Balinese

A great breed for families, the Balinese is a social, energetic, devoted cat. Though not as demanding as others in the Siamese group, these adoring kitties do want to be involved in all household activities. They crave attention from their humans and will follow them from room to room.

Balinese are both playful and extremely intelligent. This combo means they can learn to do tricks and even fetch. They also enjoy playing with an assortment of toys—real cat toys, wads of paper, anything will do—and are world-class jumpers and climbers. Your Balinese's favorite spot is likely to be a high perch with a view of the outside world.

Despite their energy, Balinese know how to relax. They love cuddling up with their favorite human on the couch or under the covers of the bed. Because of their social nature, Balinese do best in pairs or with other pets in the house. If left alone, they can get bored. And a bored Balinese is often a mischievous Balinese.

Balinese need a high-quality diet. Because nutritional needs vary for kittens, adults, and senior cats, opt for a formula that's age-appropriate for your pet.

All cats are at risk of obesity if they eat too much. To avoid overfeeding, measure out meals and keep an eye on how many treats you're giving them. As a guideline, they should make up no more than 10% of a cat's calories.

In addition to providing meals, make sure to make fresh, clean water available at all times. Some Balinese enjoy drinking filtered water out of a fountain.

Balinese cats shed very little, and their coat isn't prone to mats or tangles. All they need is a quick brush every week to remove any loose hair and keep their coats looking and feeling good.

Most cats' nails require monthly trimming to prevent them from getting too long. Long nails are more likely to snag on something and become torn or damaged. They can even grow into your cat's paw pads, leading to pain or infection. In addition to clipping, providing a scratching post will allow your cat to do some nail maintenance themselves (thanks to their instinct to scratch).

No grooming routine is complete without a little dental hygiene. To support your Balinese's overall health, brush their teeth daily and schedule visits with your veterinarian for professional dental cleanings and exams.

Some breeds are more susceptible to certain health conditions. Balinese may be prone to Amyloidosis—a disease caused by a build-up of an abnormal protein in the heart, liver, kidney, or other organs. They can also be sensitive to the anesthesia often used during dental cleanings and spay/neuter surgeries. Your veterinarian is the best source of information about these and other feline health conditions.