Birman vs. Balinese – Is There a Difference?

Yes. These two cat breeds differ in that a Balinese is larger and can live longer than a Birman. A Balinese is also more sensitive to anesthesia than a Birman. On the other hand, a Birman cat has a thicker coat and is less active compared to a Balinese.

If you wish to adopt a new cat, you should take the time to compare different breeds. Rather than only focusing on their appearance, you should look at other important factors before picking a cat breed. This post can help you discover how cat breeds such as Birman and Balinese differ. Enjoy!

How does a Birman differ from a Balinese?

Size

Though these two cat breeds may look somehow similar, they differ in terms of their size. A Birman is a medium-sized cat whose average height is between 8 and 10 inches. The average weight of this cat ranges between 6 and 12 pounds.

On the other hand, a Balinese can be bigger and heavier. The average height of this cat is between 8 and 11 inches. An adult Balinese can also weigh up to 15 pounds.

This means that a Balinese is slightly larger and heavier than a Birman.

Coat and grooming

Apart from the size, these two cat breeds also differ when it comes to their coat. Birmans have a long silky coat. This can come in all pointed colors such as red, lilac, cream chocolate, and blue. Though a Birman kitten is born all white, it starts developing these pointed colors as it matures.

On the other hand, a Balinese is a long-haired Siamese. Like the Birman, this cat breed also comes in different pointed colors such as chocolate, cinnamon, blue, red, and cream. Many cat owners love the coat of this cat breed since it is soft and silky. The coat is medium in terms of length, and it does not have an undercoat.

The Birman’s coat is thicker than that of the Balinese. Despite this, weekly grooming is sufficient for both cat breeds. You can utilize a stainless steel brush to brush the coat of ether of these cat breeds.

Lifespan

These two cat breeds also differ in terms of how long they can live. A Birman cat can live up to 12- 16 years. If you are looking for a cat breed that you can enjoy petting for longer, you should consider a Balinese. This cat breed has a lifespan of up to 20 years. It is one of the cat breeds that is known to live for so long.

A Balinese, therefore, has a longer lifespan than a Birman cat.

Temperament and activity level

While some families prefer highly energetic cats, others like calm pets. Though both Birmans and Balinese are affectionate cats, Balinese have a higher activity level than Birmans. The laid-back attitude of a Birman cat makes it perfect for a person that prefers a lap cat. This cat is not outgoing but is rather quiet.

If you have children and are looking for a pet they can play with, you can consider a Balinese. This cat breed is more active. It can follow you around the house. This is a talkative cat that is also more playful. A Balinese loves being given attention and does not like staying alone for long. If you pick this cat, consider investing in climbing equipment and getting them scratching posts to prevent them from destroying things around your home.

Due to the energetic nature of the Balinese cat, they tend to keep an eye on almost everything. Training a Balinese is also easier than training a Birman due to its high energy. One of the recommended methods of training a Balinese is positive reinforcement. This can help them learn how to do different tricks since they are quite intelligent.

Health problems

One of the serious illnesses that can affect a Birman cat is feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which can lead to heart failure. On the other hand, some Balinese cats are born with an inherited neurological defect that can lead to liver failure.

Though both cat breeds are healthy, Balinese are more sensitive to anesthesia than Birman cats. If you adopt a Balinese and take them to the vet, ensure that you make the vet aware of this sensitivity.

A summary of their differences

Cat breed	Birman	Balinese
Average height	8-10 inches	8-11 inches
Coat	Long and silky	Soft and medium length
Average weight	6-12 pounds	8-15 pounds
Lifespan	12-16 years	15-20 years
Activity level	Low	High

So, which breed should you choose?

Now that you comprehend the difference between a Birman and Balinese choosing the right breed can get easier. If, for instance, you need a quieter and gentler cat that will like spending more time on your lap, you can go for a Birman. You can also get this cat breed if you have other pets that are not too aggressive.

If you, however, want a more loving cat breed with high energy levels, you should consider a Balinese. This cat breed can do great in a family with kids or other pets. It is also ideal for a person who has time to train pets and who spends most of their time at home.

Conclusion

Many people confuse these two cat breeds due to their visual appearance. Understanding how they differ is important before adopting either of them. A Balinese is larger, heavier, more active, and has a longer lifespan. On the other hand, a Birman has a thicker coat and is quieter.

FAQs

Are Balinese playful cats?

Yes. These cats are curious and like playing. You can get such a cat a lot of toys to prevent them from getting bored. These cats also like climbing on things since they are very athletic.

Is it easy to care for the coat of a Birman cat?

Yes. Though these cats have a thicker coat, maintaining it is not that hard since there is no undercoat. They have silky fur that does not get matted or tangled.