What You Don't Know About Balinese & Javanese

Overheard at a cat show: “Oh Mylanta! Would you look at that!!!! It’s a longhaired Siamese! Oooh! And would ya look at its tail!!!!”

- Candilee Jackson

The beauty this young couple was exclaiming over was not a Siamese, but a close cousin, a gorgeous redpoint Balinese cat who was gracefully waving her tail in greeting to her many admirers.

“What’s so great about a Balinese cat? Everything! Ask anyone who is owned by one of these fabulous felines what is so special about the breed, and you set offa glowing monologue that ends only when the speaker is exhausted. Despite his regal bearing and aristocratic appearance, the Balinese is a clown with a heart as big as a circus tent. To gauge the level of his intelligence, you have only to gaze into those sapphire eyes which sparkle with alertness and healthy curiosity. Although he is every bit as demonstrative and affectionate as the Siamese, he is somewhat less vocal, and his voice is softer.” (CFA Breeds)

A Little History, Please …

Contrary to popular belief, the Balinese did not originate on the Island of Bali. Instead, this graceful cat was named for its resemblance to the movement and lines of Balinese dancers. (The Great Cat). Likewise, the Javanese did not come from nearby Java, but its name was most probably created because of the resemblance of each cat breed to the other, just as Bali and Java are considered sister islands.