Longevity
Life expectancy
With an appropriate lifestyle, a balanced diet, exercise and regular veterinary follow-up, this cat can live from 15 to 20 years.
Build
A robust breed?
The Balinese generally benefits from a good constitution. This robustness does not, however, exempt from screening for hereditary diseases present in its lines nor from regular monitoring of the eyes, heart, weight and kidney function.
Watch points
What to watch for
Certain genetic predispositions justify a rigorous selection of breeding cats and regular veterinary check-ups throughout life.
Progressive retinal atrophy : A hereditary condition that can lead to a progressive deterioration of vision up to blindness.
Glaucoma and strabismus : Eye disorders that warrant regular examinations and prompt consultation in case of pain, redness, or visual changes.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy : A thickening of the heart muscle likely to impair the function of the heart.
Amyloidosis : An abnormal protein deposit that can notably cause kidney failure.
Pancreatitis : An inflammation of the pancreas requiring veterinary care.
Overweight : A risk promoted by overfeeding and lack of activity, despite the breed's naturally slender build.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its medium-long to long coat offers moderate protection, but the absence of an undercoat requires ensuring it has a comfortable shelter against cold, humidity and extreme heat. Outdoor access must remain secure and adapted to weather conditions.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Its silhouette must remain slender. A ration adjusted to its age, its morphology, its physiological state and its activity, combined with daily play, helps prevent excess weight. Overfeeding must be avoided.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Have the eyes checked regularly and clean them with a suitable product if necessary.
- Clean the ears without inserting any object into the ear canal.
- Keep vaccinations and parasite prevention up to date according to lifestyle.
- Monitor weight and encourage daily exercise.
- Consult promptly in case of decreased vision, eye pain, shortness of breath, or loss of appetite.
Vaccination
Balinese vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Balinese? Like all cats, the Balinese receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Balinese is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Balinese vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Balinese?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Balinese
Before breeding, it is prudent to check the screenings carried out in the line, notably for progressive retinal atrophy and cardiac or renal conditions. Regular eye examinations, cardiac auscultation and periodic veterinary check-ups make it possible to adapt individual monitoring.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
