Pet Wiki

Javanese

Also called Colorpoint Longhair, Balinese (Javanese Division), Javi

Bright, talkative and affectionate, though a touch quieter than a Siamese.

SizeMedium
Weight3.6 to 5.4 kg (8 to 12 lb)1
Lifespan8 to 12 years1
CoatMedium-length, silky single coat
OriginDeveloped in Canada and the United States in the late 1970s from Balinese lines, with Siamese-type foundation stock that traces back to Southeast Asia. The name nods to the island of Java, next to Bali.23
Last checked2026-09-30
Recognised breedShort profile
chatty and sociable
athletic jumper
easy-care silky coat
421

Personality what they are like

Bright, talkative and affectionate, though a touch quieter than a Siamese. It likes to be part of whatever its people are doing and enjoys a good play session followed by a cuddle.421

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Javanese. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery 2 days
  • Deshedding springBrush more while sheddingevery day
  • Nail trimevery 3 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • Litter scoopevery day
  • Litter changeevery week
  • PlayDaily playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

medium-length, silky single coat

A slim, long-bodied oriental cat with a wedge-shaped head and big ears. Its silky coat has no woolly undercoat, so it lies flat against the body and looks sleek, with the longest hair forming a plume on the tail. Eyes are always blue.42

Colourssolid colour points: red, cream, cinnamon, fawnlynx (tabby) points in many colours, including silverparti-colour (tortie) points42

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. A keen climber and leaper that appreciates tall cat trees, shelves and daily interactive play to stay entertained.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Low effort for a longhair: with no undercoat the coat rarely tangles, so a comb or brush a few times a month is usually enough.4

Home where they are happiest

Suits indoor life with plenty of vertical space and toys to keep its busy mind occupied.1

Company who they like around

Bonds closely with its family and does best with company and regular interaction rather than long hours alone.42

The story where it all began

Balinese breeders in Canada and the USA wanted recognition for colours beyond the four traditional Siamese points, so from 1979 CFA registered these cats as the Javanese. It reached championship in 1986, and in 2008 CFA folded it back into the Balinese as its own colour division.24

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is named after Java, the island neighbouring Bali, following the tradition of giving oriental-type breeds Southeast Asian place names.2

  2. 2

    The term 'Javanese cat' was first coined around 1950 by breeder Helen Smith, though for a different variety than today's.2

  3. 3

    Without a downy undercoat, its longhaired coat lies close and sleek instead of looking fluffy.4

  4. 4

    It can jump with ease to the top of a fridge, bookshelf or even a door.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Javanese' was chosen in 1979 by breeders who, needing a new name for their cats, looked at a map and selected Java, an island near Bali, finding it appropriate as the two islands share a common language, culture, and religion, but Java is larger, richer, and more fertile.5

Name ideas for your new friend

MochiKopiBatikSariJavaCinnamonSilkLunaKaiMiraPuriNuri

A day in the life told by a Javanese

I wake up and stretch my long, silky body on the sunny windowsill. Mom calls my name, and I trot over, rubbing against her legs. After breakfast, I perch on my favorite tall cat tree, watching birds outside. Then I chase a crinkly toy mouse across the floor, leaping and pouncing. Later, I curl up on Dad's lap while he reads, purring loudly. When the kids come home, I greet them with a chirp and weave between their feet. Evening means more cuddles on the sofa. I love being part of everything.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

CFA
Registered as a separate breed in 1979, championship status 1986; merged back into the Balinese in 2008 and now shown as the Javanese Division of the Balinese4
Other registries
The name 'Javanese' is used differently between registries; some have used it for the Oriental Longhair3

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Javanese tip

Javanese cats can be food-motivated, so use measured meals and limit treats to 10% of daily calories. Because dental disease is common, consider dental treats or diets recommended by your vet.

Source: vcahospitals.com

Cat-Friendly Pancakes

A simple, no-bake treat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a suitable occasional reward for cats who gain weight easily.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water, no salt added
  • 1/2 cup finely diced cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup pure sweet potato puree (no added sweeteners)

How

  1. Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl.
  2. Break the tuna into small bits with a fork.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the bowl.
  4. Slowly stir in the sweet potato puree until the mixture binds together, being careful not to make it too watery.
  5. Shape the mixture into mini pancakes.
  6. Serve to your cat as an occasional treat.

How much: Give small amounts occasionally, as treats should not exceed 10-15% of daily calorie allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Tuna Biscuits for Cats

These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
  • Extra water as needed

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
  4. Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
  5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
  8. Allow to cool completely before storing.

How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Javanese, and at what times?

Feeding schedules vary by age, activity, and the food you choose. Please ask your vet for a plan tailored to your cat's needs.

What should a Javanese eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A balanced commercial cat food is best, but for specific amounts check the label and your vet. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, keep these away from your Javanese.6

Does a Javanese need baths?

Baths are rarely needed for a Javanese, only when they are very dirty or sticky. Their silky coat stays clean with regular brushing.7

How often does a Javanese need brushing?

With no undercoat, a comb or brush a few times a month is usually enough. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every 2 days and daily deshedding during shedding season.4 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Javanese's claws, and how often?

Trim claws every 10 to 14 days, taking no more than two claws per session at first. Pet Wiki's plan suggests every 21 days, so you can adjust based on your cat's activity.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does a Javanese need?

This bright, active cat needs daily interactive play and loves climbing tall cat trees. Pet Wiki recommends daily play to keep them entertained and happy.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Javanese's teeth and ears?

Daily tooth brushing is ideal, and Pet Wiki suggests brushing every 2 days. For ears, cleaning needs vary, ask your vet for the best routine. Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Javanese live?

A Javanese typically lives 8 to 12 years, with proper care and regular vet checkups.1

Is a Javanese good with children and other pets?

Yes, they are affectionate and bond closely with family, so they usually get along well with children and other pets when introduced properly. For specific advice, ask a good breeder.42

Can a Javanese be left alone?

This social cat does best with company and regular interaction, so long hours alone are not ideal. They thrive when someone is home or with a feline friend.42

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Hill's Pet Australia: Javanese cat breed hillspet.com.auused for weight, lifespan, activity
  2. Javanese cat (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, alternative names, temperament, fun facts
  3. List of cat breeds (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, naming across registries
  4. CFA: Balinese and Javanese breed profile cfa.orgused for CFA status, colours, coat, grooming, temperament
  5. cfa.org cfa.org
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.