Are Balinese cats hypoallergenic?

While no cat is 100% hypoallergenic, Balinese cats may be a good choice for those with mild cat allergies. They have a single-layer coat that sheds less than other breeds and produce lower levels of Fel d 1, the primary protein responsible for triggering cat allergies.

How much does a Balinese cat cost?

Balinese kittens often start around $2,500–$2,600 from a reputable breeder. Alternatively, you may find an adoptable Balinese through local shelters or breed-specific rescues, such as the Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue .

Balinese Cat

Updated September 15, 2026

The Balinese is a sweet, loyal cat who’s always up for hanging out with—or perching on—their favorite person. With high social needs and a love for play, they shouldn’t be left alone for long. Ideal homes include families with kids, remote workers, or multi-pet households.

Temperament

Loyal, Energetic, Chatty

Weight

5–12 pounds

Life Expectancy

10–20 years

Maintenance Level

Friendliness

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Their name might suggest they come from Bali, but the Balinese cat was actually named after the graceful dancers of the Indonesian island. With shimmering blue eyes, a silky low-shedding coat, and an elegant and slender build, they’re equal parts beauty and grace—just like their namesakes.

But grace doesn’t always come quietly. Balinese aren’t shy about sharing their thoughts when they’re bored or want your attention. They’re happiest in homes where someone is around most of the day, and they tend to make friends with respectful children, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs, especially those who love to play as much as they do.

While no cat is truly hypoallergenic (all cats produce Fel d 1, the primary protein responsible for cat allergies), some people with mild cat allergies might be less affected by Balinese cats because they shed less and produce less Fel d 1 than many other breeds.

Balinese Cat Characteristics

Remember: Cats are individuals and not all cats, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Exercise Needs

Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Trainability

Shedding Level

Friendliness

Playfulness

Energy Level

Vocal Level

Likes to be Picked Up

Likes to be Pet

Balinese Cat Appearance

A sleek silhouette, sapphire-blue eyes, and a classic color-point pattern—does the Balinese look familiar? That’s because the breed is a longhaired Siamese cat.

If you breed two Siamese who both carry the recessive longhair trait, they can produce long-haired—aka Balinese—kittens, says Lisa Young, founder of CFA-registered Thai Dee Maew Cattery. That trait gives them a longer coat and their signature plume tail.

Ears
Balinese cats have large, pointed ears—perhaps perpetually tuned into the sound of a treat bag.
Eyes
Their almond-shaped eyes are always blue.
Nose
Their nose leather corresponds to their coat pattern, ranging from pink to darker shades of gray or brown.
Coat Length
Balinese cats have a single-layer, semilong coat that’s silky and lies close to the body. Without an undercoat, they need less grooming than many other long-haired breeds.
Coat Color
Balinese cats have a lighter-colored body with darker points on their ears, face, paws, and tail. Like their Siamese relatives, their classic color patterns include seal point (deep brown to black), chocolate point (milk-chocolate brown), blue point (slate gray), and lilac point (pinkish gray).
Tail
Their long tail fans out like a feather, creating their signature showstopping plume.

Balinese Cat Temperament

Every Balinese has their own unique personality, but a few traits tend to shine through: They love to chat, they love to play, and they absolutely love their people.

The apple (or kitten) doesn’t fall far from the tree—the Balinese share many of the Siamese’s signature traits, including their intelligence, curiosity, and social nature. Some describe the Balinese as having a slightly softer temperament than the Siamese, but others are just as energetic, playful, and vocal as their short-haired relatives—just wrapped in a silky coat.

“The Balinese are very social,” Young says. “They want to be around their people 24/7. They’re cuddly, they’ll follow you everywhere, and they’ll chat with you.”

If you’re looking for personal space, a Balinese may have other plans. “They might want to watch you shower, go to the bathroom with you, or just literally sit at your feet while you make dinner at night—then immediately want to be on your lap,” says April Tinnin, owner of TICA- and CFA-registered Sapphire Kittens Cattery. “Some will even climb on your shoulders.”

If you’re looking for a social, emotionally connected cat who wants to be involved in your life, the Balinese could be a perfect fit.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Balinese Cat

Find Balinese Cats to Adopt Near You

How to Care for a Balinese Cat

Their silky coat typically only needs a quick weekly brushing. So with less time spent grooming, you’ll have more time for what Balinese cats love most: interactive play, cuddle sessions, and being wherever you are.

Bathing: While you could get your Balinese used to bathing starting in kittenhood, it’s not typically necessary. Balinese fur tends to be low-maintenance, thanks to its silky texture and single coat.
- As cats age, however, self-grooming may decrease. Rather than a bath, cat grooming aids like HICC Pet Deodorizing Glove Wipes can help remove oily buildup and keep your cat feeling and looking fresh.
Brushing: Without a thick double coat, these cats tend to shed less than many other breeds, which can be a perk for people with cat allergies. Brush them once a week with a bristle brush or grooming mitt to remove excess fur. Matting is uncommon with routine grooming.
Nail trimming: Trim your cat’s nails every two to three weeks. You’ll know they’re past due if their nails catch while kneading or walking on carpet. Offering scratching posts and cat trees is important for nail health and enrichment but does not replace regular nail trimming.
Ear cleaning: Cleaning your cat’s ears isn’t typically necessary unless your vet recommends it, but it’s still a good idea to routinely check their ears for signs of infection or parasites. Signs of ear infections in cats include shaking the head, pawing at the ears, or a foul smell from one or both ears, while signs of ear mites include dark debris that looks like coffee grounds.
Dental care: Balinese cats, like all breeds, benefit from an at-home dental routine to help prevent tartar and plaque buildup, which can lead to gingivitis and other dental disease. The best way to do this is brushing your cat’s teeth daily with cat-safe toothpaste.
- Your vet may also recommend a dental care food like Hill’s Prescription Dental Care, which features large kibbles designed to help scrape plaque and tartar off teeth as your cat chews. In addition to at-home care, your vet will recommend professional dental cleanings as needed.

Like all cats, Balinese require a complete and balanced diet. A nutritional adequacy statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) on the label is the gold standard to look for on any cat food package.

Balinese can thrive on dry, wet, fresh, or mixed diets as long as the food is complete, balanced, and appropriate for their life stage. If you’re unsure, your vet can help you choose the best cat food for your Balinese.

It’s important not to overfeed your cat. Portioning meals throughout the day will help you and your cat manage their intake better than free-feeding.

How much to feed your cat depends on their current weight and their ideal healthy weight. An online calorie calculator can help you dial in the right daily amount, or your vet can walk you through what to feed, how much, and how often.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of play each day, split into two or three shorter sessions. However, don’t be surprised if your Balinese insists on more playtime.

Tinnin says her Balinese cat’s favorite activity is playing fetch. Other cats may prefer wands that flutter like birds or springs that skitter across the floor. Between interactive play sessions with your cat, keep them moving with automated toys and puzzles.

Rotate your cat’s toys frequently so they don’t grow bored with their options.

Balinese love their family and do best in bustling households where they aren’t left home alone for long stretches. But every cat is an individual, and Young says some may prefer a quieter environment. You can get a sense of your cat’s personality by meeting and learning about the breeding parents.

That said, Balinese are typically social, friendly cats who get along well with children, other cats, and even cat-friendly dogs. “All kittens generally do much better adopted in sibling pairs, so I try to encourage this as much as possible,” Young says.

Their ideal home doesn’t have to be big. In fact, cats often prefer vertical space over floor space. But their home does need all of the necessities:

A litter box for each cat, plus one extra
Separate food and water stations
Scratching posts, cat trees, tunnels, and window perches
A cozy bed
Plenty of cat toys

Balinese Cat Health

Balinese are among the healthiest cat breeds and have been known to live 20 years or more. Still, there are several potential health issues to be aware of. Knowing what could affect your cat and how to keep them healthy can help you give them the longest and happiest life possible.

Amyloidosis: Amyloidosis occurs when protein deposits in organs, particularly the liver and kidneys. There’s no way to prevent amyloidosis or screen for it with a genetic test, but annual vet visits and blood work can catch it early. While cats of any age can develop amyloidosis, it predominantly affects cats 7 years or older.
Eye issues: Some Balinese are born with crossed eyes that, while often benign, can occasionally affect their vision. A more serious concern is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which causes the retina to gradually degenerate and leads to blindness. Reputable breeders will genetically test their breeding cats to prevent this from being passed to Balinese kittens.
Pica: It’s not unusual for kittens to explore their surroundings orally, often by chewing. But if your Balinese cat or kitten is ingesting non-food items, such as cat litter, strings, or plastic, they may have pica. This behavior can lead to life-threatening gastrointestinal blockages, so talk to your vet immediately if you notice it.

Balinese Cat History

While the history of the Siamese is well-documented (they are widely considered the oldest recognized cat breed), the history of the Balinese isn’t so clear.

Longhaired kittens had likely appeared sporadically in Siamese litters for centuries due to a naturally occurring gene mutation, but the earliest record of a longhaired Siamese doesn’t appear until 1928, when one was registered with the Cat Fanciers’ Federation (CFF).

That changed in the 1950s, when the Balinese became an official breed. But even that history has some conflicting details: breeders Helen Smith and Sylvia Holland are credited by the CFA with developing the breeding program, while TICA credits Smith and Marion Dorsey.

One thing is clear, however: the origin of the name. The breed was named “Balinese” after the graceful dancers of Bali.

FAQs

Yes. Balinese cats make great pets for families with children, people who live alone but are home often, or multi-pet households. “If you’re looking for a cat that is a social, emotionally connected animal, they’re a perfect fit,” says Tinnin.

They may not be the best fit for people who are away from home for long periods. If left alone for too long without mental stimulation or company, they can become bored or stressed, which may lead to destructive scratching, litter box avoidance, or excessive vocalization.

Yes, many Balinese cats love to cuddle. As with any breed, however, affectionate behavior is never a guarantee. If snuggles are a priority, your best bet is working with a reputable breeder who can match you with a kitten based on the parents’ temperaments and early socialization, or adopting an older cat whose personality is already well established.

“Every single one has their own unique personality, so I try to match the kitten or adult cat with a compatible home,” says Young. “Overall, however, most are energetic, smart, playful, and deeply loyal.”

This content was medically reviewed by Angela Beal, DVM.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Balinese Cat

Balinese Cat