Oriental longhair

Overall description of the breed

The Javanese cat breed is an elegant and graceful creature, recognized for its spectacular beauty and friendly character. Its fascinating history, distinctive morphology, and variety of colors make it a beloved breed among cat enthusiasts worldwide.

The history of the Javanese dates back to Southeast Asia, where this breed was developed through selective crossings involving Siamese and Balinese cats. The ancestors of the Javanese include these two breeds, as well as short-haired cats from the region. The breeding goal was to combine the elegant appearance of the Balinese with the short coat of the Siamese, creating a distinct breed with a variety of colors and patterns.

The origins of the Balinese breed emerged to mitigate the inherent imperfections in Siamese breeding. This early initiative aimed to eliminate undesirable traits by favoring a new lineage. However, it was in the 1950s that American breeder Marion Dorsey undertook an even more audacious endeavor: to create an entirely new breed. Her work was greatly facilitated through the collaboration of Helen Smith, who made valuable contributions to this ambitious project. The name Balinese was assigned to this new breed even before its official recognition in 1961. This was a crucial step in the evolution of the Balinese, establishing its distinct place among purebred felines.

The development of the Javanese can be seen as an intriguing variation of the long-haired Oriental. In reality, the Javanese is the result of ingenious hybridization, combining the captivating color of the Balinese with the sumptuous coat length characteristic of the Oriental. This combination gave rise to a unique cat, adorned with exquisite fur and mesmerizing green eyes. The history of the Javanese as a distinct breed takes shape and radiance within this clever crossbreeding.

The morphology of the Javanese is characterized by its slender body, long and fine limbs, and an elegant and bushy tail. Its head is triangular in shape with large pointed ears and almond-shaped eyes of intense color, which add to its lively and alert expression. The Javanese's coat is short and silky, perfectly following the contours of its body. A notable feature of the Javanese is the variety of colors and patterns available, ranging from point to solid color to tabby.

In terms of temperament, the Javanese is described as sociable, affectionate, and intelligent. They are known for their chatty nature and willingness to participate in their owners' activities. The Javanese is often described as a devoted companion, attached to its family, enjoying human interaction, and capable of forming close bonds with its owners.

The average weight of the Javanese typically ranges from 2.5 kg to 4.5 kg (5.5 lb to 10 lb), with a slight difference between sexes. In terms of size, this breed usually measures between 25 cm and 30 cm (10 inches to 12 inches) at the shoulder.

The Javanese achieved full breed status officially in 1979 by The International Cat Association (TICA). This recognition marked a significant milestone in acknowledging the uniqueness of this breed. Subsequently, the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFé) joined in this recognition in 1985, granting the Javanese a well-deserved worldwide reputation.

In conclusion, the Javanese embodies Asian elegance with a touch of individuality, thanks to its variety of colors and affectionate character. Its history, distinctive morphology, and charming personality make it a beloved breed among cat lovers seeking both striking appearance and social behavior. While perhaps less common than some other breeds, the Javanese deserves recognition for its exotic beauty and engaging personality.