Javanese

Origin and History

The Javanese is a longhaired, "pointed" breed from the Siamese/Oriental family. It is closely related to the Balinese and the Colorpoint Shorthair; essentially, it is a semi-longhaired Siamese type with a wide color range. Its name was inspired by the island of Java, Bali's neighbor; it has no direct origin in Indonesia.

Appearance and Coat

It has a slender, athletic and elegant body, a wedge-shaped face and large ears. Its silky semi-long coat, which has no undercoat, tangles little and forms a full plume on the tail. It comes in a wide variety of point colors and patterns; its eyes are usually vivid green.

Temperament and Personality

The Javanese is exceptionally intelligent, social and talkative. It is very attached to people and wants constant interaction and attention; it does not like being left alone. It easily learns games, commands and walking on a leash. It is an active, curious and involved companion.

Care and Nutrition

Because it has little undercoat, its coat is easy to maintain with brushing once or twice a week. Its real needs are social interaction and mental stimulation; it can develop stress when left alone.

Health

It shares hereditary predispositions from the Siamese line: progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which leads to gradual vision loss, and amyloidosis, which involves protein deposits in the organs. A DNA test is available for PRA; regular veterinary check-ups are recommended.

Who Is It Suitable For?

The Javanese is ideal for individuals and families looking for an intelligent, interaction-hungry and talkative companion and who can devote plenty of time to it. For those seeking a quiet cat, its attention-loving nature can be tiring.