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.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Balinese need? Like all cats, Balineses should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. Kittens receive their initial Balinese vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if they live indoors. Depending on their lifestyle (outdoor access, living with other cats, shows, travel), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Depending on lifestyle Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisDepending on lifestyle Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Balinese booster shots are given annually for feline herpesvirus and feline leukemia if your cat goes outdoors. For feline panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your cat's lifestyle.
Which boosters does your Balinese need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
