Javanese Cats History
This pretty cat is not actually from the Indonesian island of Java but was given the exotic name as a tribute to his ancestors’ Southeast Asian origins. The breed was created in 1978 when breeders began crossing Balinese with Colorpoint Shorthairs, bringing in a longer coat and different color points.
The Cat Fanciers’ Association recognized the Javanese cats as a distinct breed in 1986 but merged him with the Balinese in 2008. Other cat associations also consider this cat a variety of the Balinese.
Javanese Cats Temperament and Personality
The Javanese cats is inclined to have the same wonderful but (slightly less) demanding personality as the Siamese: endlessly interested, intelligent and active. This is a cat with a strong desire to spend time with his people and involve himself in everything they are doing. If it would bother you to have a cat constantly shadowing you, do not get a Javanese cats.
Healthy Javanese cats tend to enjoy jumping to great heights, playing with fishing pole-type or other interactive toys and just generally investigating their surroundings. He will attempt to copy things you do, such as opening doors or drawers or emptying out your purse. He can potentially learn to walk on leash and can successfully train you to throw things for him to chase and fetch.
Although personality is determined by other factors in addition to genetics, Javanese cats personality seems to vary by colorpoint. Tortie points tend to fall on the wild and crazy end of the spectrum, while red and cream points are said to be more easygoing and “helpful.” Lynx points can range from regal to rambunctious.
The Javanese cats has a distinctive voice and will “talk” to you about anything and everything. If you appreciate his sculptural looks and don’t mind his sometimes bad language, he may be just the cat for you.
What They Are Like to Live With
Javanese cats are people-oriented, playful, intelligent and vocal. They demand attention and affection from their people and do not like being left alone for long periods of time. The Javanese cats coat does not have the downy undercoat of most cats so it requires substantially less grooming. Some people believe different personality traits are associated with different color points.
Things You Should Know
All cats have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. Run, don’t walk, from any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on her kittens, tells you that the breed is 100 percent healthy and has no known problems or tells you that her kittens are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur in her lines.
Javanese cat are generally healthy, but there are some health conditions you should be aware of. Because of their relationship to the Siamese, they can be predisposed to some of the same conditions that affect that breed, including an eye disease called progressive retinal atrophy, patellar luxation and feline bronchial asthma. These health issues may or may not be hereditary, but it’s always wise to buy from a breeder who provides a written health guarantee.
Remember that after you take a new kitten into your home, you have the power to protect him from one of the most common feline health problems: obesity. Keeping a Javanese cat at an appropriate weight is one of the easier ways to protect his overall health.
Cat Care
The Javanese cats has a silky medium-length single coat, meaning there is no undercoat. The coat does not shed much and is easy to groom with weekly brushing. You may want to give an occasional bath (especially before a cat show) because there’s nothing softer than a freshly washed Javanese cats coat. After a bath, let him air dry in a warm spot free of drafts.
The only other grooming the Javanese cats requires is regular nail trimming and ear cleaning. He is prone to periodontal disease, so it’s important to brush his teeth often with a vet-approved pet toothpaste and schedule veterinary dental cleanings as needed. Start brushing, nail trimming and teeth brushing early, so your kitten learns to accept these activities.
