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Balinese
Breed profile

Balinés

The long-haired variety of the Siamese. Chatty, sociable character. Attached to its family.

Origin: Estados Unidos Size: Mediano Lifespan: 15-20 años Energy

Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA

Ideal for

  • Families with time to pet them
  • Flats
  • Anyone looking for a sociable cat

Reconsider if

  • ×Homes where it would be alone for many hours

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Is the Balinés a good match for you?

Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Suitable for flats
Suitable for first-timers
Good with children
With other dogs
With cats
Tolerates being alone
Energy level
Shedding level
Grooming needs
Tolerates heat
Tolerates cold

💶 Estimated cost of ownership

45-75 €/month

Mid-to-high-range food (25-40 €), litter (8-12 €), prorated veterinary prevention (10-18 €) and accessories -scratchers, toys- (5-10 €). Separately: annual check-up with ophthalmological and dental control (40-70 €).

History and origin

A semi-long-haired variety of the Siamese cat, arising from spontaneous mutations. It shares its genetic pool and therefore a predisposition to feline asthma, retinal atrophy and lymphomatous processes.

Temperament and character

Character typical of its breed. Sociable or reserved depending on the individual. Early neutering (4-6 months) is the best preventive measure.

Living together

Children: good with respectful ones. **Other cats:** sociable if living together from a young age. **Dogs:** possible if calm.

Life stages of the Balinés

Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 15-20 años.

Kitten

0-6 months

Socialisation, vaccination, deworming and encouragement of bonding and activity.

Junior

6 months-2 years

Neutering, respiratory control (asthma), dental health and enrichment.

Adult

2-10 years

Respiratory monitoring, ophthalmological check-ups, weight control and annual check-up.

Senior

11+ years

Renal and cardiac screening, oncological monitoring (lymphoma) and geriatric diet.

Care

Brushing: according to coat (short = weekly · semi-long = 2-3 times · long = daily).

Litter tray: N+1 litter trays (decision 70).

Feeding: quality wet + dry food.

Veterinary care: annual check-up + blood work from the age of 7.

Care in detail

🍽️ Nutrition

Quality kibble and wet food with a good protein content, in measured portions. Look after dental health with the right food and check-ups, as it is prone to oral problems.

✂️ Grooming

Semi-long coat with no woolly undercoat, which does not mat: brushing 1-2 times a week keeps it perfect. Moderate shedding.

🎓 Training

Very intelligent and chatty; it learns to walk on a harness, to fetch and to do tricks with positive reinforcement. It needs plenty of mental stimulation to avoid boredom.

🏃 Exercise

An active, athletic cat: cat trees, shelves, toys and daily interactive play sessions are essential.

Breed-specific health

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is common in many breeds — genetic testing recommended. PKD in Persian and derived breeds. Life expectancy 15-20 years.

🩺 Health predispositions of this breed

Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.

Common diseases in cats

Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.

See all 158 diseases in the health guide

Screening and prevention for the Balinés

Recommended tests and screenings

  • Genetic test for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA-rdAc of the Siamese/Balinese)
  • Screening echocardiography for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
  • Assessment for hepatic/renal amyloidosis in affected lines
  • Ophthalmological examination (strabismus, vision problems)

Prevention

Early neutering, a quality wet diet, dental control (a breed prone to gingivitis) and a stress-free environment. A smoke-free environment to protect its respiratory system (predisposition to feline asthma).

Check-up schedule

Annual check-up with ophthalmological and dental examination; blood work including liver and kidney function from the age of 7.

Warning signs

  • !Coughing or wheezing breathing (feline asthma)
  • !Loss of night vision or stumbling (PRA)
  • !Vomiting, weight loss or jaundice (amyloidosis)
  • !Bad breath and red gums (dental disease)

Balinés gallery

Foto de la raza balines
Foto: Wikimedia Commons

Frequently asked questions about the Balinés

How long does a Balinés live?
The life expectancy of the Balinés is 15-20 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.
How much does a Balinés weigh?
An adult Balinés weighs between 2-5 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is mediano.
Where does the Balinés breed come from?
The Balinés originates from Estados Unidos. A semi-long-haired variety of the Siamese cat, arising from spontaneous mutations. It shares its genetic pool and therefore a predisposition to feline asthma, retinal atrophy and lymphomatous processes.
How much exercise does a Balinés need?
The Balinés has alta energy. **Brushing:** according to coat (short = weekly · semi-long = 2-3 times · long = daily).
Is the Balinés good with children?
**Children:** good with respectful ones. **Other cats:** sociable if living together from a young age. **Dogs:** possible if calm.
Who is the Balinés NOT recommended for?
It isn't the right breed for: Homes where it would be alone for many hours. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.
What health problems does the Balinés have?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is common in many breeds — genetic testing recommended. PKD in Persian and derived breeds. Life expectancy 15-20 years.
Is it as talkative as the Siamese?
Yes. The Balinese is the long-haired variety of the Siamese and shares its characteristic voice: it vocalises a lot to communicate with its family.
Does its long coat get tangled?
Rarely. It lacks a woolly undercoat, so brushing a couple of times a week is enough.
Does it tolerate being alone?
Poorly. It is very attached and demanding; it suffers if it spends many hours alone. Human company or that of another cat is better.
What health problems should be watched for?
Above all retinal atrophy (with a genetic test), dental problems and a predisposition to feline asthma.
Is it good for first-time owners?
Yes, if you have the time: it is sociable and easy to handle, but it demands daily attention and interaction.

Learn more about cats

Practical veterinary guides to support your Balinés.

Sources and references

Content compiled from official breed standards and leading veterinary sources.

Want to adopt a balinés?

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