Javanese cat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Javanese |
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A Javanese cat
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| Origin | Canada, United States (foundation stock ultimately from Southeast Asia) |
| Breed standards | |
| CFA | standard |
| FFE | standard |
| Domestic cat (Felis catus) | |
The Javanese cat is a special type of domestic cat. Some people also call it the Colorpoint Longhair. It's known for its long, silky fur. This breed was developed in North America. Its name comes from the tradition of naming cat breeds after places in Southeast Asia, like the island of Java.
The Javanese cat is related to the Balinese breed. It was created by mixing Balinese cats with Siamese and Colorpoint Shorthair cats. Javanese cats can have many different coat patterns and colors. Some have "point coloration," meaning their ears, face, paws, and tail are darker than their body.
Depending on the cat club, the Javanese might be seen as its own breed. Or, it could be a special "Javanese division" of the Balinese breed. Sometimes, it's even grouped with the Himalayan cat into one breed called "Colourpoint." It can be a bit confusing!
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How the Javanese Cat Breed Started
The name "Javanese cat" was first used around 1950 by a breeder named Helen Smith. However, she used it for a different cat she was developing. It's not known if she ever visited Indonesia. The name just followed the trend of using Southeast Asian names for cat breeds.
Around 1978, cat breeders in Canada and the United States wanted to get their "new colors" of Balinese cats recognized. These were Balinese cats with different fur patterns. The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) allowed these cats to be registered in 1979. But they were recognized as a new breed, not just a part of the Balinese.
The name "Javanese" was chosen by looking at a map. They picked Java, an island close to Bali. The CFA gave the Javanese breed "Provisional" status in 1984. This meant it was almost fully recognized. By 1986, the CFA Javanese cat became a full "Championship" breed. This meant they could compete in cat shows.
In 2008, the CFA decided to group the Javanese cat back with the Balinese. It became the "Javanese Division" of the Balinese breed. This change made the CFA's rules more like those of other cat registries.
Understanding Javanese Cat Types
In the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), the Javanese is now a sub-breed. It's basically a Balinese cat that has a coat not following the strict rules for traditional Balinese colors. For many years, breeders were allowed to mix Javanese cats with Balinese, Siamese, and Colorpoint Shorthairs. This helped keep the Javanese cat's genes healthy and diverse.
Today, under CFA rules, mixing with other breeds is very limited. It's only allowed with the Oriental Longhair cat, and only with special permission. All mixing with other breeds will stop at the end of 2025.
Some other cat clubs call these non-traditional Balinese cats "Colorpoint Longhair." But this name can be confusing because it means different things in different clubs. For example, the World Cat Federation (WCF) groups cats like the Javanese and Himalayan into one breed called "Colourpoint." In most other clubs, the Himalayan cat is a separate breed. It's a mix of Balinese and Persian cats. To make it even more confusing, the WCF uses the name "Javanese" for a cat that other clubs call the Oriental Longhair. This cat does not have point coloration.
What Does a Javanese Cat Look Like?
The Javanese cat has a long, very soft coat. It comes in many different colors. Unlike most long-haired cats, the Javanese has a single coat. This means it doesn't have a thick undercoat. Because of this, its fur lies close to its body, making it look sleek and elegant.
Like the Colorpoint Shorthair, the Javanese cat often has "point coloration." This means its body is pale, but its face, ears, paws, and tail are darker. However, Javanese cats can have many more colors and patterns than Balinese or Siamese cats. Their colors can range from dark brown to almost white. They can also be reddish, bluish, tabby, lynx point, cream point, or tortoiseshell (tortie). There are even unusual combinations like "blue-cream point." The CFA recognizes 24 different color combinations for the Javanese division. All Javanese cats always have beautiful blue eyes.
Javanese Cat Behavior and Personality
Javanese cats are known for being very smart. They also tend to be quite vocal, meaning they "talk" a lot. This is a trait they get from their Siamese ancestors. They love to play, jump, and be close to people. They enjoy being involved in whatever their owners are doing. If they don't get enough attention or playtime, they can become sad. Javanese cats are also said to be good at hunting mice.
Common Health Concerns for Javanese Cats
Javanese cats can share some health issues with the Balinese and Siamese breeds. These can include:
- Problems with hearing, like deafness.
- Early arthritis and other joint problems.
- Hip dysplasia, which affects the hip joints.
- Cross-eye, where their eyes don't line up perfectly.
