30.06.2022

Learn all about Siamese cats with long hair

A Siamese cat with long hair is a rare and highly sought-after variant of a regular Siamese. They’re also known as “Balinese”, and the name was chosen to help differentiate this breed from their Siamese ancestors. 

Playful, intelligent, vocal, and friendly—Balinese cats have the most attractive features of traditional Siamese cats, but they come in a fluffier package. In our guide, you’ll learn about the history of this breed, the differences between traditional Siamese cats and their long-haired cousins, and the best ways to keep your Balinese healthy, happy, and good-looking. 

Where do long-haired Siamese cats come from?

The name "Balinese" has nothing to do with Bali or Indonesia. It appeared in the mid-1800s when the first Siamese cats were imported from Thailand to the U.K. and the U.S. 

Some kitties carried the recessive long-haired gene, which was considered a bloodline fault at the time. During the 1940s, breeders in the U.S. wanted to develop this variety intentionally, resulting in the first Balinese breeding program a decade later. 

“Long-haired Siamese cat” did not sound catchy or attractive, so the initial breeder, Helen Smith, decided to go with “Balinese” because the cats’ elegant bodies and silky coats made her think of Balinese dancers.

Only purebred Siamese cats are accepted in the Balinese breeding program to ensure the bloodline's integrity. In 1967, the Cat Fanciers Federation officially recognised the Balinese cat as a separate breed. 

Long-haired Siamese cat—fur characteristics

The Balinese have a silky coat without the shaggy undercoat that most long-haired breeds have. It’s medium-to-long and lies close to the body, emphasising their slim build. The hair of their tail is always fuller, longer, and distinctly plumed or rigid. 

The offspring of two Balinese cats will have a longer coat than that of a Balinese and a Siamese cat. Felines living in warmer climates will generally have lighter coats than those residing in cooler areas.

Look at my soft and silky coat—I think tummy rubs are in order!

Source: thesimplemess

Like traditional Siamese kitties, Balinese cats have white or cream coats with coloured areas around their face, ears, tail, and legs. Balinese cats can be:

• Blue
• Chocolate
• Seal
• Lilac

The coloured points come from a mutation of the heat-sensitive enzyme involved in melanin production. They become visible a month from birth. You can predict the colour of these points by the kitten’s paw pads. If they’re pink, the points will be chocolate or lilac. In case they’re dark, the points will be blue or seal. 

Are long-haired Siamese cats hypoallergenic? 

Even though Balinese cats shed regularly, they produce smaller amounts of Fel d1 and Fel d4 protein allergens. They are not hypoallergenic but can be better companions to people suffering from allergies than other long-haired breeds. 

If you are prone to allergies, it’s best to spend some time with Balinese felines before adopting them to see whether you’ll have a severe reaction.

Comparison of traditional Siamese and Balinese cats

As close relatives of the Siamese breed, Balinese cats mostly have the same traits, so they’re hard to tell apart during kittenhood. They have similar personalities, pointed coats, and slim, elegant bodies.

Consult the table below to check out the differences that will make distinguishing between the breeds easier:

The ins and outs of grooming a long-haired Siamese cat

Despite their long coats, Balinese cats aren’t too difficult to look after. Unlike Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest cats, these kitties have a single-layered coat that hardly gets knotted or matted. 

Is it time for my weekly spa treatment yet?

Source: thesimplemess

Balinese cats don’t shed as much as you’d assume, given the volume and length of their fur, but they still need a steady grooming routine consisting of:

1. Brushing their coat
2. Cleaning their teeth, eyes, and ears
3. Trimming their nails

Brushing the coat

You should brush your long-haired Siamese cat two times a week. Their coat doesn’t need much attention, so two thorough brushing sessions should keep it silky and soft. Use a stainless steel comb to get through any unlikely knots that may have formed. In doing so, you’ll also remove dead hair and allow the fur to rejuvenate naturally. Pay extra attention to the tail because it’s bushy and long.

Bathing your Balinese cat more than once a month isn’t necessary unless they get too dirty on an outdoor adventure. 

Cleaning the teeth, eyes, and ears

Balinese cats aren’t immune to periodontal diseases. To prevent dental problems, brush your feline’s teeth once a day using vet-approved toothpaste. Dental food is another way to maintain proper oral hygiene.

Cleaning your furry friend’s ears and eyes is also a necessary part of their weekly grooming routine. It’s best to use a cotton ball or a damp cloth to clean your kitty's ears and wipe away any discharge they might have in the corners of their eyes. 

Nail trimming 

Nail trimming is the most dreaded part of your cat’s beauty routine. You can do this with a high-quality nail trimmer. It’s best to make this activity a weekly ritual while your Balinese is still a kitten because they’ll get used to it. If they’re fussy and cannot sit still, it might be better to take your feline to a grooming salon to avoid injuries. 

Balanced nutrition is necessary for a glossy and healthy coat!

A feline’s coat is a reflection of their health. Dull or dry fur is often a sign of poor nutrition. 

To ensure your long-haired Siamese cat has a luscious coat, you should provide a diet rich in:

1. Animal protein—Felines are obligate carnivores, so they need animal protein in their diet to maintain a silky coat and stay healthy. Plant-based proteins can’t provide your Balinese cat with essential amino acids, such as taurine, critical for their vision, digestion, and cardiovascular and reproductive health
2. Animal fat—Fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, found in poultry, fish, and seafood, keep your feline's skin and coat healthy but are also the building blocks of cells and support the maintenance of normal body temperature. Make sure to stay within the recommended percentage (no more than 20%) to avoid obesity and other related issues, such as diabetes

My kitten-senses are tingling—Do I smell tuna stake?

Source: thesimplemess

When it comes to coat maintenance and general well-being, it’s not enough to provide your feline with quality ingredients—proper portion control is also necessary. Overeating can cause numerous health problems, and dandruff and skin irritation are the most obvious symptoms affecting the skin. Siamese kitties don’t do well with extra weight because their bone structure is designed for a lean and muscular physique. 

Should long-haired Siamese cats eat wet or dry food?

Fur maintenance requires sufficient hydration, so wet food is a better option. High-quality wet products are typically full of proteins and healthy fats without the unnecessary carbs often present in dry food. 

Kibble is usually too starchy and has sugar, grains, vegetables, and other ingredients felines shouldn’t eat. Mixing these two is fine from time to time, but your feline’s diet should be based on canned food.

Untamed—a healthy and delicious choice for your long-haired Siamese cat

Untamed works for kittens, adults, and seniors. We offer your kitty a complete and balanced diet that is:

• Rich in protein—We offer two times more protein than the industry standard 
• Made with human-grade meat—Our meals contain only the best quality meat for your feline
• Gently steamed—We simmer our food to preserve the nutritional value and taste
• Vet-approved—Untamed recipes are designed by vets to cater to your cat’s unique biology
• Ethically made and eco-friendly—The prime quality meat in our meals is ethically produced, and the fish is caught sustainably. Untamed packaging is 100% recyclable as well
• Picky cat-approved—Even if your Balinese kitty is a fussy eater who tends to refuse wet food, they’ll go wild for our tasty recipes

According to our happy clients, after switching to our high-quality, whole-meat diet, you can expect to see the following positive changes:

Create the perfect diet for your feline

Take our online quiz to find the perfect meals for your feline! Once you provide us with details on your kitty's preferences, allergies, and life stage, you can explore the Untamed menu to find the best combination.

Depending on your cat’s taste, you can choose various gravy and jelly products. Both options contain premium ingredients and deliver sufficient amounts of protein derived from:

• Chicken breast and liver
• Duck breast
• Salmon fillet
• Tuna steak
• Shrimp
• Sardine and mackerel fillet
• Ham

Our meals are free from all known allergens, and we offer two hypoallergenic recipes with a single source of protein—Tuck-in Tuna and Chocka Chicken!

Our healthy and delicious meals will make your feline companion rush to their bowl!

Image (c) Untamed

Here's an overview of some of our delicacies: 

How to get Untamed

Here’s how to sign up for a tailor-made trial pack:

1. Take the Try Now online quiz and share info about your cat
2. Choose the products
3. Confirm your order 

You’ll get the trial pack within a day. After your feline tries the dishes (and loves them), we can replenish your supplies every month at the same time. 

Don't fret about your kitty changing their mind. You can always change your order and let them try something else. Postponing or cancelling a delivery is not a problem either—you can do it quickly from your account!