Javanese Cat Facts

Javanese cats are intelligent, spunky, and playful felines that often seek out your attention. After meeting a Javanese, chances are you can’t help but notice their uncanny similarities to the Siamese cat breed. Read on to learn more about this breed’s history, personality, and appearance.

History

Much of the Javanese cat breed history overlaps with the history of the Balinese cat breed. Just as the Balinese is not from Bali, the Javanese is not from Java. Instead, these cats were given this name because Java is located near Bali, and the Javanese and Balinese breeds are closely related.

Compared to other cat breeds, the Javanese is relatively new—these cats first appeared in the 1970s. Wanting long-haired versions and varied colors of the Siamese cat, a few cat breeders in the United States and Canada began crossing Balinese cats with Colorpoint Shorthairs, resulting in the Javanese. Because of their close relations, there are many similarities between these cat breeds, but their main differences lie in their coats. 

Siamese cats come in four pointed colors: blue, lilac, chocolate, and seal. Balinese cats come in the same colors and are a long-haired version of the Siamese. Colorpoint Shorthairs come in pointed colors that differ from the typical four Siamese colors. Colorpoints can come in red, cream, lynx, and tortie. The Javanese cat breed is the long-haired version of the Colorpoint Shorthair and is sometimes referred to as the Colorpoint Longhair.

Attributes

Like their relative, the Siamese, Javanese cats are also known as being talkative. This means that when you come home from work, you shouldn’t be surprised if your little four-legged friend follows you around for a while, chirping and purring along the way. Unlike their cousin, though, Javanese cats are said not to be quite as loud or demanding but don’t be mistaken. These cats still enjoy the spotlight and quality time with their family, but they can also be content with entertaining themselves.

That being said, it’s essential that you provide your Javanese with plenty of toys and items to keep them busy, particularly when you are not home with them. Thankfully, these felines get along well with other cats and cat-friendly dogs, so sometimes having another pet around the house is the perfect way to keep your cat from getting lonely or bored.

When you are home, these curious cats enjoy following you and helping out with tasks around the house. If you sit down for a break, don’t be surprised if your pal curls up in your lap, and when it’s time to call it a day, chances are your Javanese will want to spend the night cuddled up to you.

Overall, the Javanese cat breed is intelligent, active, and playful. Many cat parents have even trained their Javanese to perform tricks and commands—just like a dog. They also enjoy climbing towers, which allow them to supervise all that’s going on. 

When it comes to this breed, you can never have too many toys. These cats love playing all sorts of games, and chances are you may even be able to teach your cat how to play fetch. At the end of the day, Javanese cats are loving and devoted to their family.

These small to medium-sized cats typically weigh between 8-12 pounds, but it is not unheard of for them to reach up to 16 pounds, with males averaging a higher weight. These cats are slender but muscular, and they have a long, plumed tail.

Their medium to long silky, single coat can come in various colors such as cream, red, lynx, and tortoiseshell (tortie) point. Like their other cat relatives, the Javanese breed has point coloration, but their coat can appear in colors and patterns the Siamese and Balinese cannot.

The expected lifespan for these felines is 10-15 years. That said, the average life expectancy for a cat can be dependent upon many factors such as their living environment, nutrition, activity level, and whether they have any ongoing health issues.

Grooming and Care

Unlike most long-haired cats, which have a double coat, the Javanese breed only has a single coat. Thankfully for Javanese parents, these cats do not have high grooming needs. Typically just one or two quick brushings a week can help keep your cat’s coat healthy and remove any dead hairs.

Your cat’s teeth should also be brushed a few times a week, as this can help them have good dental hygiene, plus keep that stinky pet breath at bay. Just be sure to use cat-safe toothpaste and the correct type of toothbrush.

On a weekly or biweekly basis, it can additionally be worthwhile to check your cat’s ears. You will want to look for signs of redness or a bad odor, as this could be an indication of an ear infection. To help avoid infections, be sure to clean out your cat’s ears whenever they appear dirty. This can be done with an ear-safe cleaning solution and some cotton balls—never use cotton swabs.

Although not quite as often, your cat’s nails will also need to be trimmed. This will need to be done every few weeks for most cats, but it is best to do a quick check of the nails to determine when they need cut. If you aren’t entirely comfortable with trimming your four-legged pal’s nails yourself, you can check with a local pet groomer or your veterinarian to see if they offer this service.

It’s not uncommon for cats to be finicky or impatient when it comes to their grooming routine. To better acclimate your pal to these necessary parts of their routine, it’s helpful to introduce each item as early as possible, keep grooming sessions short, and reward your cat afterward. Remember to stay positive and patient as well.

Besides their grooming routine, it’s equally important that your Javanese is receiving plenty of daily exercise. These cats are naturally playful and active, so it shouldn’t take much encouragement to get them up and active. By providing plenty of toys, games you can play together, and even puzzle games that exercise their mind, you can help keep your Javanese healthy both physically and mentally.

All cat breeds require a nutritious diet and Javanese are no exception. Like the Siamese, Javanese are said to have a strong love for food, so it’s vital that you keep a close eye on the type and amount of food they eat. The same rule applies to any extra treats they may be receiving. While those extra nibbles may be a great reward, it’s essential to keep things in moderation. By consuming too much food and by not exercising enough, your Javanese could unintentionally pack on some extra pounds.

Name Suggestions

After adopting your Javanese cat, the next important decision that needs to be made is choosing a name for your new friend. To help with this process, here’s a list of island-inspired names.

Before adopting a cat, it’s crucial that you understand the commitment of becoming a cat parent. Not only is this a long-term commitment, but it’s a financial one as well—do you know how much it cost to have a cat?

_{The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.}