Collection: Personalised Balinese Gifts

The Balinese cat is named after the exotic and graceful dancers that hail from the island of Bali. Playful and clown-like, the Balinese thrive on company whether it is from people or other furry pets. Who knows whether this breed evolved by accident or design but the result is a very popular and lovely looking feline.

In American in the 1950s, some fluffy kittens appeared that were unusual because they were bred from a Siamese cat. The Balinese is a variety of the Siamese so think Siamese but just with lots more hair! However, the exact origins of the breed have rather been lost in the mists of time – were they a mutation of the Siamese that appeared with long hair or did someone cross a Siamese with a longhaired breed like the Angora or the Persian?

Initially, the cats were not registered as they did not conform to the Siamese breed standard however, two breeders – Marion Dorsey and Helen Smith – decided to carry on breeding these long-haired Siamese as they adored how this new breed looked. They bred longhair to longhair and gradually the breed started to spread.

The name of the breed conjured up a heated debate as the initial suggestion, Longhair Siamese, was rejected and the name Balinese was chosen instead as a reference to the Balinese Temple Dancers on the Indonesian island of the same name. The Balinese was recognised by The Cat Fanciers Federation in 1961 and the Cat Fanciers Association in 1970. Gradually, the breed is gaining official recognition and popularity outside the States.

The Balinese is very sociable and will get lonely if let alone so a busy household will make the ideal home or a house where there are other pets for company. The Balinese is a vocal and chatty cat due to its Siamese heritage and an active and energetic companion. They love perching up high so access to high spots is essential in your Balinese home. They are a very loving breed that make the perfect companion in a variety of households.