Little is known about the early history of the Balinese. Some say that at last one Chinese tapestry depicts pointed longhairs. In the United States, The Cat Fanciers Federation (CFF) had a longhair Siamese registered in 1928 (which is what Balinese actually are and what they were originally called).

However this history of the Balinese starts later,  in the 1940s.
Legend has it that breeders were intrigued by long-haired kitten appearing from time to time in litters of pure-breed Siamese. These kittens were Siamese in type, but had longer, silky hair, and when mated were found to breed true.

However, it seems more likely that the long-haired gene was introduced when never colours were created in Siamese by out crossing to Persians or moggies.

A few breeders in United States were so charmed by these long-haired Siamese, that they determined to establish them as a breed, and work towards recognition by the American associations. Pioneer breeders were Mrs. Marian Dorsey of California (Rai-Mar prefix) and Mrs. Helen Smith of New York (Merry Mews prefix), with Mrs. Sylvia Holland, an English woman living in California,  most closely associated with the development of the breed under her famous "Holland’s
 

The breed was named after a slender and sophisticated Bali dancer.

Farm" prefix. Mrs. Smith was responsible for the name "Balinese", when she remarked how akin they were to "exotic Balinese dancers"- unfortunately one cannot visit Bali and expect to find an indigenous population of Balinese cats.

So by the 1950s, the breed had a name and had placed on the Foreign Long Hair division of the Cat Fanciers’ Federation.The breed was first accepted for championship status in 1961 by CFF, and over the years have grown in popularity to such an extent, that hold full championship status in all the American associations. By 1965 they had been accepted in all associations except CFA.
In 1967 Sylvia Holland attended CFA’s annual convention and saw the Balinese granted Provisional status.
In 1970,  they were finally accepted for Championship status. That year there were 23 Balinese entered in the prestigious Santa Monica show.
The C.F.A. and T.I.C.A. recognized the breed in 1970, the F.I.Fe in 1983

Since late in 1979 the Cat Fanciers’ Association (the largest of the US associations) has recognized red, cream, tabby and tortie pointed Balinese as "Javanese".

In the 70's, a start was made with developing this breeding into England. The Balinese gained full recognition in England in 1986. The first Champion was Ch. Aprikat Sable Ribbons, bred by Rosemary Smyth and the first Grand, Gr.Pr. Dikhala Belfreya, bred by the Honourable Mrs. D. Balfour. The first Supreme Grand Champion was the red tabbypoint male Supr.Gr.Ch. Soleil Imperial Rufus, bred by Lilian Howard. "Rufus" is a grandson of the great Supr.Gr.Ch. Zachary Apollo.

In 1987 the first Balinese arrived to Norway - PR/EC Vivelkattens Pamir, BAL c, owned by Sol Karlsen (av Karitzy cattery). PR/EC Vivelkattens Pamir got the highest FIFe tittle and become the first Europa Champion in Norway (conside all breed).

Since the early days, the look of the Balinese has changed quite dramatically due to out crossing with their Siamese cousins to achieve a true "long-haired Siamese" and many Balinese have achieved Grand status and won Best in Show awards.

Like its parent breed, the Siamese, the Balinese is an active, very affectionate, talkative, and inquisitive breed. It likes to get underfoot and be part of everything its owner does. There is no job that two hands can do that a Balinese will think two hands and four paws cannot do better.

What is a Balinese Cat.

A Balinese cat is simply a Siamese with a flowing coat - basically a semi-longhaired Siamese, and can be found in all the same colours as the Siamese. They have the same blue eye colour as the Siamese , exhibit the intelligence and temperament as the Siamese. The only difference between the two breed is the coat. The Siamese has a short, sleek coat, the Balinese coat is medium in length, fine and silky without a downy undercoat. It lies close to the body, flowing toward the rear where it ends in a graceful, plumed tail.

The Short-haired Balinese, known as a Variant. Breed back to a top quality Siamese,  improve the type. Kittens resulting from mating a Balinese to a Siamese have a short coat. They are invaluable in a Balinese breeding program as they carry the recessive long hair gene, witch they pass on when mated back to long-haired Balinese or another Variant.

The Balinese cats seen today are the result of much time and effort by a dedicated band of hard working breeders.

Personality:

Like the Siamese, Balinese are outgoing, people-oriented cats with an appetite for amusement, a talent for conversation, and a burning curiosity about what’s hidden in your cupboards. You can count on them to meet you at the door with a witty remark when you come home from a hard day of earning the cat food.

Balinese are active and playful, too. They are agile leapers that love heights and can usually be found on top of the highest bookshelf, when they’re not perched on your shoulders. They easily learn to fetch tossed cat toys -- in fact, some will teach you the game -- and will keep you entertained with their inventive acrobatics.

However, fanciers say it’s their deep desire for love and affection and their loving, trusting personalities that make them wonderful companions. Highly social and perceptive, Balinese are in tune with your moods and are right there to cheer you up if you’re sad or to share in the fun when you’re happy. Since they are vocal themselves, they are sensitive to your tone and dislike loud voices and harsh scoldings.Balinese don’t do well if left alone for long periods. If you work all day and play all night, consider another breed or another kind of pet.

Named for the graceful dancers of the Island of Bali, the Balinese is perfect for those who want a companion with the personality and svelte styling of the Siamese and the luxuriance of a semi-long soft-as-ermine coat. And since the fur has no downy undercoat, this breed doesn’t require the upkeep that some longhaired breeds need. You can spend more time playing with your Balinese instead of grooming her.

Kittens to expect from Balinese matings

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