Yes, the Balinese cat is generally considered a rare or uncommon breed, especially when compared with popular cats such as the Maine Coon, Ragdoll, British Shorthair, Persian, or Siamese. It is not rare because it is unknown or unrecognized. In fact, the Balinese is a recognized pedigreed breed with a long history. It is rare because there are fewer breeders, fewer registered kittens, and fewer chances of finding one casually in shelters or general pet listings.
The Balinese is closely related to the Siamese. TICA describes the Balinese as a longhaired variety of the Siamese breed and part of the Siamese Breed Group, which also includes the Siamese, Oriental Shorthair, and Oriental Longhair. Like the Siamese, the Balinese is known for a slim body, pointed coloring, blue eyes, intelligence, vocal behavior, and strong attachment to people.
One reason people ask whether the Balinese is rare is that it looks familiar and unusual at the same time. A Balinese can look like a Siamese with a silky medium-length coat and a plumed tail. This makes the breed recognizable to cat enthusiasts, but many casual cat owners may never have met a true registered Balinese.
Several sources support the idea that the breed is uncommon. Hill’s Pet lists the Balinese under club recognition by CFA, ACFA, FIFe, and TICA, and marks its prevalence as “Rare.” The breed also does not appear among CFA’s top ten pedigreed cat breeds for 2025, a list based on 2024 registrations. CFA’s list includes breeds such as the Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Russian Blue, Sphynx, Siberian, British Shorthair, Devon Rex, and Abyssinian, but not the Balinese. TICA’s own “Most Registered Breeds” section lists Maine Coon, Bengal, Ragdoll, Siberian, and British Shorthair as its top five, which again suggests that Balinese cats are not among the most commonly registered breeds.
However, rare does not mean impossible to find. The Balinese is an established breed, and both CFA and TICA recognize it. TICA also provides a breeder search for people looking for a Balinese kitten from a breeder who follows its code of ethics. This means the breed is available, but a person may need to search more carefully, contact breed clubs, wait for a litter, or travel farther than they would for a more common breed.
The Balinese is also rare in shelters because true pedigreed cats of any specific breed are less common than mixed-breed domestic cats. A cat in a shelter may look like a Balinese, especially if it has Siamese-style points and longer fur, but without pedigree papers or breeder records, it is usually more accurate to call that cat a Balinese mix or a domestic longhair with pointed coloring. Appearance alone is not enough to prove that a cat is a purebred Balinese.
There are also different meanings of rarity. A Balinese may be rare in one region but easier to find in another. In areas with active Siamese or Oriental breed communities, finding a Balinese breeder may be realistic. In smaller markets, rural areas, or places with fewer pedigree cat breeders, the breed may feel extremely rare. Certain colors or patterns may also be harder to find than others.
The breed’s personality can also affect demand. Balinese cats are social, talkative, playful, and people-oriented. TICA notes that they thrive with human company and should not be left alone for long periods. This makes them appealing to people who want an interactive companion, but they may not suit someone who wants a quiet, independent cat. Because the breed has a more specific personality and a smaller breeder base, it tends to remain less common than broader, more widely marketed breeds.
So, is the Balinese cat rare? The best answer is: yes, the Balinese is relatively rare, but not so rare that it is unavailable. It is an established, recognized breed that usually requires patience to find. Anyone looking for one should expect to research reputable breeders, ask about health testing, confirm registration, and possibly join a waiting list. A true Balinese is not an everyday cat, which is part of what makes the breed so special.
