Furriq

Cat Breed Guide

Javanese

Medium · North America (1940s–60s, from Siamese lines)

A Balinese in colors the Balinese standard does not allow. The Javanese pairs the long, silky, single-layer coat of the Balinese with the red, cream, lynx, and tortie points of the Colorpoint Shorthair. Despite the name, the breed was developed in North America, and it carries the same vocal, people-focused Siamese personality under all that silk.

Quick Facts

Size
Medium
Weight
6–12 lbs (2.7–5.4 kg)
Lifespan
12–18 years
Origin
North America (1940s–60s, from Siamese lines)

Key Visual Markers

  • Semi-long, fine, silky single coat with no undercoat — lies flat against the body instead of fluffing out, with a full ruff in cold weather and long feathering on the tail
  • Color-point pattern in non-traditional colors — red, cream, lynx, and tortie points on a pale body, the same palette as the Colorpoint Shorthair; the body color deepens with age
  • Long wedge head with a straight profile, a fine long nose, and large pointed ears set wide to continue the wedge lines
  • Almond-shaped, vivid deep blue eyes set at a slight slant — sharp and consistent across all point colors
  • Svelte, tubular, muscular body on long slender legs with small oval paws
  • Long, plumed tail carried up like a banner — the breed’s trademark flourish

Temperament & Traits

  • Highly vocal — inherited the Siamese voice and uses it constantly, in a raspy, insistent meow
  • People-oriented to a fault — follows owners from room to room and is miserable when left alone for long stretches
  • Intelligent and curious — learns tricks, opens cabinets, and solves puzzle feeders
  • Active and playful — sprints, jumps, and climbs; stays kittenish well into its senior years
  • Affectionate lap cat once settled — curls up close, kneads, and purrs loudly
  • Social with other cats and gentle children — tolerant and outgoing, though it wants attention pointed its way

Health Notes

  • Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — an inherited retinal degeneration shared with Siamese lines, starting with night blindness and progressing over years; DNA testing available and recommended before breeding
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — the most common heart disease in Siamese-derived breeds; annual echocardiogram screening recommended for breeding cats
  • Hepatic amyloidosis — a hereditary liver condition seen in Siamese-derived breeds, where amyloid deposits accumulate in the liver; unexplained weight loss with a normal appetite is the early sign
  • Asthma and bronchial disease — a higher incidence of airway sensitivity than most cats, shared with Siamese ancestry; keep dust, smoke, and aerosol triggers low
  • Dental disease — the narrow muzzle and crowded teeth raise gingivitis risk; regular dental care and annual cleanings recommended

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a veterinarian for health advice specific to your cat.

Similar Breeds

Javanese is often confused with these breeds. Here's how to tell them apart:

Balinese

Balinese are restricted to seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac points. Javanese carry red, cream, lynx, and tortie points. Coat, body, and voice are otherwise identical; the point color is the only reliable way to tell them apart.

Colorpoint Shorthair

The Colorpoint Shorthair is the short-haired version of the same cat, with the same non-traditional point colors and the same wedge head. The Javanese wears a medium-long silky coat with a plumed tail; the Colorpoint Shorthair has a short, close-lying coat.

Siamese

Siamese have a short, fine coat and are limited to seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac points. A Javanese is longhaired and pointed in red, cream, lynx, or tortie. The long silky coat is visible from across the room.

Explore Other Breeds

Not sure this is the right breed for you? Check out other popular cat breeds below.

Norwegian Forest Cat

A large, sturdy cat built for cold northern winters — thick water-repellent double coat, triangular head, friendly but independent. Originally working farm cats in Norway, they climb, hunt, and remain deeply loyal to their families without being fussy about it.

Abyssinian

One of the oldest cat breeds, the Abyssinian wears a uniquely ticked coat — each hair striped with alternating bands of color. Slim, muscular, and endlessly curious, these cats stay kittenish well into old age. They bond deeply with their people and hate being left alone.

Russian Blue

A blue-gray short-hair with a shimmering silver sheen and vivid green eyes. Russian Blues are reserved with strangers but deeply affectionate with their own people — quiet, gentle, and sensitive. The breed’s double coat stands up from the body, giving the cat a plush, velvety feel that cat breeders call "the smile under the hand."

Scottish Fold

A sweet-faced cat with ears folded forward and down, giving the head a round, owl-like silhouette. Calm, adaptable, and teddy-bear soft — Scottish Folds live up to their appearance. The folded ears trace back to a natural dominant mutation first found in a barn cat in Scotland in 1961.

Persian

The quintessential lap cat — famous for its luxurious long coat, large round eyes, and sweet, placid temperament. Persians are the most popular pedigreed cat breed worldwide, prized for their serene, gentle nature and unmistakable flat-faced (brachycephalic) profile.

British Shorthair

A sturdy, round-faced cat with a dense plush coat and a calm, undemanding personality. The British Blue — a solid blue-gray coat with copper eyes — is the breed’s most recognized look, but British Shorthairs come in many colors and patterns.