Javanese Cat
Breed Profile and Cat Facts

The Javanese cat breed has caused much debate and confusion as to whether the cat is a new breed or a variety of the Balinese Cat.

Its actual origin is unknown, but it is certainly not from Java in Indonesia.

Photo provided by Lorna Dawn Friemoth of NuDawnz Cattery | GPNW NuDawnz California Sun Red lynx point | photo courtesy of © Preston Smith

the confusion unravelled

Governing bodies are divided, but many believe that it is an Oriental Semi-longhaired cat breed that was created during a controlled Balinese cat breeding program.

This Semi- Longhaired, Oriental-type cat originated in the United States in the 1950's. Visit the Balinese cat profile for the full history behind the breed.

To provide some clarity, the information below provides details about the breed classification:

The United States of America

Cats in solid color points (i.e. Seal, Chocolate, Lilac and Blue) are recognized as Balinese cats, other colors and patterns are called, Javanese.

The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) merged the two breeds, so the Javanese is now considered a division of the Balinese.

Europe

All non-pointed Balinese cat breeds are referred to as Javanese

Britain

Javanese is the name applied to Longhaired Orientals resulting from a breeding program to re-create the Angora.

New Zealand

All Balinese pointed patterns and colors are accepted, but all-over solid colors or those with spots and no points are called Javanese cats

features and characteristics

The cat has a svelte, long, graceful and muscular body and a long, slender tail that tapers towards the tip.

Yes, you guessed it, the legs are also long and slender with small oval paws.

Its head is medium-sized, triangular in shape, with a long nose and long muzzle and its ears are large with pointed tips.

To complete the picture, the cat has almond-shaped eyes that are luminous green, except for the white and color points that have dark blue eyes.

The Javanese has a semi-longhair coat and the hair is thin and silky. The hair on the tail plume, ruff and shoulders is slightly longer than the hair on the rest of the body.

Photo provided by Lorna Dawn Friemoth of NuDawnz Cattery | GPNW NuDawnz California Sun Red lynx point | Javanese picture © Preston Smith

info for potential javanese cat owners

ideal home | ideal family

They adapt well to apartment living. Like all cats, they do love the freedom of an enclosed, escape-proof, safe garden.

They are excellent hunters and athletes. They prefer a home where they have companionship.

These cats get on well with children. Younger children need to be taught that cats like to be handled gently.

Javanese get on well with other cats and dogs.

personality and temperament

These domestic cats are entertaining, lively, active, curious and playful. They are extroverts who enjoy the company of their humans. They are loving, intelligent, inquisitive and very talkative.

cat care

The Javanese cat is a medium maintenance cat breed. They are easier to groom than other longhaired cats as they do not have a wooly undercoat which is prone to matting. These cats need weekly grooming, so do visit our cat care pages to assist you with tips.