Balinese
bah-lih-NEEZ
Vocal, Affectionate, Intelligent, Graceful. A long-haired Siamese with a silky coat and lower allergen production.
An adult Balinese weighs 8-12 lbs (male) or 6-9 lbs (female), needs 200-350 calories daily, and lives 15-20 yrs. The breed's primary health watch is progressive retinal atrophy. All numbers below come from breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Balinese needs 200 to 350 calories per day. An average male (10 lbs / 4.5 kg) needs around 280 kcal; a female (7 lbs / 3.2 kg) roughly 230 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Balinese. For kittens, seniors, or specific conditions, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Balinese share much of their genetic background with Siamese cats and carry similar health predispositions. They are long-lived cats, often reaching 18-20 years with good care. Life expectancy is 15 to 20 years.
Exercise and activity
Balinese are athletic, active cats that love climbing, jumping, and interactive play. They thrive with tall cat trees, puzzle toys, and games that challenge their intelligence. They bond closely with their owners and enjoy fetch, leash walks, and clicker training. They are social cats that do not do well left alone for long periods.
Care and traits
Balinese have a long, silky, single-layer coat (no undercoat). Origin: United States (developed from long-haired Siamese kittens).
Despite their long coat, Balinese are relatively low-maintenance. The lack of an undercoat means less matting and shedding than most long-haired breeds. Weekly brushing is sufficient. They are one of the most vocal cat breeds, inheriting the Siamese tendency to carry on conversations with their owners.
The Balinese is well-suited for families with children. They are typically patient and tolerant, though all cat-child interactions should be supervised until children learn appropriate handling. Teaching children to respect the cat's space and body language prevents most problems.
Tools for Balinese owners
Frequently asked questions
Adult Balinese typically need 200 to 350 calories daily, with most falling around 230-280 kcal. Their active nature burns calories efficiently, so weight gain is less common than in sedentary breeds. If your Balinese has access to climbing structures and daily interactive play, feed toward the middle of the range and adjust based on body condition.
No cat is truly hypoallergenic, but Balinese produce lower levels of the Fel d 1 protein that triggers most cat allergies. Combined with their single-layer coat that sheds minimally, they cause fewer reactions in people with mild to moderate cat allergies. Spend time with a Balinese before committing to ownership if allergies are a concern.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is the most significant breed-specific concern, potentially leading to gradual vision loss. Amyloidosis (protein deposits in organs, particularly the liver) appears in the breed line shared with Siamese. Dental disease is common and requires regular dental care. The crossed-eye trait seen in older Siamese lines is less prevalent in modern Balinese but still occurs occasionally.
Very vocal. Balinese inherited the Siamese tendency to communicate with their owners through meows, chirps, and trills. They will tell you when they are hungry, bored, or want attention. Some owners find it endearing; others find it excessive. If you want a quiet cat, the Balinese is not the right choice.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on TICA/CFA standards and veterinary sources. Individual cats vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your cat. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026