Despite the name, the Balinese has no link to Indonesia. It is essentially a longhaired Siamese, developed in the United States in the 1940s and 1950s from kittens carrying a recessive longhair gene, and named for the graceful movement of Balinese dancers. It has the Siamese's colorpoint pattern and vivid blue eyes, a slender body, and a silky, single coat that lies close and ends in a plumed tail. Both a modern, wedge-headed type and a sturdier traditional type exist.
Many Balinese are bright, social and playful cats that want to be involved in everything their people do. They are usually somewhat quieter than Siamese but still chatty, and they often enjoy fetch, puzzle toys and high perches. Because the coat lacks a dense undercoat, grooming is easy, but these cats typically need daily interaction and dislike being left alone for long stretches.