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If you want a new pet and like vocal, active, social, and playful cats, the Javanese cat might be a good option for you. They need a lot of attention and they like people, so being in a family is perfect for this cat.
What’s the nature of the breed?
The Javanese cat is a very demanding and social cat. They do not want to be alone, not ever, and if left alone, or if you do not pay attention to it, it will meow and become very vocal.
It is the kind of cat that will always follow you around the home, wants to know what you are doing, and wants to be involved in everything. It really does not matter if it is kids or adults, or even strangers, as long as they are getting attention and have someone to converse with, they should be happy.
The Javanese cat is a very intelligent, agile, curious, and explorative cat. It is the type of cat who will open up drawers and get into everything, especially if left alone.
This is also a very playful cat breed, and it absolutely loves to mimic hunting. Moreover, the Javanese enjoys being picked up and sitting in laps, but after a couple of hours, they will want to play.
They make good family cats as they are social, fun loving, and very active. However, if you do not give them enough attention, expect them to be vocal, demanding, and to start causing trouble.
Origin and history of the breed
The Javanese cat is a longhaired Siamese cat variety that usually has a color point pattern. This cat was developed by breeding Siamese, Colorpoint, and Balinese cats.
The video below tells more about Javanese Cats:
Although the name would imply that this breed comes from Java, this is not so. What is funny is that the Balinese cat which contributed to the creation of this breed, actually does not come from Bali.
Most official cat associations do not recognize the Javanese cat as a separate cat breed, but as a type of Balinese cat.
Physical standards of the breed
Health and possible diseases
The Javanese cat is not the healthiest cat around, and can suffer from diseases which Siamese and Balinese cats also suffer from. The Javanese cat can suffer from amyloidosis, a disease which primarily affects the liver.
They may also suffer from asthma and other bronchial diseases, congenital heart defects, crossed eyes, gastrointestinal conditions, neurological issues which lead to excessive grooming and frantic behavior, lymphoma, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Unfortunately the Javanese cat can be prone to health problems.
Grooming
The Javanese cat has a fairly silky and fine coat, with not much of an undercoat and limited shedding. Using a soft brush once per week to remove dead hair and skin is about all that is required.
Baths are rarely needed and are not great for their skin anyway. You will also want to take good care of their teeth, brushing them every 2 days at the least in order to prevent periodontal disease.
If you do not have a scratching post, regular claw care is required. To keep the Javanese cat’s ears clean, you also want to wipe out their ears once per week with a cotton ball soaked in a mix of cider vinegar and warm water.
Other than that, the Javanese cat has no specific grooming requirements.
Height and size
The Javanese cat is a large cat, one of the larger domestic cats. They are usually very slender and muscular, with long and slender legs, a long tail, and a comparatively small and triangular head with large ears.
They look pretty much like a Siamese cat with slightly longer hair. A male Javanese cat will usually top out at around 20 inches in height at the shoulders, with females usually topping out at 18 inches in height at the shoulders.
Weight
What is odd about the Javanese cat is that they are very lightweight considering their tall height. The average male Javanese cat will not weigh more than 10 pounds, with females sometimes weighing as little as 5 pounds.
Activeness
The Javanese cat is an extremely active cat. They have a ton of energy, they are always on the move, they want to follow their owners around, and they like to play all day long.
This is not a breed of cat to have if you do not have ample time and energy to devote to the cat, especially when it comes to play.
Hypoallergenic
No, the Javanese cat is not really hypoallergenic, and in fact, no cats really are. However, the Javanese cat does not shed too much, so it is not the worst cat to have if you suffer from cat allergies.
Lifespan
Because the Javanese cat often suffers from various health issues, its lifespan is often limited to 9 or 10 years at most. Healthy Javanese cats may live to 14 or 15, but many just are not very healthy.
Caring Difficulty
The Javanese cat is not that difficult to care for in terms of grooming and general cat care needs. However, they do want a lot of attention and play from people, and if they do not get it, they will become vocal and will probably get into trouble.
Where to get a Javanese Cat
The Javanese cat is a somewhat rare breed of cat, and finding a breeder is not too easy. There is probably a breeder fairly close to you, wherever you may be, but the numbers are fairly limited. Chances are you will be put on a waitlist.
How much does a Javanese Cat cost?
Your average Javanese cat is going to cost you around $900. Depending on where you live and the breeders, you might pay a few hundred dollars more.
Choosing the right type of Javanese Cat
One thing to think about when choosing a Javanese cat is that they can come in a few different color combinations, but this is really more personal preference than anything else.
Moreover, since these are not very healthy cats, you definitely want to go to a reputable breeder and inquire about health issues in the family line.
Responsibilities to consider in the care of a Javanese Cat
What do they require?
The Javanese cat requires minimal grooming and bathing, just basic cat care. Other than that, they need a lot of space to run around, lots of toys, and a good scratching post.
Due to potential health problems that run in the breed, regular vet checkups are needed.
Do they need a certain level of care and attention?
Yes, the Javanese cat needs a lot of attention. They are social, they hate being alone, and they always want to be around their owners. It’s not a cat to get if you do not have ample time to dedicate to it.
Characteristics of Javanese Cat
Behavior
The Javanese cat will follow you around the home wherever you go to see what you are doing. They always want to play, or at least most of the time.
If you do not give them lots of attention, they will become vocal and demanding, and they will probably end up getting into trouble. They are social, energetic, and fun loving cats.
Pattern
The Javanese cat may have solid points of red or cream colors, lynx points in seal, chocolate, blue, red, lilac, blue-cream, lilac-cream, or seal-tortie, or tortoiseshell points in seal or chocolate.
Affectionate
Yes, the Javanese cat is a highly affectionate cat. They love being social and always love being with their owners.
They want affection and lots of it. If you do not play with them, they will enjoy being picked up and sitting in your lap. They do make for great family cats.
Dog/child-friendly
The Javanese cat is friendly enough with kids and tolerates them, although they do not like to be harassed by either kids or dogs.
Intelligence
The Javanese cat is known for being quite intelligent. They can usually easily figure out how to get into places they should not be getting in to.
They are curious and explorative, and love to find new things. Learning tricks and playing with puzzle toys are things which the Javanese cat enjoys.
Energy
The Javanese cat is a very high-energy cat. They are usually always on the move and they love to play.
Maintenance
The Javanese cat is high maintenance in the sense that it is vocal, demanding, and always wants attention, however grooming needs are fairly minimal. They do have lots of health issue though, which will require frequent checkups.
Types of Javanese Cats
The Javanese cat may have solid points of red or cream colors, lynx points in seal, chocolate, blue, red, lilac, blue-cream, lilac-cream, or seal-tortie, or tortoiseshell points in seal or chocolate.
Conclusion
The Javanese cat makes for the perfect family cat as long as there are people around to give it love and affection, and to keep it occupied.