food
Purina Pro Plan LiveClear
The only cat food clinically proven to reduce allergens in cat hair and dander by an average of 47% in 3 weeks.
$35 / 7 lb bag
Read our review →medium hair · Medium · Origin: United States (Siamese mutation)
Balinese
Reviewed by HypoallergenicCats Editors · Updated May 2026 · 8 min read
A long-haired Siamese in coat and a Siamese in everything else — talkative, intelligent, and deeply social. Balinese are commonly listed alongside Siberian as the most reliably hypoallergenic breeds.
At a glance
Balinese — by the numbers
Allergen signal
Measured
Below-average
Fel d 1 measured below species average in peer-reviewed studies.
Grooming needs
4 / 10
Energy level
8 / 10
Trainability
8 / 10
Price range
$800 – $2,000 USD
Good with KidsHigh EnergyVocal: HighTrainable: HighClimber: High
More of the Balinese
Editorial portraits
The science
Why this breed is easier on allergies
Balinese inherit Siamese genetics, and Siamese-family cats consistently rank low on Fel d 1 production in informal breeder data. Studies are scarce but owner reports are consistent.
Balinese are widely listed in veterinary literature among the 'low-allergen' breeds, though formal Fel d 1 measurements are less robust than Siberian data.
Living with one
Care, personality, and what to expect
Grooming
Their single-layer coat resists matting; brush weekly.
Personality
Loud, opinionated, demands engagement. If you want a quiet cat, this is not it. If you want a conversation partner, perfect.
Health
Generally healthy. Watch for genetic conditions inherited from Siamese line including amyloidosis.
Living space
Active and climbing — needs a tall cat tree and play time.
Recommended products
What we'd buy for a Balinese owner
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grooming
FURminator deShedding Tool (Long Hair)
The grooming tool every Siberian owner ends up buying. Reduces shedding (and airborne dander) more than any cheaper brush.
$39 / Long-hair edge
Read our review →allergy-care
Allerpet/C Cat Dander Remover
Wipe-on solution that binds to dander. Apply weekly to cut allergen exposure noticeably, no bath needed.
$18 / 12 oz
Read our review →Where to adopt
Finding a Balinese
We recommend reputable breeders who allow in-person visits and rescue organizations. Avoid kitten mills and breeders who won't let you meet the parents.
Reputable breeders
- TICA Balinese breeder directory
FAQ
Common questions
Is the Balinese related to the Siamese?
Yes — the Balinese is a long-haired natural mutation of the Siamese, recognized as its own breed. Personality is essentially identical.
You might also like
Other Tier 1 research-backed breeds
Siberian Cat
Tier 1AllergenBelow-average Fel d 1 (measured)
If you're allergic to cats but desperate to share your home with one, the Siberian is where most people start — and where many people finally stop searching. Multiple studies show Siberians produce significantly less Fel d 1, the protein that triggers most cat allergies. Their long, triple-layered coat is counterintuitively part of why they're easier on allergies: the longer guard hairs trap dander before it sheds into your air.
Read the full review →
Russian Blue
Tier 1AllergenBelow-average Fel d 1 (measured)
The thinking person's hypoallergenic cat. Russian Blues are quiet, reserved, and reportedly produce less Fel d 1 than average — a combination that suits introverted households and mild-to-moderate allergy sufferers especially well.
Read the full review →