What Breed of Cat Did the Balinese Originate From?

The Balinese cat looks like royalty and moves like a ballerina. But where did it come from? The answer might surprise you—it all starts with another famous breed you probably already know.

It All Began With the Siamese

The Balinese cat is not a natural breed from some far-off land. It’s actually a long-haired version of the Siamese cat. That’s it. No mystery jungle, no ancient temple. Just one fluffy genetic twist.

Back in the 1940s and 50s, breeders in the U.S. noticed that some Siamese kittens were being born with longer, silkier coats. These weren’t mistakes—they were natural mutations. And rather than reject them, some breeders leaned in and said, “Let’s see where this goes.”

They started selectively breeding these long-haired Siamese cats. Eventually, the look became consistent enough to be considered a new breed. Thus, the Balinese was born.

By the way, if you're into Balinese stuff, you’ll wanna check this one out: Where Can I Get a Balinese Cat?

Why Call It “Balinese”?

Now you might be wondering—why the name “Balinese” if the breed came from America and Siamese stock? Good question.

The name was picked because breeders thought the cat’s grace and elegance resembled the movements of Balinese dancers. It’s marketing genius, honestly. Exotic name, silky coat, blue eyes? People fell in love.

Oh, and speaking of Balinese, here’s another one you might like: How Rare Is a Balinese Cat? (And Why You Might Struggle to Find One)

Quick Look: Siamese vs. Balinese

Here’s how the two compare:

Feature	Siamese	Balinese
Origin	Thailand (formerly Siam)	U.S. (mutation of Siamese)
Coat Length	Short	Medium-long
Personality	Chatty and social	Chatty and social
Eye Color	Vivid blue	Vivid blue
Body Type	Sleek and athletic	Sleek and athletic
Tail	Short-haired	Plumed, fluffy tail

So they’re basically twins, except one of them uses conditioner.

Also, just throwing this in—this Balinese post is a fun read too: What Does a Balinese Cat Eat?

Are Balinese Purebred?

Yes, today’s Balinese cats are recognized as purebreds by major cat associations like CFA and TICA. But their bloodline still traces back to the Siamese.

They are not a mix of other breeds. Not part Persian. Not part Angora. Just Siamese with fabulous hair.