Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Balinese cat originated in the mid-20th century in the United States as a result of a natural mutation in Siamese cats that produced kittens with semi-long hair. Initially, such cats were excluded from breeding, but breeders soon recognized their beauty and elegance. By the 1950s, selective breeding began to establish the semi-long coat as a defining trait. The name “Balinese” was chosen for its association with the graceful dancers of Bali, though the breed has no direct relation to the island. The Balinese gained recognition for its refined oriental type, silky semi-long coat, and affectionate temperament. Today, the Balinese is recognized in the ICCF system as an independent breed with a well-defined standard of appearance and character.
General Appearance
The Balinese is an elegant, medium-sized cat with an elongated, flexible oriental body type. The body is slender and muscular, not massive; the chest is narrow, and the back is straight. Legs are long and fine, with oval paws. The tail is long, thin, and flexible, ending with a soft, feathery plume. The head is wedge-shaped, proportionate to the body, with large, wide-set ears. Eyes are almond-shaped, slightly slanted, and bright blue. The coat is semi-long, silky, and close-lying without a dense undercoat. The color pattern is pointed — light body with darker markings on the face, ears, legs, and tail. The overall impression is one of harmony, oriental refinement, and grace.
Important Proportions
The Balinese cat must display perfect harmony in all proportions. The head is wedge-shaped and proportional to the body, with smooth, flowing lines. Ears are large and wide-set, emphasizing the head’s shape. Eyes are medium, almond-shaped, and slanted; their color is an intense, vivid blue. The body is long, slender, and well-muscled, with fine, long limbs and slightly higher hind legs. The tail is long, thin, and fully plumed. The semi-long coat enhances the body’s elegant lines. The overall proportions must remain oriental — graceful, light, and refined.
Behavior and Temperament
The Balinese is active, affectionate, and intelligent. These cats are social and enjoy human company, often following their owners around the home. They are loyal, playful, and highly curious. Despite their lively nature, they are gentle and loving. They are talkative, with a soft, melodic voice. They get along well with children and other pets. The ICCF values the Balinese for its balanced disposition, friendliness, and strong attachment to people.
Head
The head is a medium wedge, proportionate to the body. The skull is flat, with a straight profile and no break at the nose. The lines are long and smooth, forming a refined oriental silhouette. The muzzle is narrow and slightly tapered, emphasizing elegance. Cheekbones are smooth, and the chin is firm and aligned with the profile. The head conveys refinement and delicacy.
Facial Features
The face is expressive, with fine lines. The nose is long, straight, and of medium width, merging harmoniously with the forehead. Cheekbones are high and smooth. The chin is firm but not coarse, with a correct bite. The muzzle is elongated and neat, highlighting the breed’s refinement.
Eyes
The eyes are almond-shaped, medium in size, and slightly slanted, giving the cat its characteristic oriental expression. They are widely set, expressive, and always a vivid, clear blue. The look should be intelligent and alert. Round, small, pale, or dull eyes are undesirable.
Ears
The ears are large, wide at the base, and pointed at the tips. They are set wide and low, continuing the lines of the wedge-shaped head. Their placement enhances the breed’s balanced, oriental profile. Small, narrow, or high-set ears that disrupt harmony are faults.
Neck
The neck is long, slender, and elegant but muscular enough to support the head proportionally. It transitions smoothly into the shoulders and chest. The skin is tight, without loose folds. Males may have a stronger neck; females are more delicate, but both must remain balanced and graceful.
Body
The body is long, lean, and flexible, with well-developed muscles. The chest is narrow and deep; the abdomen is tucked; the back is straight and strong. The silhouette should be elegant and stretched, never heavy or fragile.
Tail
The tail is long, thin, and tapering to a rounded tip, covered with fine semi-long hair forming a plume. It continues the line of the body, enhancing the breed’s graceful look. Short, thick, or stiff tails are faults.
Forelimbs
Forelegs are long, slender, and fine-boned but strong. The paws are oval and neat. The legs must be straight and parallel. Weak joints or bowed limbs are faults.
Hind Limbs
Hind legs are slightly longer than the front, giving the body a graceful, lifted outline. The thighs are well-muscled, and the stance is stable and parallel.
Gait and Movement
The Balinese moves lightly and gracefully, with smooth, elastic, and coordinated steps. Movements should be confident and elegant, free of stiffness.
Coat
The coat is semi-long, soft, silky, and close-lying. It lacks an undercoat, giving it a light, flowing texture. On the tail, the coat forms a distinctive plume. A dense or woolly coat is undesirable.
Acceptable Colors
All pointed colors are permitted: seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, and their tortie or tabby variations. The body must be light, with clear contrast between body and points. Non-pointed patterns are disallowed.
Size
The Balinese is a medium-sized breed. Males weigh 4–5 kg; females 3–4 kg. The body is elongated and light, expressing elegance and oriental grace.
Faults
Minor deviations from the ICCF standard include: a short or round head, weak chin, break in the profile, small or narrow ears, pale or round eyes, short or thick neck, massive or weak body, short or poorly plumed tail, and a dense coat with undercoat. Faint point contrast or timid behavior are also considered faults.
Disqualifications
Disqualifying traits include: eyes not blue, crossed or defective eyes, round or short head, deformed or asymmetrical ears, tail kinks or stiffness, limb deformities, dense coat with undercoat, solid colors without points, aggression, fearfulness, or refusal of examination.
Important Notes
Within the ICCF, the Balinese is recognized as an independent oriental breed requiring strict adherence to breeding standards. Only cats with official ICCF documentation verifying origin and conformity may be bred. Cats with disqualifying traits or hereditary diseases are excluded. Breeding must aim to preserve the oriental type, blue eyes, refined proportions, and contrasting point coloration. ICCF judges evaluate both physical type and temperament — the Balinese must be affectionate, social, active, and emotionally stable.
Conclusion
The Balinese is a refined oriental breed combining elegance, harmony, a silky semi-long coat, and vivid blue eyes. Recognized by ICCF as an independent standard, it is valued for its beauty, gentleness, and affectionate nature. These cats make loyal companions and adapt easily. Only ICCF-documented cats may participate in shows or breeding programs. The goal of selection is to preserve the oriental type, health, balance, and temperament — making the Balinese a symbol of grace and high breeding standards within ICCF.
