Description: Javanese

The Javanese cat, an elegant breed related closely to the Siamese, stands out with its distinctive, long tapering lines and sparkling blue eyes. Not to be confused with the unrelated Javanese people or culture of Indonesia, Javanese cats are named for the tradition of using the names of the islands of Java for various point colors beyond the traditional Siamese coloration. Known for their intelligence, sociability, and playful demeanor, these cats love to be at the center of attention and are excellent communicators, often engaging in lengthy conversations with their owners. Their coat, which comes in a variety of colors and patterns, is medium to long in length, silky to the touch, and does not mat, which makes grooming simpler than many longer-haired breeds.

Javanese racebeskrivelse

Properties

The Javanese cat, an elegant and adaptive breed, hails from a long lineage of Siamese-style cats but stands out due to its distinctive coat colors and patterns. Possessing the same svelte body structure, wedge-shaped head, and striking blue almond-shaped eyes as the Siamese, the Javanese features medium-length silky fur, which unlike the Siamese, shows in points of various colors such as red, cream, lynx (tabby), and tortoiseshell.

One of the trademark characteristics of the Javanese is their communicative nature. These cats are known for their distinctive, melodious voices, which they use often to express their thoughts and feelings to their owners. Whether they are hungry, want attention, or are simply commenting on their day, a Javanese cat ensures its voice is heard. This vocalization is a key aspect of their interaction with people, making them ideal for families who appreciate a talkative pet.

Intelligent and playful, the Javanese thrives on interaction and mental stimulation. They are keenly perceptive to puzzles and games, and actively seek out human company, often following their owners from room to room. Their agile bodies also make them excellent climbers and jumpers, ready to explore every high corner of the household.

Emotionally, Javanese cats are highly sensitive to the moods of their owners and can often be found comforting them in times of stress. This emotional intelligence, coupled with their sociable nature, makes them an excellent companion for singles, families, and the elderly. They do well with children and other pets, particularly when raised together.

For grooming, despite their longer coat, the Javanese cat requires less maintenance than many other long-haired breeds. Their fur does not mat or tangle easily, which means they only need brushing a couple of times a week. They are also known for being one of the breeds that may be more suitable for allergy sufferers, even though no cat is truly hypoallergenic.

In summary, the Javanese blends the best traits of its Siamese roots with its own unique enhancements. It offers the perfect mix of an affectionate companion and an entertaining housemate, bringing both joy and dynamism to any home.

Appearance

The Javanese cat, not to be confused with the inhabitants of the Java Island in Indonesia, is an elegant, striking breed closely related to the Siamese. This breed was developed primarily in North America by crossing Siamese cats with long-haired breeds like the Balinese. The Javanese sports a medium-length, silky coat distinguished by its fine texture and slight sheen, giving it a glamorous look. One major feature that sets them apart is their coat color and pattern differences from the traditional Siamese, due to the influence of the Balinese, particularly in the points—the ears, feet, tail, and face—which can be various shades of color depending on the specific genetic lineage.

The Javanese body is long, slender, and well-muscled, maintaining much of the traditional Siamese shape. They possess an athletic elegance, with a graceful gait and an alert demeanor. Their legs are slim yet strong, with the hind legs being slightly higher than the front, giving them a unique stance. The paws are small, neat, and oval-shaped, contributing gracefully to their overall delicate appearance.

The head of a Javanese is wedge-shaped, tapering from the wide ears to a fine muzzle. The ears are large, continuing the line of the triangle from the wedge-shaped head. Their eyes are a vivid blue, almond-shaped, and slanted, enhancing their exotic look. The expression is always keen and intelligent, reflecting the cat’s highly social and affectionate nature.

The tail is another distinctive feature of the Javanese. It is long, plume-like, and flows elegantly behind them as they move. The fur on the tail is typically longer than on the rest of the body, emphasizing its feather-like appearance, which waves gracefully as they walk or when caught in a breeze.

In conclusion, the appearance of the Javanese cat is characterized by its refined and elongated features, contributing to its overall aura of sophistication and grace. The combination of their striking blue eyes, smooth and colorful point coat, and flowing tail creates a visually captivating and elegant feline, making the Javanese a favored choice among cat enthusiasts who appreciate beauty and elegance in their pets.

Javanese Appearance
Javanese History

History

The Javanese cat, an elegant and oriental breed, has a rich history intertwined with the Siamese and Balinese cat breeds. While not from Java, Indonesia, the breed's exotic name was part of a naming trend for cat breeds at the time, reflecting Asian origins or inspirations, similar to its cousins, the Siamese and Balinese. The Javanese is often considered a variant of the Balinese breed, distinguished primarily by its coat colors and patterns.

The Javanese cat developed in the mid-20th century when breeders aimed to create a cat similar to the Siamese but with a wider range of coat colors and patterns. This development involved crossbreeding the Siamese with other breeds, particularly the Colorpoint Shorthair, to introduce new colors and markings. The primary goal was to produce a cat with the characteristic long, silky coat and svelte body of the Siamese and Balinese but in colors other than the traditional point colors associated with those breeds.

The breed's creation followed the emergence of the Balinese in the United States, which itself is a long-haired variety of Siamese. By allowing a broader range of color points, the Javanese provided an appealing alternative for those who admired the physical and behavioral traits of the Siamese and Balinese but sought additional variety in appearance. The Javanese showcases colors such as red, cream, lynx (tabby) points, and tortie points, which distinguish it from the more traditionally colored Siamese and Balinese.

Throughout its history, the Javanese has been admired for its striking appearance and engaging personality. Characteristically active, social, and intelligent, Javanese cats are known for their vocal nature and their strong attachment to their humans. They often form deep bonds with their owners and can be quite communicative, demanding attention and interaction.

The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) and other major cat registries initially recognized the Javanese as a separate breed. However, in recent years, the Javanese has been merged with the Balinese category in some registries, including the CFA, primarily due to the similarity between the two breeds and to simplify breed classifications. Despite this administrative reclassification, the Javanese continues to be cherished by enthusiasts and breeders for its unique combination of Siamese elegance and a colorful coat palette.

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Size Medium (about 20 to 30 cm at the shoulder)
Weight 2.3-6.8 kg