Javanese vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Known also as the Bunny Cat or the Abys, the Abyssinian cat hails from Abyssinia which is today known as Ethiopia.

It is believed that the cat was brought to the UK in the 1860s. At first the cat was crossed with British Shorthairs, and later with oriental breeds.

The cat was imported in 1900 to America with some breeding programs starting in the United States in the 1930s. It is thought that it was a good thing that cats were exported to the U.S. because World War II took a toll on breed numbers but the breed was built up again in the USA.

The Javanese is also known as the Colourpoint Longhair in some cat registries, but it's a purebred domestic cat that was developed in North America.

It was Helen Smith that coined the name Javanese cat in 1950 with the name being derived from the tradition where cats of the Orient have the names of the countries and islands of south-east Asia.

The name Javanese was chosen by choosing Java, an island near Bali.

The Abyssinian is a slender, lithe, fine-boned, medium sized cat with shortish to medium length silky hair and long, slender legs.

The fur has a distinctive ticked look. The coat comes in several colors – but its base color is a glossy reddish-brown base with black ticking.

You’ll find that the feline reaches a height of 20-25 cm and that its length is roughly 30-41 cm. When your Abyssinian is an adult it will weigh about 4-5 kg. With good care, your feline pet can reach up to 13 years of age.

The kittens are born with dark coats, but as they mature, the coat lightens. The head of the cat is somewhat wedge-shaped and it has fairly large ears with big almond-shaped eyes. The eyes can be green or hazel, depending on the coat shade. The tail is long and tapering.

Temperament:

The Abyssinian loves leaping onto cupboard tops or anything that has some height. It's an intelligent cat this Aby and always on the go. He is a playful cat and just loves being the center of attention, and when he has lots of toys he is always occupied, entertaining you with his antics.

If you were to be away at work every day, it would be a good idea to have a friend for him because he’s the kind of cat that becomes bored and lonely and then he becomes naughty. This cat is known as a clown with its outgoing, mischievous nature.

The Javanese is a medium-sized, slender, muscular cat that weighs between 3 and 6kg. It has a short or long, silky coat that comes in a number of colors. The short-haired variety has a single coat, in contrast to the double coat found in the long-haired breeds.

The tail is fairly plumed. The Javanese also has point coloration which means that the body is paler than the darker face. The coat comes in a variety of colors and patterns, from dark brown to cream to tortoisehell and others. The ears are large and the almond-shaped eyes are always blue.

Temperament:

Siamese and the Javanese differ a little in coat length and color but otherwise they are much the same in temperament. They love their human families and will follow them around like a dog.

When you sit down they like to curl up in your lap and simply be around you. They may not be as vocal as the Siamese but he is still prepared to have a jolly good conversation with you.

They’re clever cats too and like stimulating games and toys. He loves to climb, so a climbing tree will be excellent for him. He also likes being busy, so if you leave him alone for a length of time, ensure that he has activities to keep him happily amused.

If you have a Javanese be sure to include him in your activities just like you would a child of yours.

Your active Abyssinian cat is such a pleasure to have in the home as these cats love their human family as well as other pets in the home.

He’ll talk to you in a quiet way. They’re playful cats and you want to make sure you supply him with some stimulating toys.

Remember to brush his coat gently and make it a special therapeutic, bonding time. Make sure your active cat has exercise and provide some climbing equipment for him. Most of all he just wants to be around you and to get your loving attention.

Your medium-sized Javanese cat is active and talkative. These are cats that love leaping up onto high perches and into trees and it is therefore imperative that you invest in climbing equipment for him.

These slender Oriental cats need an excellent diet to maintain the fine-boned, muscular physique. You don’t want your Javanese becoming overweight as this spells bad health and sluggishness.

The Javanese is such a lively cat if his weight is maintained and he loves being around his human family, purring away while he is lovingly made a fuss of.

The Abyssinian has been known to be prone to kidney disorders. It can also be prone to gingivitis which can lead to periodontal disease.

Also, the Abyssinian has been known to have problems with blindness. An eye problem, called progressive retinal atrophy is where the cells deteriorate over time and this is what causes the blindness.

The Abyssinian can also be prone to patellar luxation where the kneecap can become dislocated.

The same health issues that you’re likely to pick up with the Siamese may well be found in the Javanese too.

Some of the health issues to look out for include among others, asthma or bronchial disease, heart defects, lymphoma as well as gastrointestinal conditions.

For the health of your Javanese cat, make sure the vaccinations are up to date.

The Abyssinian cat’s short, fine coat is easy to care for. Brush and comb it timeously to remove loose hairs.

Because of periodontal disease, brush your cat's teeth. If you feel you don’t know how to perform any of these ‘caring’ routines for your kitty kat, don’t despair as your vet can do a dental cleaning procedure as well as your pet groomers.

Your Abyssinian cat is carnivorous and will need food similar to that which they would prey on in the wild. Your cat will require foods high in protein and with added vitamins and minerals.

Avoid cat foods that add in useless fillers such as wheat and soy. It is important that you buy the right cat food for your Abyssinian, and if you’re in any doubt, speak to your vet. Make sure your cat always has access to a bowl of fresh, cool water.

Always keep your Abyssinian’s litter box spotlessly clean. You can keep a special little plastic rake to rake up the sand and rid the box of cat droppings immediately.

Diet:

Cats are carnivores and have special dietary needs. They have unique nutritional needs, something like lions and cheetahs.

Their protein needs are very high, especially when they are kittens or nursing mothers. They need animal protein in their diets. Some of the unique nutritional needs of cats require them to have this protein as well as very important amino acids such as arginine and taurine.

Just because your cat needs such a high intake of protein, it doesn’t mean he won’t need other nutrients. Cats need balanced nutrition that is right for them. The best commercially manufactured cat food with fats, carbs, minerals, and vitamins will ensure a healthy cat. Speak to your vet if you’re not sure.

Not all cat foods are the same and choosing the right cat food will ensure your cat gets a sufficient dose of protein powder. So important is a cat’s diet for good health, that it will be important to speak to your vet about the food requirements of cats.

Grooming:

With grooming, the fine silky coat can be cared for easily by giving it a brush each week. You want to remove loose hairs from shedding. You can also take a damp cloth and wipe your Javanese down.

The nails will also need to be trimmed. When you brush your cat, check up on other things too.

Make sure the eyes are nice and clear, the fur soft and vibrant, make sure there are no new and unusual lumps.

Check inside his mouth for bad teeth that could be causing all kinds of health issues and check inside his ears too. For all these grooming issues, a pet grooming parlor can do it all for you.

General:

Provide your Javanese with a litter box and keep the box scrupulously clean.