Take one Balinese, dip in the colors of the rainbow and you have a Javanese. The Javanese is everything that is Balinese, and then some…the intelligence, grace and refinement of the Siamese, the luxurious silk of the Balinese coat, combined with the designer colors of the Colorpoint Shorthair. Named for the next island over from Bali, Javanese have been around for about as long as the Balinese. Some appeared in litters of Colorpoint Shorthairs, most likely a result of the longhair gene being introduced via the domestic shorthair when the red, lynx and tortie point colors and patterns were first introduced to the Siamese breed. Most are the result of Balinese breeders using the Colorpoint Shorthair to introduce these colors and patterns into the Balinese breed. The Javanese were finally accepted by CFA for championship competition as of May 1986. The Javanse standard is identical to that of the Balinese - a cat of Siamese type with long flowing coat, the only difference being in the colors accepted for championship competition.

The Javanese is a breed for folks who want a little spice in their lives. A study of contradictions - elegant refinement, sometimes fragile in appearance…in reality hard and muscular with surprising strength. The slender lines and flowing coat hide a rock hard body capable of amazing feats of acrobatic proportions. Highly intelligent, they become familiar with their human’s routine. They will “talk,” gently reminding when you are late with meals or play time, joyously greeting you whenever you have been away. As a rule, the Javanese voice is softer and gentler than the Siamese. They use their paws like little hands to open cabinets and drawers in search of a favorite toy they saw you hide. Many “fetch,” but never delude yourself that you taught them this game. In reality, they have cleverly taught you how to throw. Easy to care for, their coats never mat and tend to shed less than the Siamese or Colorpoints, truly a “lazy man’s longhair” - an occasional combing and bath to refresh the sensuous silky texture of their coat is all that is necessary outside of regular nail clipping.

While the Balinese might have specific personalities linked to each color, the Javanese most definitely do! Tortie points are an acquired taste, you either like them or you don’t. Their markings can vary from a soft sprinkling of red and cream on a background of seal, blue, chocolate or lilac, to bold splashes of color, sometimes creating a clown-like appearance. Tortie points are the Javanese version of a dizzy blond or crazy redhead acting almost as if, between the splashes of red and cream mixed with the background color, they can’t make up their minds how they are supposed to behave. They “speak” their minds freely and entertain you with their antics. If Lucille Ball was ever reincarnated as a cat, she would definitely be a tortie!

Red and cream points must get their color from Cupid’s arrow -- this has to be the most laid back and easy going of all colors. They seem to exist only to love you. While they love to play and do the same things that “normal” cats do, they take frequent breaks to reassure you of their devotion. They need to feel a part of your life and love to “help,” offering suggestions from a short distance before moving in to assist you with the project in question.

Lynx points seem to be the most popular pattern. There is nothing quite so dramatic as silvery stripes on a seal point background. Lynx points also come in blue, chocolate, lilac, red and cream point colors along with all possible tortie point colors. Lynx point personalities seem to vary between the very regal and dignified to those that seem to be part monkey or squirrel - creative and always entertaining with tricks and toys.

Javanese also come in seal, blue, chocolate and lilac point colors similar to the Siamese and Balinese. However, these colors are not eligible for championship competion in CFA. As with the Balinese, the foremost Javanese breeders use Siamese and Colorpoints in their breeding programs producing “variants” that might look like Siamese or Colorpoints. The coats have a richer feel than that of a true shorthair. Because of the number of genetic variables, the kittens that are marked like Siamese are almost always sold as pets while those that are marked like Colorpoints are used within our breeding programs.

Pricing on Javanese usually depends on type, applicable markings and bloodlines distinguished by Grand Champion (GC), National or Regional winning parentage (NW or RW) or of Distinguished Merit parentage (DM). The DM title is achieved by the dam (mother) having produced five CFA grand champion/ premier (alter) or DM offspring, or sire (father) having produced fifteen CFA grand champion/premier or DM offspring. Usually breeders make kittens available between twelve and sixteen weeks of age. After twelve weeks, kittens have had their basic inoculations and developed the physical and social stability needed for a new environment, showing, or being transported by air. Keeping such a rare treasure indoors, neutering or spaying and providing acceptable surfaces (e.g. scratching posts) for the natural behavior of scratching (CFA disapproves of declawing or tendonectomy surgery) are essential elements for maintaining a healthy, long and joyful life.

There are CFA clubs devoted to the promotion, protection and preservation of the Javanese breed. For more information, please send inquiries to CFA, PO Box 1005, Manasquan NJ 08736-0805.

Copyright by Kris Willison, CFA