Balinese: Siamese Cat Long Hair ( Detailed Guide )

The Balinese, also known as the Siamese cat long hair, is very close to the Siamese cat, but there are some differences. He has a less strident voice and long hair. However, maintaining it is no more difficult. His diet must be monitored so that he does not suffer from obesity. Moreover, it is a cat very glued to its master. He is intelligent and affectionate, very active and athletic. A hunter at heart, he likes to climb, gain height, and play.

Hair type: mid-length, long
Origin: UNITED STATES
Hair loss: Weak
Behavior: Demonstrative
Weight and height
Gender Weight Height
Female From 2 kg to 4 kg From 20 cm to 25 cm
Male From 3 kg to 5 kg From 25 cm to 30 cm

Siamese Long Hair ( The Balinese) Breed History

The Balinese cats are thought to originate from South Asia or Indonesia because of the name "The Balinese." However, they are actually from the United States. Its appearance is made in the litters of Siamese, in the heart of the 1920s among American breeders. The Siamese have short hair, so the vision of a cat with long or semi-long hair is challenging.

These first Balinese were sold to avoid any defects in the reproduction of the Siamese. However, beginning in 1950, an American named Marion Dorsey decided to start breeding what she considered to be a potential new breed. As a result, the breed was recognized in 1961 by the Cat Fancier's Federation.

Physical peculiarities

His body: The Siamese cat has long hair has a slender body. It is elegant and proportionately well built. His bone structure is described as fine. 

His hair: Balinese hair varies from mid-length to long. It's silky and coated all over the body. He has no undercoat. One thing that separates him from the Siamese cat is her hair quality.

His color: The Balinese standard accepts many colors. The main pattern is the color point (ends darker than the body). For the rest, the dress can be frost, blue, chocolate, cream, or even red and lilac.

His head: His head is the first characteristic of the Balinese. Its head is more triangular than round or slender. This gives it a majestic air that has become so special.

His eyes: His eyes are almond-shaped and blue.

His ears: The ears of the Balinese are relatively large, pointed, and thin.

His tail: It is well supplied and carried lightly. It may look like a feather.

Behavior and character of Siamese Cat Long Hair

Like the Siamese, from which he takes many characteristics, the Balinese like to use their voice. The Balinese are known for their loyalty and sensitive nature. He does not hesitate to follow him everywhere, all the time, which can make him stick. He likes to be the center of attention, but he will also enjoy retreating a bit to enjoy peace.

It supports other animals very well and can also become a good playmate for children. The Balinese have a seductive side that makes them very special. It also senses when its owner is down or feeling sad. He will not hesitate to comfort him with hugs and his simple presence.

 

Living conditions

The Siamese cat long hair needs to gain height. He is active, on the move, and needs to climb to flourish. Thus, there is no question of adopting this cat without a cat tree that goes with it. He is also a hunter at heart. Therefore, a house with a garden will allow him to go outside more regularly. However, he can be an apartment animal. He requires a certain amount of care and stimulation, but if these needs are met and given the necessary accessories to keep him entertained daily, he'll stay happy in small spaces.

Balinese cat care and maintenance

The Balinese cat can be easily kept as an indoor cat. However, he certainly appreciates it if you have at least one cat-safe garden available for shorter trips.

If the freedom of movement is not possible, giving the Balinese cat enough attention is essential. Since he doesn't like to be alone, professional keepers should consider getting a second cat.

Despite its length, the Balinese cat's coat is quite easy to care for. Since it has no undercoat, the cat's hair loss is also limited when changing the coat. However, cat owners should reach for the brush at least once a week and support their Balinese cat with grooming.

Balinese cat diseases

The Balinese cat is one of those pedigree cats in which hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) occurs quite frequently. The genetic disease mainly leads to a thickening of the heart muscle, which can vary in degrees.

In addition, the Balinese can also develop various general cat diseases, such as diabetes or kidney failure, which is common in cats.

Therefore, regular visits to the vet should be a part of everyday life for every responsible Balinese cat owner. In this context, essential vaccinations and prophylactic deworming with a special cat deworming agent contribute to preventive medical care.

Best Products for Siamese Cat Long Hair

Balinese cat life expectancy

With a bit of luck and good maintenance conditions, the Balinese cat will reach an age of around 18 years. However, illness and an inadequate diet can sometimes significantly shorten life expectancy.
The right food for the Balinese cat
The Balinese cat needs the highest quality food that meets its natural nutritional needs. So make sure you choose the right amount of food for your cat to avoid becoming overweight.
Do not order cat food with grains and other unsuitable ingredients, which can lead to many long-term health problems with your Balinese cat.
Good cat food is characterized, among other things, by a high animal protein content.
As well as classic varieties such as salmon and chicken, you can find hypoallergenic insect-based cat food if required. The insect protein contains a high biological value and is an ideal digestible alternative for food-sensitive cats with food allergies and intolerances.
In addition, the following nutritional supplements and care products for your
Balinese cat may be helpful:
The dental powder is compatible with the daily dental cleaning of your Balinese cat.
Kidney Powder contains selected herbs to support the kidneys.
High-quality cat food for your Balinese cat at a special price 

Excess weight in a cat poses a high risk to its health. An overweight cat is not only more prone to disease, but its life expectancy is often much shorter than that of normal-weight cats.

What are the causes of obesity in cats?

Do you recognize yourself in this behavior? Your cat makes a tiny meow and looks at you kindly. You pour food into his bowl. You have a guilty conscience because you've been out too long. So you bring him a little treat. Your cat has been so well behaved; here's another little treat.

And, of course, he shouldn't run out of food when you're not around. So you place a bowl with kibble in the kitchen, which he always has access to.

At some point, your once thin and svelte cat seems to have become chubby.

TIP Overweight results from a disproportion between energy intake and energy consumption. Quite simply, the animal overeats and moves too little.

Being overweight can trigger certain diseases
Obesity is a problem not to be taken lightly. An overweight cat increases its risk of developing diabetes, joint disease, or urinary stones. Obesity also increases the risk of complications following surgery and anesthesia. It is, therefore, essential for a cat to have a healthy weight. This is sometimes easier said than done, as cats are known to be stubborn and don't always accept change quickly and easily. For example, your cat may reject any new food first. And that the well-intentioned sports program, supposed to stimulate the metabolism of your little darling, will only arouse moderate enthusiasm. But that's understandable because who wants to jump and run when it causes shortness of breath and every bone hurts?

How to recognize overweight in cats?

Weight gain is usually gradual and, therefore, sometimes goes unnoticed. It is, therefore, essential to weigh your cat regularly.

It is rare for a cat to weigh nearly 20 kilos. But it is not so uncommon for a domestic cat to weigh six to seven kilos. Based on a 2011 study of more than 600 cats by the Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich, a list of ideal weights for different cat breeds was compiled. According to this list, a European shorthair cat should weigh around 3.4 kilos and a male 4.3 kilos. Unfortunately, it's estimated that 60% of all cats today are overweight - an alarming development. Often, as owners, we do not notice our cat's gradual weight gain.

To determine if your cat is overweight, place the palms of your hands on the sides of your cat's chest, moving them back and forth, ideally counting the ribs with your fingertips without exerting yourself.

In a thin cat, the abdominal line rises slightly from the rib cage towards the hind legs. We can, therefore, always see a waistline in a cat of ideal weight. Want to know how your pet's weight is changing? If it's still possible, weigh your cat when it's an adult but still young and thin. First, record the weight on paper and put it in the vaccination record. Then, weigh your cat at least three to four times a year and record the measured weight on the same sheet of paper. This will give you a good overview of your little darling's weight history.

How to weigh your cat? The weighing can be done for a small cat using a kitchen or baby scale. You can also put your little darling in a carrier or wicker basket and measure the weight using a suitcase scale.

Do neutered cats tend to be overweight?

It is often said that cats get fat after castration. This is not entirely true. Removal of the gonads results in a different hormonal balance. As a result, the animals become calmer and are less "energized". It also reduces the necessary caloric intake - but the appetite remains the same.

Therefore, pay attention to the amount of food you give your cat, reduce it if necessary, and regularly check your little darling's weight.

My Cat's Belly is Hanging, Should I Be Worried?
Some neutered cats have a small fold of fat between their hind legs, which rocks gently as they walk. Indeed, this small fold of fat allows your cat to be freer in its stretches and jumps. You should consult a veterinarian if your cat's belly is all round.
How to help your obese cat lose weight?

Take it easy. Overweight cats should never be starved. So don't reduce the amount of food all at once. A hungry cat is likely moody and frustrated and tends to wolf down portions. In addition, it would put your cat at risk for hepatic lipidosis.

The cat cannot transform fat into energy because it lacks the enzyme necessary for this transformation. As a result, the released fat cannot be metabolized and accumulates as waste in the liver; the liver becomes fatty - a condition known as hepatic lipidosis.

Encourage your cat to play and enjoy small successes.

TIP Cats should not lose more than 0.5 to 1% of their weekly weight. Your cat may take a long time to regain its average weight. However, don't be discouraged. Your cat will appreciate its new quality. It's never too late to do well. So switch to suitable cat foods, cut out the treats, and encourage your cat to be more active.

If, despite your best efforts, your measures are not enough to reduce the weight of your little companion, you can gradually reduce the initial food ration by a total of 20% and observe what happens. Consult a veterinarian or consultant specializing in animal nutrition beforehand. Weigh your cat regularly and record its weight.

A four-kilo indoor cat can get by on less than 100 grams of food per day. However, the weight loss program is a little more challenging to implement if your little darling is an outdoor cat. Running outside burns many calories, but it's hard to control what and how much he eats outside.

The importance of diet and exercise for a long life

you can use feeding charts to determine the daily amount of food. But your cat may need a lot less to stay lean. The amount of food required always depends on the living conditions of the cat as well as its age and state of health. What can you do to prevent your cat from getting too fat? Should you choose low-fat cat food? It can be beneficial. Thanks to its low fat and energy content and high protein and fiber content, this food has a reduced energy density.

Recommendation for overweight cats

Physical exercise helps boost metabolism. But do you feel like a big challenge because your cat has no desire to play or run? There are super active, curious cats that love to run around. And there are types of cats that are naturally calmer and quieter. It's a matter of race, age, and individual temperament. But all, really all, cats have the instinct of the hunter. A cat that does not feel like playing or moving should be slowly reintroduced. As your cat loses weight, the game will also become more interesting for him.

Indoor cats often suffer from a lack of activity and boredom. Combine feeding your cat with a play session or reward for a mastered athletic task. The cat has to put in a little effort to get food, such as food mazes or anti-glutton bowls.

These games meet the natural needs of cats by offering them physical activity coupled with an intellectual challenge and can prevent them from eating out of frustration.

Choose fat-free treats if you want to give your cat treats as a reward. However, remember that you will need to subtract the calories of these treats from your cat's daily food intake.

Conclusion

Being overweight in cats is usually the result of a poor diet and lack of exercise. Neutering can also affect a cat's weight. Help your pet live a long and healthy life by adapting its diet to its energy needs and lifestyle.