Javanese
The Javanese is essentially a Balinese in extended colours — the Balinese restricted to four classic Siamese colours (seal, blue, chocolate, lilac), while the Javanese covers the additional colours introduced by the Colorpoint Shorthair (red, cream, tortoiseshell, tabby points).
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United States
Lifespan
12–16 years
Weight
2.5–5 kg (5.5–11 lbs)
Height
20–25 cm (8–10 in)
Exercise
15 to 25 min/day
Diet
Obligate carnivore — high-quality wet and dry food.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
The Story
The Javanese is essentially a Balinese in extended colours — the Balinese restricted to four classic Siamese colours (seal, blue, chocolate, lilac), while the Javanese covers the additional colours introduced by the Colorpoint Shorthair (red, cream, tortoiseshell, tabby points). In many registries they are now considered the same breed; CFA registers the Javanese as a colour division of the Balinese. Like the Balinese, the name has no connection to Indonesia — it was chosen by Helen Smith (who also named the Balinese) to continue the Southeast Asian theme.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
Discover which pets match your lifestyle
Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
Identical to the Balinese in body type and coat — long, elegant, Siamese-type body with a silky, flowing semi-long coat and plumed tail. The colourpoint pattern is in the extended range: red, cream, tortoiseshell, and tabby points.
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Coat Length
semi-long
Coat Type
silky
Brushing
2-3x-Weekly
Bathing
Rarely
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Same as Balinese and Siamese — extremely vocal, affectionate, demanding, and people-dependent. Among the most communicative of all cat breeds.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
4/5Attention Need
5/5Friendliness
5/5Playfulness
4/5Protectiveness
1/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
Apartment
Daily Exercise
15 to 25 min/day
Ideal Weather
15°C to 28°C
Indoor/Outdoor
Indoor-Preferred
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
40%
Attention
50%
Playfulness
40%
Communication Style
Vocal Profile
loud
Stress Signals
excessive vocalisation, pica, over-grooming, clinginess
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Brushing 2–3 times weekly. Same high social needs as Siamese/Balinese. Pairs strongly recommended. Regular dental care.
Nutrition Notes
Merged into Balinese at CFA (2008). Extended Siamese colours (red, cream, tortie, tabby points). Same amyloidosis risk.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Same as Balinese/Siamese. Amyloidosis. PRA. Dental disease. CFA merged into Balinese (2008). Extended colour points. 12-20 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
350 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
250 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Same as Siamese/Balinese — amyloidosis, PRA (DNA test available), HCM, dental disease.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
CFA merged into Balinese (2008). Extended colours. India: suits climate.
Purchase Price
$600 to $2,000
Adoption Fee
$75 to $350
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The name "Javanese" was chosen by Helen Smith (who also named the Balinese) to maintain the Southeast Asian island theme — despite the breed having no connection to Java, Indonesia.
In CFA, the Javanese was merged with the Balinese in 2008 — Javanese colours became a division of the Balinese breed rather than a separate breed, simplifying the registry but confusing owners of older cats registered as Javanese.
