Pet Wiki

Raas

Also called Raas cat, Madura cat, Busok (blue), Amethyst (chocolate), Kucing Buso

Rare breedShort profile

From Indonesia: Raas Island and Madura, a natural island population.12

At a glance the quick version

Lifespan12 to 15 years2
Sizemedium
very active and athletic
strongly attached to its owner
distinctive loud, deep voice
1

Coat and looks how to spot one

short to medium, close-lying, glossy coat

A firm, muscular medium-sized cat with a triangular head, rounded cheekbones and forward-set ears. The hind legs are a little longer than the front, and the tail is naturally short, ranging from a bob to none at all.1

Coloursblue (Busok)blackchocolate (Amethyst)lilacwhite belly allowed1

Personality what they are like

An energetic, intelligent and independent-minded cat. It can be cautious with people at first but becomes very loyal once it has bonded, and it is known for a deep, carrying voice.12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. Needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, such as cat trees and interactive toys.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Low maintenance: brushing about once a week is enough for the short sleek coat.2

Home where they are happiest

Does not like cold or damp conditions; in Indonesia they are usually kept indoors during cooler seasons.1

Company who they like around

Forms a strong bond with its owner.1

The story where it all began

The Raas is a naturally occurring cat of Raas Island and Madura in Indonesia, surrounded by local legend. Island elders traditionally gave these cats only as prestigious gifts to honoured guests and officials, which kept them rare. Today a handful of Indonesian catteries in the Indonesian Busok Raas Association work to preserve it.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Traditionally a Raas cat was a prestige gift handed by local elders to honoured guests.1

  2. 2

    Blue cats are called Busok and chocolate cats are called Amethyst.1

  3. 3

    Island folklore says Raas cats have a sixth sense and that taking one off the island brings bad luck.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after Raas Island in Indonesia, where it originated. The name 'Raas' comes directly from the island's name.1

Name ideas for your new friend

RayaMaduraBusokAmethystKaiLunaIndahSariJayaBintangCocoMilo

A day in the life told by a Raas

I wake up and stretch, then leap onto the cat tree for a morning survey of my domain. My human is still asleep, so I explore the house, sniffing every corner. When they stir, I greet them with a deep, carrying meow. I spend the morning batting at interactive toys, solving puzzles for treats. After a nap in a sunbeam, I follow my human to the kitchen, watching with bright eyes. In the afternoon, I perch on a high shelf, observing the world outside. At dusk, I curl up beside my human, purring a low, rumbling song until we both drift off.

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

Recognised by the official bits

FFF (Feline Fanciers Federation, Hong Kong)
Provisional class under the name Busok; not recognised by the major registries per Wikipedia1
WCF
CatTime reports that the blue Busok variant was recognised by WCF in 2022 as the native breed of Madura2

How many Fewer than 100 genetically pure individuals1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

Treats they will love homemade and simple

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

Salmon Cat Biscuits

A simple, vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses salmon to create a high-protein treat your cat will find irresistible.

You need

  • 170g skinless and boneless salmon (one tin)
  • 1 egg
  • 120g plain flour

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the salmon and mix it with the egg and flour 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

Tasty Tuna Crackers

Cats love tuna, and these simple crackers are a crunchy, protein-packed reward.

You need

  • 6 oz. undrained tuna
  • 1 c. cornmeal
  • 1 c. flour
  • 1/3 c. water

How

  1. Mix all ingredients together.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
  3. Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
  4. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat's daily caloric intake. Offer one or two small crackers per day.

Recipe from ASPCA Pet Insurance

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 Raas, and at what times?

Feeding schedules vary by age, health, and food type. Please ask your vet for a plan tailored to your Raas.

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

A high-quality cat food is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol, these can harm cats.3

Does a Raas need baths?

Raas cats rarely need baths. Only bathe if they are very dirty or sticky, as their short coat stays clean easily.4

How often does a Raas need brushing?

Brushing once a week is enough for the short sleek coat. Furry Diary's starting plan also suggests weekly brushing.24 Pet Wiki plan

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

Trim claws every 2 to 3 weeks. Start with just one or two claws per session to get your cat used to it. Use proper cat nail clippers and avoid the quick.4 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does a Raas need?

Raas cats are energetic and need daily play with interactive toys and cat trees. Furry Diary recommends daily playtime to keep them happy and stimulated.12 Pet Wiki plan

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

Brush your Raas's teeth daily if possible, Furry Diary's plan suggests every two days. For ears, check them weekly and ask your vet about cleaning if needed. Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Raas live?

Raas cats typically live 12 to 15 years, a lovely long life with proper care.2

Is a Raas good with children and other pets?

Raas cats are cautious at first but become very loyal once bonded. With gentle introductions, they can get along well with respectful children and other pets.12

Can a Raas be left alone?

Raas cats form a strong bond with their owner and may not enjoy long periods alone. Provide plenty of toys and enrichment if you are away, but each cat is different.1

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. Raas cat - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, origin, recognition, body, colours, temperament, habitat, population, history
  2. Raas Cat - CatTime cattime.comused for lifespan, grooming, activity, folklore, WCF note
  3. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

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