Breed of longhaired cat of uncertain origin. One theory holds that the Balinese developed from a natural mutation—a change in breed characteristics that occurred naturally rather than through selective breeding—among Siamese cats. These mutant longhaired cats were then bred together to further develop these characteristics. Another theory suggests that this breed resulted from crossing Siamese cats with cats of Persian ancestry that had a recessive gene for long hair.

 

  

 

The Balinese has an elegant appearance, with a strong but lithe body. Because the back legs are longer than the front legs, the rear end appears higher than the rest of the body. The neck is long and slender, and the wedge-shaped head has a long, straight nose. Medium-sized, almond-shaped, vivid blue eyes slant toward the nose. The wide-set ears are large and pointed. The long, thin tail with a plume of hair tapers to a point.

 

  

 

The Balinese displays the characteristic colouring of the Siamese — a light body with contrasting dark colour points on the ears, nose, paws, and tail — but the Balinese has long, silky fur. Unlike other longhaired cats, it does not have a collar of fur, called a ruff, around the neck. The Balinese has a distinctive loud cry, but generally uses its voice less often than the Siamese.

 

  

 

The Balinese was introduced in the United States in the late 1940s or early 1950s. Mary Smith, an early breeder of Balinese, named these cats for their exotic appearance, which reminded her of the dancers of the South Pacific island of Bali. Most cat associations did not recognize the breed until 1970, and then recognized only the traditional Siamese colours of seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac point.