|
 Take
one Siamese cat ... add one ermine coat ... instant Balinese!
What’s so great
about a Balinese cat? Everything! Ask anyone who is owned by one
of these fabulous felines what is so special about the breed, and
you set off a glowing monologue that ends only when the speaker is
exhausted. Under that long, silky ermine coat he wears so proudly,
this beautiful cat is all Siamese, and that includes his
personality. Despite his regal bearing and aristocratic
appearance, he is a clown with a heart as big as a circus tent. To
gauge the level of his intelligence, you have only to gaze into
those sapphire eyes which sparkle with alertness and healthy
curiosity. Although he is every bit as demonstrative and
affectionate as the Siamese, he is somewhat less vocal and his
voice is softer. Grooming is simple, for the coat does not mat
like the double coat of most longhaired breeds.
Native
Country
United States
Breed
Description
|
Build: slender
and graceful, same lines as a Siamese
Tail: long,
tapering and plumed
Legs: long
and slim
Head: long;
tapering to a fine muzzle with an elegant neck
Ears: large,
may have tufts
Eyes: bright
blue, oriental in shape
Face: standard
Coat: Semilong,
silky, fine hair. Longer on the body, belly, and
tail (plume). Slight undercoat. All Siamese colors
are recognized. Color points must be uniform. Clear
contrast between point color and body color. Kittens
are born solid white. The coat does not take on its
adult coloring until one year of age. The C.F.A.
recognizes only four varieties: Seal Point: Deep
seal brown points Blue Point: Deep blue points
Chocolate Point: Milk chocolate points Lilac Point:
Frosty gray points Cats of other colors are
classified as Javanese in the United States. In
France, no distinction is made between the Balinese
and the Javanese.
|
History
A luxuriously
silky, svelte little imp with deep blue eyes. In the 1940s,
American breeders developed an interested in Siamese kittens born
with semilong hair. They did not know if the longer hair was the
result of outcrosses with Persians or spontaneous mutation. Until
that time, semilonghaired kittens had been considered undesirable.
After World War II, Marion Dorsey of California began raising
"Longhair Siamese," also called Balinese to reflect
their Asian heritage and gracefulness. These Longhair Siamese were
shown for the first time in 1955. The C.F.A. and T.I.C.A.
recognized the breed in 1970, the F.I.Fe in 1972, and France in
1983. This breed is still uncommon in Europe.
Behavior
This extroverted,
active, lively cat is curious and playful, though more subdued and
even-tempered than its Siamese cousin. The Balinese voice is also
softer. This cat loves company, despises solitude, and requires
considerable love and affection. A Balinese will enjoy the company
of another active cat or a cat-friendly dog. Devoted to his owner,
the Balinese is sensitive, affectionate, and
endearing. Maintaining the coat is easy. Weekly brushing and
combing is sufficient. The Balinese does not shed much.
|
