Javanese Cats

Javanese Cat Breed Introduction

The Javanese cat breed was one of numerous cat breeds developed in the United States in the mid-twentieth century; it is essentially a colorpoint shorthair offshoot of the Balinese breed, which in turn was an offshoot of the Siamese breed.

Javanese Behavior/Personality

Source: Cat Fanciers Association's breed profile

Javanese cats are generally considered easy to care for, and friendly. They often seem to enjoy using their paws as hands, opening doors, quite literally-at least, for cabinet doors.

Javanese Breed Standard/Physical Description

Here are some facts on the Javanese breed based on the Cat Fanciers Association's breed standard.

• Head: long, tapered wedge, medium size
• Ears: large, pointed, wide at base
• Eyes: almond shaped, medium size
• Body: medium size, long
• Legs: long, slim, hind legs longer than the forelegs
• Paws: small, oval, Toes: five in front and four behind
• Tail: long, thin, tapered to a fine point
• Coat: colorpoint shorthair

Javanese History

Source: Cat Fanciers Association's breed profile

The history of the Javanese cat breed is fairly straightforward. The breed is one of the relatively new cat breeds to appear toward the middle of the twentieth century, developed by cat fanciers. The Javanese breed is an offshoot from the Balinese breed, and was named for Java, the island next over from Bali in Indonesia. The Balinese, in turn, was an offshoot from the Siamese cat breed.

The Javanese is essentially a colorpoint shorthair Balinese. Colorpoint shorthair kittens had always been born to Balinese litters, but since they did not fit the Balinese breed standard, they were not allowed to compete in shows. Breeders who liked the colorpoint shorthair kittens petitioned the cat fancier organizations for recognition of the cats as a new breed, finally succeeding in the 1980s, when the new breed was named Javanese.

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