Breed Profile
The Javanese cat is a breed of grace, intelligence, and endless affection. Often described as a “Colorpoint Longhair” or an Oriental Longhair with specific point colors, the Javanese is much more than just a beautiful face. With the vocal personality of the Siamese and a silky, low-maintenance coat, this breed offers the best of both worlds for cat lovers who want an interactive companion that brings elegance into their home.
History and Origins
Despite its exotic name, the Javanese cat does not originate from the island of Java in Indonesia. The name was chosen by one of the breed’s founders, Helen Smith of MerryMews cattery, in the tradition of naming Oriental-type cats after Southeast Asian locales (similar to the Balinese). The Javanese was developed in North America as part of an effort to expand the color palette of the Balinese cat.
Essentially, the Javanese is a longhaired version of the Colorpoint Shorthair. While the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) originally separated Balinese (traditional Siamese point colors) from Javanese (red, cream, tortie, and lynx points), recent years have seen a merger in some registries where they are all considered Balinese or divisions of the breed. However, many enthusiasts still cherish the Javanese as a distinct entity with a unique flair.
The breed shares its genetic roots with the Siamese, having been created by crossing Balinese cats with Colorpoint Shorthairs. This breeding program introduced new colors while maintaining the long, tubular body type and the distinctively helpful personality that Oriental breeds are known for.
Physical Characteristics
The Javanese is a study in aerodynamics. Everything about this cat is long, lean, and tapering. They possess a medium-sized, svelte body that is surprisingly muscular and heavy for its appearance.
The Coat
One of the most appealing features of the Javanese is its coat. Unlike the Persian’s double coat which requires daily maintenance to prevent mats, the Javanese sports a single coat. This means it lacks the wooly undercoat that causes tangling. The fur lies close to the body, accentuating the cat’s long lines, and fans out into a magnificent plume on the tail. The texture is fine and silky, feeling much like satin to the touch.
Colors and Patterns
While the Balinese comes in the four traditional Siamese colors (seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac), the Javanese steps in to fill the rest of the rainbow. They appear in:
- Red and Cream Points: Warm, vibrant hues that contrast beautifully with the creamy white body.
- Tortie Points: A mottled mix of red or cream with one of the base colors, often creating a “patched” look on the extremities.
- Lynx Points: Tabby markings restricted to the points (mask, ears, legs, tail), giving the cat a wild, exotic appearance.
Personality and Temperament
If you are looking for a quiet, aloof decoration, the Javanese is not the cat for you. These cats are extroverts in the extreme. They are highly people-oriented and will supervise your every move. Whether you are cooking, working on the computer, or trying to sleep, your Javanese will be there—often on your shoulder or right in your lap.
Talkative Companions: Like their Siamese cousins, Javanese cats are vocal. They have a wide vocabulary and will not hesitate to tell you about their day, demand dinner, or critique your choice of TV show. While their voice is generally described as softer and less strident than the Siamese, they are by no means silent.
Intelligence: This breed is wickedly smart. They can learn to fetch, walk on a leash, and open cabinets. Puzzle toys are highly recommended to keep their active minds engaged. A bored Javanese can become destructive, unrolling toilet paper or emptying drawers just to see what’s inside.
Care and Maintenance
Despite their elegant look, Javanese cats are relatively low maintenance compared to other longhaired breeds.
Grooming
Because of the lack of an undercoat, the Javanese does not mat easily. A good combing once or twice a week with a stainless steel comb is usually sufficient to remove loose hair and keep the coat shiny. They are generally clean cats who groom themselves fastidiously.
Activity Needs
This is an athletic breed. They love to jump and perch on high places. Investing in a tall cat tree (floor-to-ceiling if possible) is excellent for them. They retain their kitten-like playfulness well into adulthood and appreciate interactive play sessions with feather wands or laser pointers.
Health and Longevity
Javanese cats are generally healthy, living often into their mid-teens or longer (15+ years is common). However, they can share some genetic predispositions with the Siamese and Balinese breeds:
- Amyloidosis: A disease where protein deposits occur in organs, primarily the liver.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A genetic eye condition that can lead to blindness, though genetic testing has helped breeders reduce this risk.
- Crossed Eyes: Less common now than in the past, but still a genetic quirk of the Oriental breeds.
Regular veterinary check-ups and good dental hygiene are crucial, as Oriental breeds can be prone to periodontal disease.
Is the Javanese Cat Right for You?
The Javanese is a perfect match for families who want a dog-like cat. They get along famously with children and other pets, provided they are introduced properly. They thrive on attention and companionship. If you work long hours and the house is empty, a Javanese might get lonely and depressed; in such cases, getting two cats is highly recommended so they can keep each other company.
In summary, the Javanese offers the striking beauty of a longhaired cat without the high grooming maintenance, combined with the loving, intelligent, and interactive personality of the Oriental breeds. They are devoted friends who will ensure you never feel alone in your own home.
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