If you love the elegant look and graceful personality of the Siamese cat but you prefer a longer coat and a wider range of colors, you might want to consider the Javanese cat. The Javanese cat is a longhaired variety of Siamese dressed in Colorpoint colors. They were developed from a foundation of Siamese, Colorpoint Shorthair, and Balinese cats.
Breed Overview
| Weight | About 5 to 12 pounds |
|---|---|
| Length | Up to 14 inches |
| Coat Length | Fine and silky without downy undercoat; lying close to the body |
| Coat Color | Lynx point, tortie point, or solid point in red, cream, cinnamon, fawn and smoke |
| Eye Color | Deep, vivid blue or green |
| Personality | Outgoing, inquisitive, and affectionate |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Good with Kids | High |
| Good with Pets | High |
| Origin | United States and Canada (foundation stock ultimately from Southeast Asia) |
History of the Javanese Cat
The Javanese cat is a man-made breed that originated in North America in the 1970s. The name, Javanese, was chosen by looking at a map and picking a place in Southeast Asia, following the tradition of naming Oriental-type cats after exotic locations. However, the Javanese cat has no connection to the island of Java or its culture.
The Javanese cat was created by crossing Balinese cats with Colorpoint Shorthairs, which are Siamese cats with different point colors. The breeders wanted to introduce new colors and patterns into the Balinese breed, which itself had originated from a spontaneous mutation for long hair in the Siamese. The result was a long-haired cat with point colors that could show evidence of tabby striping or tortoiseshell patterns.
The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) recognized the Javanese as its own unique breed in 1986 but later merged it with the Balinese breed in 2008. Today, the Javanese is a color division of the Balinese in the CFA. Other cat associations also consider this cat a variety of Balinese or do not recognize them at all.
The Javanese cat shares a common history and ancestry with the Siamese, the Colorpoint Shorthair, the Balinese, and the Oriental Shorthair and Longhair. All of these breeds belong to the Oriental group of cats, which are characterized by their slender body type, triangular head shape, large ears, almond-shaped eyes, and vocal personality. They are also genetically related to other breeds, such as the Abyssinian, the Burmese, the Tonkinese, and the Devon Rex.
The Javanese cat is a rare and unique breed that combines the elegance and grace of the Siamese with the variety and charm of the Colorpoint Shorthair and the Balinese. He is a testament to the creativity and dedication of his breeders and fanciers, who have preserved and promoted his distinctive features and temperament.
Personality
The Javanese cat is an outgoing, inquisitive, and affectionate cat who loves to be part of everything you do. They will follow you everywhere (even into the bathroom!) and discuss their opinions, observations, and grievances with you. They have soft voices that are not as loud as the Siamese, but they can be quite vocal when they want something or feel lonely.
Javanese cats are very smart and playful. They enjoy high jumps, fast-paced laps around the house, and interactive games with toys and puzzles. They can learn tricks and commands easily with positive reinforcement and treats. You’ll also find them exploring their surroundings and learning how to open cupboards and drawers. They might even try to help you with your chores or hobbies, just don’t expect a great mopping job.
This is a very friendly and social breed. Javanese cats typically get along well with other cats, dogs, and children who treat them respectfully. They do not like being left alone for long periods and can become depressed if they do not get enough attention and stimulation. They need a companion who can keep them company and entertain them when you are away.
To keep your cat happy and healthy, you should provide them with cat trees and high perches to accommodate their athletic abilities. You should also engage them with stimulating toys and puzzles to challenge their intelligence. You should spend quality time with them and give them plenty of attention and affection. They will reward you with their loyalty, devotion, and love.
Appearance
The Javanese cat is medium-sized with a long, tubular body, fine bones, and a muscular build. He weighs between 5 to 12 pounds and measures up to 14 inches in height and 16 inches in length.
The head of the Javanese cat is a long triangle, and the ears are set far apart to accentuate the triangle shape. The ears are large, pointed, and wide at the base. The eyes are almond-shaped and slanted towards the nose. Depending on the breed registry, the eye color can be blue or green.
Coat
The coat of the Javanese cat is medium in length, very soft and silky, and has no undercoat. It lies close to the body and does not mat easily. The tail is long and plumed. The coat color can be different from the Siamese or Balinese cats, as it can show evidence of tabby striping or tortoiseshell patterns limited to the points. The point colors include red, cream, seal, chocolate, blue, lilac, blue-cream, lilac, cinnamon, fawn, and smoke.
Care
Diet and Nutrition
These cats have no special nutritional needs, but offering a high-quality, high-protein diet that lists real meat or fish as the primary ingredient is best. Avoid foods that contain fillers, by-products, artificial colors or flavors, or preservatives.
Lifespan
The Javanese cat has an average life span of 12 to 16 years. However, they can be prone to health issues affecting their quality or length of life. Some of these issues are inherited from the parent breeds, while others may be acquired or environmental.
Grooming
The Javanese cat has a low to moderate shedding tendency and requires minimal grooming. Their coat does not mat easily and does not need frequent brushing. However, you should still brush its coat once or twice a week to remove loose hair and prevent hairballs. You should also check their ears regularly for dirt or wax buildup and clean them gently with a cotton ball or soft cloth moistened with a mild ear cleaner. You should trim their nails every few weeks or as needed to keep them from becoming too long or sharp.
Common Health Issues
Some of the health issues that may affect the Javanese cat due to his genetic background are:
- Amyloidosis
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- Asthma
Where to Buy
You can expect to pay around $1,000 or more for a Javanese kitten from a reputable breeder. The price may vary depending on the breeder’s location, reputation, demand, and the quality and color of the kitten.
Your best bet to find a kitten is through Javanese breeders online or through cat clubs and associations. Some of the websites where you can search for Javanese breeders are:
- Cat Fanciers Association (CFA): This is the world’s largest and most prestigious cat registry. It recognizes the Javanese as a division of the Balinese breed. You can search for CFA-registered Javanese breeders by location and breed on their website. You can also find information about the Javanese’s breed standard, history, and personality.
- The International Cat Association (TICA): This is another major cat registry that accepts all pointed colors and patterns in the Balinese breed. It does not recognize the Javanese as a separate breed. You can search for TICA-registered Balinese breeders by location and breed on their website. You can also find information about the breed standard, history, and personality of the Balinese.
Conclusion
The Javanese cat is a beautiful and charming cat who will make a loyal and loving companion for anyone who can appreciate his intelligence, curiosity, and vocalization. They are a longhaired variety of Siamese with different point colors and patterns. They were developed in North America by crossing Balinese cats with Colorpoint Shorthairs.
This is a wonderful breed and will enrich your life with his personality, beauty, and love. If you think you are ready to welcome this amazing cat into your home, you aren’t likely to regret it!
Do you have any questions or comments about the Javanese cat? Do you own or have owned one of these cats? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you!
More Cat Breeds
If you’re interested in similar cat breeds, check out:
FAQ
How much does a Javanese cat cost?
Javanese cats are quite rare and expensive. You can expect to pay between $1,500 to $2,500 for a healthy Javanese kitten from a reputable breeder. The price may vary depending on the location, reputation, demand, and quality of the breeder and the kitten.
Are Javanese cats hypoallergenic?
There is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic cat, but Javanese cats are considered to be low-allergen cats. This is because they have a single coat of medium-long hair that sheds less than average. They also produce less protein Fel d 1, the main allergen in cat saliva and dander. However, some people may still be allergic to Javanese cats, so it is best to consult with your doctor before getting one.
Q: Are Javanese cats rare?
A: Yes, Javanese cats are rare. They are not widely recognized by most cat associations and registries, except for the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), which considers them a color division of the Balinese breed. They are also not very common among breeders and pet owners, as they require special care and attention.
Q: What colors do Javanese cats come in?
A: Javanese cats come in a variety of colors and patterns that are different from the Siamese or Balinese cats. They can have red, cream, seal, chocolate, blue, lilac, blue-cream, lilac cream, cinnamon, fawn, and smoke points. They can also show evidence of tabby striping or tortoiseshell patterns limited to the points. Depending on the breed registry, their eye color can be blue or green.
Q: How do you care for a Javanese cat?
A: Javanese cats require minimal grooming, as their coat does not mat easily and does not need frequent brushing. However, you should still brush their coats once or twice a week to remove loose hair and prevent hairballs.
