Balinese-Javanese Cat Breed
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- Male: 12 to 16 pounds, Female: 8 to 12 pounds
- Coat
- Medium
- Color
- Balinese - seal point, chocolate point, blue point and lilac point, plus various patterns and shadings; Javanese – red point, cream point and seal point, plus various patterns and shadings
The Balinese, also known as Javanese depending on coat color and pattern, is regal and aristocratic in appearance, but a curious kitten at heart.
Temperament
This breed may appear to be the picture of refinement, but in this elegant body beats the heart of a kitten who loves to have fun.
Balinese and Javanese adore people, and want to be with their people. This makes them wonderful companions for those who have the time and desire to appreciate this most intelligent, entertaining companion.
Balinese and Javanese are talkative, similar to the Siamese. They are extroverts who get along well with children and other four-legged family members.
Characteristics
A Siamese in every nature except for their medium length, silky coat, the Balinese and Javanese also have a distinctive, luxurious tail plume. This long, slender cat is lithe but muscular, with a Siamese-style head, blue eyes and large, triangular ears.
Lifespan
15+ years
Colors
Balinese coat colors are always colorpoint, and include red, seal, chocolate, cream, blue, lilac and tortie points. Javanese can be seen in lynx point, plus various patterns and shadings.
Shedding
The Balinese and Javanese are a moderate shedding breed, with medium coat length and no undercoat. Her coat requires only weekly brushing to remove loose hair and maintain a healthy appearance.
Health
A generally healthy breed, Balinese and Javanese may be affected by lysosomal storage disease and feline acromelanism, a condition that can causes changes in coat color with temperature variations. They may also develop Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), strabismus (crossed eyes) and hereditary liver amyloidosis.
Best Cat Food for Balinese-Javanese Cats & Kittens
Balinese and Javanese will generally thrive on the nutrition of a quality adult cat food. For Balinese and Javanese who need help with weight management, consider a healthy weight formula.
Balinese and Javanese kittens should eat a kitten food for their first year of life to aid in their growth and development.
History
The generally accepted explanation for the origin of this breed is a natural mutation for long hair in the Siamese cat breed. In fact, this coat length is the primary difference between the Balinese and Siamese.
Although longhaired Siamese kittens had certainly been making occasional appearances in litters, the first real breeding program for this breed didn’t begin until the 1950s.
Facts
- Graceful dancers from the island of Bali inspired the name for this breed, which is also known for its elegant, graceful form.