The Balinese and Javanese arose as spontaneous long-haired mutations of the Siamese cat. Specific breeding to maintain the long coat began in the 1940's. Javanese have been around for about as long as the Balinese. Some appeared in litters of Colorpoint Shorthairs, most likely a result of the longhair gene being introduced via the domestic shorthair when the red, lynx and tortie point colors and patterns were first introduced to the Siamese breed. Another distinguishing feature is that Javanese have green eyes while Balinese have blue eyes. Most are the result of Balinese breeders using the Colorpoint Shorthair to introduce these colors and patterns into the Balinese breed. The Javanese were finally accepted by CFA for championship competition as of May 1986. The Javanese standard is identical to that of the Balinese - a cat of Siamese type with long flowing coat, the only difference being in the colors accepted for championship competition.

The Javanese is a breed for people who want a little spice in their lives. A study of contradictions - elegant refinement, sometimes fragile in appearance...in reality hard and muscular with surprising strength. The slender lines and flowing coat hide a rock hard body capable of amazing feats of acrobatic proportions. Highly intelligent, they become familiar with their human's routine. They will "talk," gently reminding when you are late with meals or play time, joyously greeting you whenever you have been away. As a rule, the Javanese voice is softer and gentler than the Siamese. They use their paws like little hands to open cabinets and drawers in search of a favorite toy they saw you hide. Many "fetch," but never delude yourself that you taught them this game. In reality, they have cleverly taught you how to throw. Easy to care for, their coats never mat and tend to shed less than the Siamese or Colorpoints, truly a "lazy man's longhair" - an occasional combing and bath to refresh the silky texture of their coat is all that is necessary outside of regular nail clipping.