Long-haired Siamese cat breeds are rare and highly sought-after Siamese variants. They’re also known as “Balinese,” a name chosen to distinguish this breed from their Siamese ancestors. Playful, intelligent, vocal, and friendly—Balinese cats have all the appealing characteristics of traditional Siamese cats but in a fluffier package. Our guide will teach you about the history of Long-haired Siamese cat breeds as well as the best ways to keep your Balinese healthy, happy, and attractive.
Long-Haired Siamese Cat
The Siamese is a medium-sized, svelte, and refined-looking cat with long, tapering lines and strikingly blue eyes. The Long-haired Siamese cat’s most distinguishing feature, however, is its “points,” which are darker color patterns on the ears, face (mask), tail, legs, and feet. Siamese cats, also known as “meezers,” are popular among people looking for a sociable cat who enjoys “talking.” The Siamese is one of the original breeds of pedigreed cats, having been officially recognized by the Cat Fancier’s Association in 1906.
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Breed Overview
- OTHER NAMES: Meezer
- PERSONALITY: Sociable, friendly, vocal
- WEIGHT: Up to 14 pounds
- LENGTH: Up to 24 inches
- COAT LENGTH: Short hair
- COAT COLORS: Seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac
- COAT PATTERNS: Colorpoint
- EYE COLOR: Blue
- LIFESPAN: Up to 12 years
- HYPOALLERGENIC: No
- ORIGIN: Thailand
History of Long-haired Siamese Cat Breeds
The term “Balinese” has nothing to do with the island of Bali or Indonesia. It first appeared in the mid-1800s, when the first Siamese cats were imported from Thailand to the United Kingdom and the United States.
Some Siamese kittens inherited the recessive long-haired gene, which was thought to be a bloodline flaw at the time. Breeders in the United States wanted to intentionally develop this variety during the 1940s, resulting in the first Balinese breeding program a decade later.
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“Long-haired Siamese cat” did not sound appealing, so the original breeder, Helen Smith, chose “Balinese” because the cats’ elegant bodies and silky coats reminded her of Balinese dancers.
To ensure the bloodline’s integrity, only purebred Siamese cats are accepted into the Balinese breeding program. The Cat Fanciers Federation officially recognized the Balinese cat as a distinct breed in 1967.
Long-haired Siamese Cat Breeds’ Characteristics
The Siamese cat has a silky coat rather than the shaggy undercoat found in most long-haired breeds. It’s medium-to-long in length and sits close to the body, emphasizing its slim figure. Their tail hair is always fuller, longer, and more plumed or rigid.
The offspring of two Balinese cats will have a longer coat than a Balinese and a Siamese cat. Felines in warmer climates tend to have lighter coats than those in cooler climates.
Balinese cats have white or cream coats with colored areas around their face, ears, tail, and legs, similar to the traditional Long-haired Siamese kitten. Balinese cats have the following characteristics:
- Blue
- Chocolate
- Seal
- Lilac
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The colored points are the result of a heat-sensitive enzyme involved in melanin production being mutated. A month after birth, they become visible. The color of these points can be predicted by the Long-haired Siamese kitten paw pads. The points will be chocolate or lilac if they are pink. If the points are dark, they will be blue or seals.
Are Long-Haired Siamese Cats Hypoallergenic?
Despite the fact that Balinese cats shed frequently, they produce fewer Fel d1 and Fel d4 protein allergens. They are not hypoallergenic, but they can be better companions for allergy sufferers than other long-haired breeds.
If you are allergic to cats, it is best to spend some time with them before adopting them to see if you will have a severe reaction.
Long-Haired Siamese Cat breeds
We look at long-haired Siamese cat breeds in this article. The Siamese cat breed has bred so many cats that they now have their own breed names. Let’s get started.
The Balinese – the Long-Haired Siamese Cat
The Balinese cat breed is a long-haired Siamese that evolved from the long-haired kitten that appears in Siamese litters on occasion.
The long-haired kitten was thought to be an accident until two US cat breeders began developing them into their own distinct breed in the 1940s. Balinese have long silky coats and distinctive plume-like tails, similar to Siamese cats.
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The Javanese
The Javanese cat is related to the Balinese cat. Javanese cats are also long-haired and have feather-like tails, which adds to the confusion. Balinese cats are found in colors other than the four main point colors of Seal, Chocolate, Blue, and Lilac are considered Javanese by the Cat Fanciers’ Association.
In other words, the Javanese point colors would be Red, Cream, Lynx, and Tortie. However, in Europe, the name Javanese is also given to long-haired Oriental (one-colored) cats. As a result, the perplexity!
The Himalayan or Colorpoint Longhair
‘Himmies’ are a cross between Siamese and Persian cats. Their body type is stocky, similar to that of a Persian, and their coat is thick and long, but their coloring is pointed, giving them the appearance of long-haired Siamese cats.
I must admit that I have a soft spot for Himalayan Persian cats; they are absolutely stunning! They have fluffy tails, thick neck ruffs, and bright blue eyes.
Long-haired Siamese Cat Breeds: Common Health Issues
The most common health issue for Siamese cats is an eye problem. Cross-eyed Siamese was once common; the same gene that resulted in colored points also resulted in faulty vision wiring in the brain. Although the tendency for crossed eyes has been mostly bred out, it still means that Siamese has less acute vision than other cats, making them more vulnerable to being hit by vehicles after dark.
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Other health issues that this breed faces include:
- Respiratory disease: Siamese cats with wedge-shaped heads are more prone to respiratory issues such as asthma and bronchitis.
- Amyloidosis: a liver or kidney problem caused by an abnormal protein that accumulates in the organs of the body.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a congenital heart defect that can result in heart failure.
All the standard domestic cat immunizations, preventative veterinary treatments, and check-ups should be provided.
Cats who only live indoors live longer lives. This avoids infection from other animals and the environment, as well as injuries from fights and accidents. A securely fenced yard may keep predators out, but a Siamese cat will likely scale any fence and escape.
Appearance
The Long-haired Siamese is a medium-sized cat that matures in about a year. It has a slim and muscular build, and its eyes are a striking blue.
The Siamese’s short, soft coat can be seal, chocolate, blue, or lilac, with darker color patterns on the ears, face (mask), tail, legs, and feet. This distinct point pattern is caused by recessive genes that cause melanin (dark pigment) production only in cooler areas of the skin.
Nutrition and Diet
Dry cat food can aid in the health of a cat’s teeth and gums, whereas wet food provides fluids for cats who may not drink enough water. Make sure your cat has easy access to fresh, clean water.
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While many cats naturally moderate their eating habits, some will overeat if given free access to food. If you notice your cat gaining weight, you should provide two meals per day and remove any uneaten portions.
With age, your cat may require a different diet. Consult your veterinarian about your cat’s nutritional requirements. Obesity prevention is the best way to ensure that your cat lives to old age in good health.
Long-haired Siamese Cat Care
Siamese cats, like any other pet, require specialized care, and it’s critical to understand their specific requirements so you can be the best cat parent you can be.
Exercise
Siamese cats enjoy climbing and should have access to a cat tree or other structure that allows them to do so. They also enjoy chasing puzzles and teaser toys. You don’t want this cat to become bored while you’re away, or you might come home to find it has been up to some curtain-climbing or other mischief for entertainment.
Siamese cats are active, intelligent, and curious, making them relatively easy to train. A clicker is one of the simplest ways to train cats. Siamese cats can be taught to fetch toys and other fun tricks using a clicker.
Shedding
The Long-haired Siamese cat has a short coat that requires only routine grooming. Brush your cat once a week to remove loose hair and reduce the risk of hairballs.
Grooming
Claws on your indoor cat may need to be trimmed every 10 to 14 days, and you can also provide a scratching post to protect your upholstery and woodwork.
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Take care of your dental hygiene as well. Starting your cat’s teeth brushing routine at a young age will make the procedure easier and help your cat’s teeth stay healthy.
Should a Long-haired Siamese Cat or Kitten Eat Wet or Dry Food?
Fur maintenance necessitates adequate hydration, so wet food is preferable. High-quality wet products are typically high in proteins and healthy fats while being low in the unnecessary carbs found in dry food.
Kibble is typically too starchy and contains sugar, grains, vegetables, and other ingredients that cats should not consume. While mixing these two is acceptable on occasion, your feline’s diet should be primarily comprised of canned food.
Conclusion
Long-haired Siamese cat breeds have a dog-like proclivity to bond with and communicate with humans. They are very social and enjoy interacting with people and other pets, which makes them an excellent choice for busy households. Siamese is also a very vocal breed, which some people adore and others despise. These cats enjoy “talking” and hearing their humans respond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do some Siamese cats have long hair?
The Balinese is a luxurious take on an already popular breed, combining everything people love about the Siamese with a soft coat of luscious, long hair.
What are the different types of Siamese cats?
Siamese seal point, chocolate point, blue point, and lilac point are the four Siamese cat kinds. Each of these personality types is essentially the same—they are simply four different color variations. Many other breeds, including the Oriental, Balinese, Tonkinese, and Havana Brown, have descended from the Siamese.
How can I tell if my cat is mixed with Siamese?
Traditional Siamese cats have triangular heads and slender bodies, whereas modern Siamese cats have rounder, more wedge-shaped heads and larger, more powerful bodies. If your cat has this characteristic head shape, it could be Siamese.
Can a cat looks Siamese But isn’t?
Ragdoll Cats
The Ragdoll cat resembles the Siamese breed, however, this is where the similarities between the two breeds end. Siamese cats are boisterous and independent, whereas Ragdoll cats are more gentle and cuddly.
