Bali (Balinese)
Last verified
| type | cat |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | United States (long-haired mutant from the Siamese cat line) |
| Size | medium · medium |
| Life expectancy | About 15-20 years |
| Habit | Very attached to people, doesn't like being left alone · Talkative but has a softer voice than a Siamese cat · Intelligent, trainable · Playful, energetic |
| Thailand weather | Even though the fur is medium length, it is a single layer of fur. They do not have thick undercoat like Persian cats. Therefore, the fur is less tangled and the body is not so stuffy in the hot weather. Can be raised in a Thai home without having to turn on the air conditioner all the time. But there should be a shady place to escape the heat during the day. |
| fur care | Brushing twice a week is enough as the fur rarely tangles due to the lack of thick undercoat. |
| exercise | Active and likes to play There should be toys and playtime every day to keep them from getting bored. |
| Common diseases in the breed | Risk of liver amyloidosis from Siamese bloodlines. · Risk of hereditary retinal degeneration. · May encounter strabismus or bent tails according to genetic characteristics of Siamese lines. |
| suitable for | Can raise a condo · Can make noise · Can get along with children |
Breed diseases that you should know before raising them
Each disease below is based on veterinary resources listed at the end of the section. And also tell what the general maintenance is like. This does not mean that every dog or cat of this breed will. But it is a more common risk than other breeds.
Some Balinese cats have a mutant ABCB1 (MDR1) gene, the same gene that makes collies sensitive to ivermectin. A genetic study of large cats (published in PLOS Genetics) identified this gene specifically in this breed. Cats with this gene may develop severe neurological symptoms when exposed to certain types of deworming drugs. This includes medicines containing ivermectin and eprinomectin.
Care guidelines: There is no cure for this mutated gene. What you can do is check your genes before starting to use this group of drugs. And switch to using other types of parasite medicine instead if the cat is found to have the mutated gene.
This information is used only to help you make an informed decision before adopting. It is not a diagnosis or medical advice. If your pet has abnormal symptoms Take him to see a veterinarian.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bali suitable for keeping in a condo?
Suitable even if the fur is medium length but is single layer. They do not have thick undercoat like Persian cats. Therefore, the fur is less tangled and the body is not so stuffy in the hot weather. Can be raised in a Thai home without having to turn on the air conditioner all the time. But there should be a shady place to escape the heat during the day.
What is the life expectancy in Bali?
Generally about 15-20 years (according to veterinary sources)
What genetic diseases do Bali have?
Risk of liver amyloidosis from Siamese bloodlines. · Risk of hereditary retinal degeneration. · May encounter strabismus or bent tails according to genetic characteristics of Siamese lines.
Can Bali endure the hot weather in Thailand?
Even though the fur is medium length, it is a single layer of fur. They do not have thick undercoat like Persian cats. Therefore, the fur is less tangled and the body is not so stuffy in the hot weather. Can be raised in a Thai home without having to turn on the air conditioner all the time. But there should be a shady place to escape the heat during the day.
Sources: vcahospitals.com · tica.org · cfa.org — Last checked 2026-07-28
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