Birman vs Balinese - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Birman vs Balinese - Breed ComparisonBalinese is originated from Thailand but Birman is originated from France. Both Balinese and Birman are having almost same weight. Balinese may live 5 years more than Birman. Both Balinese and Birman has same litter size. Balinese requires Low Maintenance. But Birman requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

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Thailand
France
Weight Male:
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 20 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
Long-haired Siamese
The Sacred Cat of Burma
Colors Available:
ash, tortoiseshell, black, White or cream - pointed, red
White, cream, chocolate
Coat:
medium to long - soft and silky
Medium-long, silky and shiny
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

balineseThe slender Balinese cat is a cat similar in looks to the Siamese cat but fluffier. In fact, in the 1950s, Siamese breeders in the United States discovered that the kittens were fluffier than what a Siamese cat should be.

The fur was too long to conform to Siamese cat standards. Two Siamese breeders, Helen Smith and Marion Dorsey loved the look of the longer-haired Siamese with the idea being to name the breed the Longhair Siamese. Siamese breeders didn’t want this and the name became Balinese.

The Balinese cat has been recognized by many cat registries and associations.

birmanThere isn’t clarity as to this exquisite cat’s origins. Many people believe they originated as the companions of temple priests in northern Burma.

The cats somehow found their way to France, and it is believed that they have been in France since the 1920s.

The cats nearly disappeared during World War II, but luckily the remaining Birmans that survived were crossed with Siamese and Persians to strengthen the breed. In the early 1950s, pure Birnam litters were produced. It was in about 1959 that Birmans were brought to the United States.

The cats were also recognized in Britain in 1965 and in 1966 by the CFA. The first Birman cats were seal point but later other colors were brought in such as red, chocolate, and tabby.

Description

balinese kitten - descriptionThe medium-sized Balinese has a long, slender, finely built body with the head being long and triangular.

The eyes of the cat are slanted and a deep blue.

The coat is medium in length and is soft and silky without an undercoat. The coat length is pretty much all that distinguishes this cat from the siamese cat. The coat is pointed which means you’ll find concentrations of color – cream, red and tortoiseshell on the face, ears, legs and the plumed tail.

You can say that the Balinese cat is a Siamese cat but with long hair.

Temperament:

Your Balinese is a talkative cat and he is active and playful too. Because it is such an intelligent cat, it can learn tricks too.

They are affectionate cats and bond closely with their human family. They crave lots of attention and don’t like being left alone for long periods of time. They’re chatty cats too and love to leap up onto high perches and look down on their world.

If you have a Balinese as a pet, you will certainly have to invest in climbing equipment.

birman kitten - descriptionThese are medium-sized cats which can become fairly large. They can weigh up to 4, 5 or 6kg. They are fairly heavily boned with a broad face and ears that are widely spaced.

The round eyes are deep blue. The cat’s fur is medium-long and should be silky to the touch with no undercoat. Ther cat is a moderate shedder.

The base color is whitish to cream, but the kittens are always born white. Coat color, whether red, cream, or chocolate is always pointed and the cat always has the white paws.

Temperament:

The Birman isn’t as outgoing as some of the other cat breeds and its a quiet, docile intelligent cat that attaches itself to one particular family member. They can actually become jealous of their human companion and demand their attention.

These friendly cats are wonderful choices for families with children and dogs. They are calm and affectionate, and softly spoken, quietly letting you know when it’s dinner time and enjoying just being around his human family.

He is able to get along well with kids and other pets in the home. He can become quite playful too and because he is so intelligent, you can buy him some toys that require him to think.

Characteristics

balinese cat - characteristicsYour Balinese cat is a friendly, affectionate cat that will bond closely with his human family.

They’re the kind of cats that enjoy having their family members around them and they don’t like being left alone for long periods.

He is a playful cat so make sure that he has some nice toys that will keep him amused. They’re known for their intelligence and their inquisitive and playful natures, not to mention that these cats are easy on the eye as well.

Vocal and demanding, if you want someone who demands your friendship, then take a look at these beautiful Balinese cats.

birman cat - characteristicsThe Birman cat has to be one of the most beautiful cats there are, but the cat isn’t only a beautiful cat, it has wonderful characteristics as well.

It is a loving, affectionate cat with his human family, loving to spend time around them. Playful and healthy, when you bring this most wonderful cat into your home, it will be as though an angel has come to stay.

Health Problems

balinese kittens - health problemsBalinese cats are fairly healthy and any health problems these cats may have are much the same as those for the Siamese cat.

If you look after him well, he can reach 12 – 20 years of age.

You want to look at diseases such as respiratory illnesses, liver failure, dilated cardiomyopathy, and eye problems.

In fact, Progressive Retinal Atrophy is one health condition that you see quite a bit with the Balinese cat.

It can be an inherited eye disease or one that is acquired. PRA is a degenerative disorder of the retina and you will need to get your cat to the veterinarian. Unfortunately, there isn’t a treatment for PRA and therefore breeders need to check their breeding stock before allowing cats to be bred.

birman kittens - health problemsWith good health your Birman can reach up to 13 years of age. With the Birman, the most serious illness is feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which also happens to be the most common heart disease in cats.

It’s a progressive disease and can result in heart failure. The cats are also at risk of developing feline infectious peritonitis.

Also, because this is a larger cat and a stocky kind of breed, it can easily put on weight and then become overweight. Strict attention will need to be given to diet as well as daily exercise.

Also, look out for Corneal dermoid - skin and hair on the surface of the cornea in one eye or in both. Luckily this is an eye problem that can be surgically corrected.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

balinese cats - caringYour health depends on what you eat, and the same applies to cats too. Apart from good veterinary care for your cat, good food is of critical importance. A proper diet can eliminate veterinary expenses substantially.

In feeding your cat, learn to read cat food labels and make sure your furry friend is getting the right amount of proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

There are many choices of cat foods – homemade and commercially manufactured cat foods which can be canned or you also get the dry cat kibble type of food.

If your furry friend doesn’t like a particular food, don’t punish him by taking it away and leaving him without food. Your mom tried you with different foods and you should do the same with your feline friend.

Provide your Balinese with ‘cat equipment’ - feeding and drinking bowls, grooming equipment and a nice, soft bed for him to lie in and in a quiet place.

Keep your pet’s vaccines up to date and see he gets to the vet when he is ill.

The Balinese has a coat of medium length and because the cat only really sheds seasonally, it is looked upon as a low-maintenance coat. A brush once a week will get rid of dust as well as loose, dead hair and keep the coat in good condition.

General:

birman cats - caringThe Birman has a silky coat that sheds moderately so you want to give him a gentle brush once or twice a week to keep the coat of his soft and silky.

The Birman has a full topcoat, with no undercoat which means that you won’t have the coat matting or tangling.

He’ll need his nails trimmed and his teeth checked regularly. Your vet or professional groomers can do this for you and clean his teeth and check that there are no bad teeth making your pet sick.

Diet:

The Birman cat has access to some great commercial cat food as there are some seriously good quality ones.

Many cat lovers choose cat foods that are AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) approved. It at least provides minimum standards for pet foods.

For your Birman you want to avoid artificial flavors and preservatives. Choose quality foods high in meat protein. As a carnivore, a cat has a huge need for meat protein. Get to know your pet food labels and choose foods with added taurine and vitamin A.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Birman vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  2. Birman vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  3. Birman vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  4. Birman vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  5. Birman vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  6. Birman vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  7. Birman vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  8. Birman vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
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  10. Birman vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  11. Birman vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  12. Birman vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
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  14. Birman vs Asian - Breed Comparison
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  16. Birman vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
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  24. British Longhair vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  25. British Shorthair vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  26. Balinese vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  27. Balinese vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  28. Balinese vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  29. Balinese vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  30. Balinese vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  31. Balinese vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  32. Balinese vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  33. Balinese vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  34. Balinese vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  35. Balinese vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  36. Balinese vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  37. Balinese vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  38. Balinese vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  39. Balinese vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  40. Balinese vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  41. Balinese vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  42. Bengal vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  43. Bicolor vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  44. Blue Russian vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  45. Bombay vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  46. Brazilian Shorthair vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  47. Bristol vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  48. British Longhair vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  49. British Shorthair vs Balinese - Breed Comparison