"Balinese have been known as the "long haired Siamese". These kittens began occasionally appearing in litters of Siamese as early as the 1920's- they became recognized in the registries in the 1940's. Genetically they are virtually the same, however they possess the "long haired gene"- Long haired kittens can be born to parents who are both long haired or to short haired parents who carry the gene for long hair or a combination of both.The Balinese Cat resembles the Siamese Cat- except for the length of the coat and the distinctive bushy plume-like tail. A Balinese Cat possesses all of the charm and beauty of the Siamese Cat but has the added benefit of possessing a uniquely silky, angora-like coat." (They are not as nearly as fluffy as other long-haired cats, and require much less grooming.)