Javanese cat or Javanese: characteristics, care, maintenance

Javanese

Javanese (in English - javanese) is the second name of the breed. The sound of the word resembles the name of the island of Java. It is from the island name that the name of the breed comes, although it has nothing to do with the history of breeding.

It is believed that the Javanese originated from the Siamese cat; the breed was obtained as a result of selection experiments on breeding the Balinese cat. Due to the successful external characteristics of the resulting species, it was decided to breed it as an independent breed.

The Javanese cat differs from the Balinese in coat color and eye color. There is a species with a “colorpoint” color, which often has blue eyes, and there is a solid color with green eyes. Quite soon after the breeding, the Javanese was recognized as an independent breed and a standard was developed based on the phenotype of cats.

Genetics of red color

The red, or more correctly red, shade of an animal's coat depends on the presence of the Orange gene or simply O. It is located on the X chromosome, and therefore cats with this color are more common than cats. The presence of this mutation, which is dominant, leads to the fact that the body begins to produce the pigment pheomelanin, which leads to a red color.

Its peculiarity is that it is never solid, forming a bizarre pattern, spots and stripes on the pet’s fur coat.

If the recessive diluent d has entered the animal's genome, the color of the cat will change from red to cream. Another feature of the Orange gene is that when it is present on both X chromosomes (heterozygous state), the kitten acquires tortoiseshell fur. Since the gene is located on a specific chromosome, it is possible to predict the coat color of future kittens based on the color of the parents.

People will be born red if:

Mom is red or cream, and dad is black or gray. Ginger cats and tortoiseshell cats will be born.
Both parents have a red tint to their coat.
Mom is black, and dad is red - the cats will take after their mother, and the cats will turn out to be tortoiseshell in color.

Oriental cats

Oriental cats define several species native to Asian regions. The Javanese is classified in the order “Oriental cats” or “oriental” cats. The breeding of the distant ancestors of the Javanese cat began in Thailand in the 15th century (at that time Thailand was called Siam).

Orientals, as they are called, were the result of crossing Siamese cats with certain European species. However, these seals received official recognition not so long ago. The appearance of Orientals was different from other breeds, so Europeans did not immediately recognize these cats. The breed began to be imported to Europe only in the middle of the last century; the first country in which oriental cats appeared was England. Then the demand for them arose in America.

In Russia, graceful handsome men have become widespread since the 60s of the twentieth century. Individuals are distinguished by their unusual appearance, habits and relatively docile character. Scientists also consider oriental breeds such as the Bengal, Sumatran, spotted red cat, fishing cat, etc., although they are somewhat different in appearance from the classic orientals.

Types of wool

You can understand what breed a domestic kitten or an adult cat belongs to by the length and structure of the coat. The coat of different cats can vary greatly.

Longhair

Cats with long hair look especially elegant - it is no coincidence that they were once considered a kind of symbol of wealth and luxury... And even now, even despite the specific difficulties of care, these “fluffy creatures” remain popular pets all over the world.

The following cats have long, thick hair with a densely packed undercoat:

Longhaired Himalayan cat

The Himalayan cat has thick and long hair, a Siamese color with a light body and darker muzzle, paws, ears and tail, a characteristic “flattened” muzzle with exceptionally blue eyes, a rounded but strong body with short and muscular limbs.
Napoleon . The breed, already familiar to us, can do a “baby face” and this wins thousands of hearts.
Norwegian forest cat . The standard wardrobe of this breed is long hair, mandatory sideburns, trousers and a winter collar.
The Turkish Van has a silky coat of medium length without a thick undercoat, shorter on the neck and shoulders, but longer on the “panties” and tail, an elongated and muscular body with a well-developed chest and strong limbs, pink paw pads, and tufts of hair between the toes.
Turkish Angora - semi-long silky coat, practically devoid of undercoat, large ears with straight outer contours and pointed tips, set high and close, an elongated “dry” body with a wedge-shaped head, elongated and slender legs and a long tail, blue (but possibly multi-colored eyes ) almond-shaped.
The Persian cat has a long (up to 12 cm), thick and silky coat (on the neck, shoulders and chest there is a lush collar), a squat build with short and muscular legs, a characteristic “flattened” face, on which a small, wide and snub nose
Neva Masquerade - thick and long hair, lush “pants” and a perfectly furred tail, “heroic” physique with strong limbs, necessarily blue eyes of various shades (from light to sapphire), Siamese color with a characteristic “mask” on the face (and with age “markings of a dark color” – also on the tips of the paws, ears and tail).
Maine Coon - long and thick hair that fits tightly to the body, large ears with sharp tips, decorated with “tassels” and located at the very top of the head with a “square” shape, a large body with a wide chest and muscular build, a large head with “lion outlines” "(especially in cats), long fluffy tail.
The Burmese cat has beautiful silky hair with a thick mane on the neck and wavy belly cover (lighter than on the back and limbs), a characteristic color (reminiscent of a Siamese) with dark paws, muzzle, ears and tail and white “socks”, strong and massive body with a wide and rounded head, round eyes necessarily sky blue.
The Somali cat has long hair of a very soft and delicate structure, shorter on the shoulders, large, alert ears with a wide base, moderately pointed tips and the inner surface of the auricle covered with tufts of hair, medium build with well-developed muscles and a “fox” tail.
Nibelung - soft, medium-length coat of solid blue color with a distinct silvery tint, with a thick undercoat and not very noticeable collar and “pants”, slightly elongated and muscular body with long limbs and tail, straight nose with a blue-gray lobe, large widely spaced eyes oval in shape and rich green (possibly amber) color.
Ragamuffin - a dense, but at the same time smooth and silky “fur coat”, a kind of mane around the neck and outer edges of the muzzle, highly developed decorative hair on the neck and hind legs, a thick tail at the base, covered with long and dense plume-type hair, a powerful physique with a pronounced fat pad on the abdomen, bright and rich eye color (regardless of color).

A popular cat breed with a long muzzle

Javanese, like all Orientals, is a representative of the cat breed with an elongated muzzle. This is the main distinguishing feature of the animal. The shape of the cat's head resembles a triangle, quite long, tapering downward. The features are expressive and subtle. The eyes are oval, located quite widely from each other, the nose is smooth and small.

The cat's ears, like the head, are triangular in shape, large in size with rounded tips and protruding in different directions. If you look at the cat's profile, the muzzle has a pointed blade shape, the small chin is located in line with the nose.

It is the elongated muzzle that makes it impossible to confuse oriental cats with other breeds. In relation to the size of the body, of course, the elongated head seems proportionally smaller.

What does the term “brachycephalic” mean?

The concept of “brachycephaly” is used not only in veterinary medicine, but also in medicine. This is the name given to animals and people with a relatively short and wide head shape. The width of their skull is 80% of its length. Because of this, the face of brachycephalic cats looks as if it was specially flattened.

INTERESTING!

Felinologists suggest that all purebred “snub-noses” descended from the Pallas’s cat. This theory is confirmed by the similar structure of the skull.

Despite their rather cute appearance, animals with brachycephaly very often suffer from various diseases of the respiratory system. The most dangerous disorders are usually diagnosed in adulthood and require the help of a veterinarian.

Characteristics

Let's return to studying the Javanese cat breed in more detail.

So, we have already partially described the appearance of the Javanese cat. In addition to the elongated head, large eyes and ears, the Javanese has an elongated body, the size of which exceeds the body of the Siamese ancestor. The weight of the cat, accordingly, is also greater, sometimes reaching six kilograms. A graceful gait and long legs distinguish the breed from its distant relatives.

The Javanese cat has a beautiful, smooth coat, and the length of the hairs is noticeably longer on such parts of the body as the shoulders, neck, and tail. A distinctive feature of Javanese wool is its hypoallergenicity - it can be kept by owners with intolerance to animal hair. Although, we do not recommend taking risks, allergens are different for each person, it is worth checking compatibility before purchasing a pet for your house or apartment).

Popularity of ginger cats

Animals with fiery fur have been popular at all times, but now it’s a real boom. They are featured in advertisements, and cartoons are made about them that people like. For example, the same Garfield leaves neither children nor adults indifferent with his constant pranks. Or Puss in Boots from the cartoon about Shrek. His bottomless eyes and wit make millions of people and children around the world smile.

Among creative individuals there are also lovers of fiery animals. They are also painted in paintings, figurines are made, and soft toys are sewn. For example, the contemporary Russian artist Vasya Lozhkin has a whole series of works about red cats.
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Character and behavior

The Javanese cat has a unique character. She will not tolerate indifference, the pet constantly wants the attention of its owners, it will always be next to them, no matter what they do: household chores, playing, reading, relaxing.

Javanese happily sleep in their master's bed. The cat is talkative, has a melodic voice, and makes pleasant sounds when it purrs. However, he will still show his temper and stubbornness.

Javanese cat kittens have a cheerful disposition, constantly play, and love to climb on scratching posts and other cat accessories. If your pet is left alone, leave her a toy for fun, otherwise, out of boredom, the Javanese may begin to misbehave. Some owners have two cats; when paired, they can more easily tolerate the absence of their owners, but sometimes, while playing, they are capable of causing mayhem.

Bengal

The Bengal is probably the most famous of the spotted domestic cats. They are similar to leopards, only much smaller. These are very active animals, they like to climb higher - on cabinets or shelves. They are smart, love to spend time with people, and can even be taught some tricks. Among other things, Bengals are the only ones that have inherited rosette spots, like those of a leopard or ocelot.

Care

Caring for a Javanese cat consists of the following procedures:

- brushing the pet. Once a week is enough because the Javanese coat has no undercoat. Use a soft comb, do not tug at the fur, and use slow, light strokes from roots to ends.

- weekly cleaning of teeth and ears with special products,

— you don’t have to bathe your cat often, once a month or a month and a half is enough. Use special mild shampoos, and after washing, wrap the cat and release it to a warm place without drafts.

- maintaining eye hygiene.

- trimming nails. Do this yourself, removing no more than two millimeters of claws with sharp forceps, or contact a specialist to carry out the procedure correctly.

— Javanese can be taken for walks on a leash or harness; it is only important to avoid contact with other animals to avoid injury and contracting diseases.

Personality characteristics of a gray pet

Many animal lovers believe that fur color provides information about their furry friend's personality, although there is currently no scientific evidence to support this belief. However, it cannot be ruled out that melanin levels may have some influence on temperament. However, personality traits largely depend on the cat's breed and social environment.

Gray animals are often perceived as friendly, cheerful and playful, but your furry pet with this color may have completely different character traits.

Health

The health of the Javanese cat is vulnerable and requires constant attention. Diseases include heart disease, asthma, neurosis, strabismus, and digestive problems. Some individuals inherit diseases. Be sure to take your pet to an appointment with a veterinarian: he will determine the necessary vaccinations and the timing of their administration; regular visits will help maintain the pet’s health throughout its life.

If you notice that the cat’s usual activity has decreased, the cat has begun to eat poorly, avoids its usual company, discharge has appeared from the eyes, ears, mouth, and digestion has been disturbed - do not self-medicate, contact the veterinarian unscheduled and as early as possible.

Skookum - dwarf laperm

This dwarf, short-legged breed was developed by crossing Muncchins with Laperms.
The result was cats with short limbs and curly fur. Sukum can be either long-haired or short-haired. The shorter the fur, the straighter it is. Despite the genetic characteristics, this is a fairly healthy breed with no typical diseases found. By nature, dwarf lapermas are very cute and fluffy, which matches their appearance. Sukuma are playful, affectionate and sociable. These are very affectionate and loyal cats that are very curious and cheerful. Pets are very active, energetic and nimble, they can easily jump onto a bed or chair, and have a tendency to stick their curious nose everywhere. In addition, they are not afraid of water and enjoy swimming. In general, these are funny and cheerful cats. But, unfortunately, today they are very rare and can only be bought in European and American nurseries.

Nutrition

The main place in caring for a Javanese cat should be given to the selection of diet. Feed your cat balanced dry food and premium canned food (pedigree cats have sensitive digestion).

The food should be fractional, calculate the norm based on the cat’s weight - up to 50 grams per kilogram of weight, food - at room temperature. Give vitamin-mineral supplements and always leave clean water in the bowl. If you decide to introduce natural products into your diet, opt for meat (except pork) and poultry. Fish is allowed in small quantities, only sea fish and boiled without salt.

Buy Javanese kittens from specialized nurseries or from professional breeders, so you will receive a pure individual that fully meets the standards. The cost of a Javanese cat is higher than that of a cat. Purely expressed pets, whose parameters correspond to the exhibition ones, are estimated from one hundred thousand rubles. Javanese with defects is much cheaper, but, of course, it is not suitable for breeding offspring.

Serengeti

This is a relatively new breed, having appeared in the 1990s. They are descendants of a Bengal cat crossed with an Oriental cat. They have very long ears and paws. This breed is very active, loves to spend time with people, and has a loud voice. They can also get along with other pets if introduced properly.

How to choose a kitten

When choosing a kitten, you should carefully examine it: its eyes and ears should be clean, its teeth should be white, and the baby should not show anxiety when its tummy is touched. Pay attention to the activity of the javanese - the cat must be active and play.

Check your pet's hearing – it is among Javanese cats that kittens with hearing impairments are often born. Suitable age for purchase is 3-4 months. Such a cat will easily get used to its new home and owners, and it will be easier for you to establish contact.

If you decide to have offspring with a Javanese, try to choose your partner carefully. The animal must meet all accepted parameters, have no congenital or genetic diseases, and be vaccinated. The age of cats is at least 2 years, males - 1.5 years.

Mating of Javanese is carried out in the place where the cat lives. Try to ensure that the cat brings kittens no more often than once every 1.5-2 years, otherwise the animal itself will weaken, which will negatively affect the offspring.

The Javanese cat is a devoted, loving creature; with proper care and feeding, the pet can live up to 15 years, delighting you with affection and purring.

For the soul.

When you need to knock on wood, you discover that the world consists of aluminum and plastic.

When you look at cats with a lot of fingers, you realize that something is wrong here. These multi-toed cats received such unusual paws immediately at birth. This deviation is called polydactyly, a genetic abnormality that can occur in any animal, but it is especially common among cats.

Typically, a cat has five toes on its front paws and four on its back paws. Polydactyl cats, as a rule, have 1-2 more toes on one paw than their usual representatives. In addition, the configuration of these fingers can be different. The polydactyly gene manifests itself in 40-50% of cases and does not depend on the sex of the animal.

However, it has been noted that for a multi-toed kitten to be born, one of its parents must have this feature. Polydactyly is considered a fairly common anomaly among the cat brethren, which does not cause any harm to their musculoskeletal abilities, and even, on the contrary, such a number of fingers is only beneficial for cats.

The only problem noted by the owners of such cats is the more frequent need to trim the claws on additional toes. And also, the offspring of polydactyl cats have a wider and heavier bone structure, compared to the offspring obtained from the most common cats.

It is interesting that residents of New England (northeastern USA), where this phenomenon is very common among Maine Coons, consider them to be aboriginals of these lands. There is an opinion that Maine Coons are excellent hunters, and their extra toes make them more dexterous, tenacious and stable, allowing them to move freely through deep snow without falling into it.