point
The darkest of all Lynx point color varieties is the Seal Lynx Point. This wild-looking cat resembles a Lynx, which gives them their name. The body is typically a light tabby pattern with light stripes, and the face, tail, and legs are dark brown or black.
Lynx Point cats all have the characteristic “M” marking on their forehead in the same dark color as their points, with light blue eyes.
3. Chocolate Point
Often described as a lighter version of the traditional Seal Point, Chocolate Seal Point variations are slightly lighter and more contrasting. They have an ivory-colored body with chocolate points on the head, tail, and paws, and they occasionally may have splashes of light chocolate brown on their bodies. They have the same blue eyes as Seal Points but are slightly lighter in hue.
4. Chocolate Lynx
The Chocolate Lynx Point Balinese is similar to the Seal Lynx Point but is of a slightly lighter shade. They have an ivory, tan/white body with tabby markings or light stripes of chocolate brown. The points can vary from fairly light chocolate brown to almost black coloring.
It can be difficult to distinguish the Chocolate Lynx from the Seal Lynx point, but one telling difference is the Chocolate Lynx point’s brown nose: Seal Lynx points almost always have black noses.
5. Blue Point
A well-known and popular variation of the Balinese is the Blue Point coloring. This creates a darker base coat with dark gray/blue points on the head, tails, and paws. These cats are often confused with Lilac Points but are a much lighter, diluted version of the Seal Point. The dilution results in a washed-out gray/black point that resembles a blue coloring.
6. Blue Lynx
The Blue Lynx variation has the same washed-out blue/gray paws, head, and tail of the Blue Point, but with tabby markings and occasional light striping throughout their body. Like all tabby variations, they also have the characteristic “M” marking on their forehead, with a velvet-gray nose and blue eyes.
7. Lilac Point
As one of the Balinese’s lightest and rarest color point variations, the Lilac Point is also one of the most uniquely striking. Their light gray color reflects lilac and pink when seen in bright light and thus gives them their name.
Lilac Points are a diluted version of the Chocolate Point and are similar to the Blue Point. They have ivory-colored bodies with light gray, lilac points on their paws, faces, and tails. These points can sometimes be very dark and only distinguishable from Blue Points by their lighter ivory bodies.
8. Lilac Lynx
Like the Lilac Point, the Lilac Lynx is a rare coloration and the rarest and lightest of the Lynx variations. Lilac Lynx cats have characteristic white rings around their eyes and the usual “M” marking on their forehead. They also have the tabby stripes of Lynx variations but in much lighter hues than other Lynx colors.
9. Red Point
Another rare Balinese color variation is the Red Point. They are also commonly called “Flame Points” among breeders, as their red-pointed tails resemble flames. The red points can be as light as a faint peach or as dark as red or orange.
They typically have ivory, cream, or white bodies with red points on their paws, faces, and tails. Lynx variations are sometimes seen but are exceedingly rare.
10. Cream Point
As a diluted form of the Red Point, the Cream Point Balinese has a light, cream/white body with light red points on the face, paws, and tails. This variation is often confused with Red Points, especially in kittens, and it can take up to a year to fully distinguish between the two.
However, they are far lighter than Red Points and have light pink noses.
11. Tortie Point
The Tortoise Shell or “Tortie” Balinese is a rare and largely unknown color variation. They can come in various colors, patterns, and shades of color, and the Tortie patterns can vary from barely visible to quite dark in presentation.
The Tortie can come in several variations, including the Seal Tortie, Chocolate Tortie, Blue Tortie, and Tortie-Lynx patterning.
12. Ivory Point
Ivory Point Balinese have beautiful coats that are completely white with blue eyes. They are unique in that they may genetically be any version of Balinese but do not have the visible color points to prove their heritage!
Ivory Points are difficult to identify as kittens since all Balinese cats are born white and only present coloring at around 4 to 5 weeks of age. In Thailand, Ivory Points are considered good luck charms and are prized by locals.
Conclusion
Balinese cats are a charming combination of beauty, intelligence and affection, making them the perfect loving companions for any home. Whether you’re more drawn to the classic seal point variation or the rarer lilac point, you’ll end up with a playful and social addition that is a joy to have around. These cats form strong bonds with their humans and can be quite talkative and needy, so make sure you can provide them the attention they need to keep them happy and healthy!
See also:
- Birman Cat vs Balinese Cat: Main Differences (With Pictures)
- Blue Cat Breeds: An Overview (With Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: __A__B_ ,Shutterstock
The 12 Types of Balinese Cats
