Yes, Javanese cats are considered to be hypoallergenic because their short, low-fuss, mat-free coat is thought of as one of the least-shedding among long-haired breeds. The breed also produces the cat allergy protein, Fel d 1, at lower levels compared to other breeds. They also tend to shed very minimally
A hypoallergenic cat breed is one that does not release as much allergens. These breeds tend to shed very little or not all. There is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic cat, however, because they all produce the Fel d 1 protein which can be found in their skin and saliva. As well as the Fel d 4 protein that can be found in cat urine.
Javanese cats produce less Fel d 1 protein, which means that when they lick themselves to clean up, they do not release as many irritants. They have a single layer coat, so the lack of an undercoat means that they shed less and may be a good choice for someone who does not suffer from severe allergies.
If you are considering adding a Javanese cat home, then keep reading.
What is a Javanese cat?
The Javanese, also known as the Balinese, is regal in appearance but a curious kitten at heart.
They are medium-sized cats with males weighing between 12 to 16 pounds, and females between eight to 12 pounds. They have a medium-length coat that comes in various patterns and shadings.
They look very similar to the Siamese except for their medium length, silky coat. They also have a distinctive, luxurious tail plume. This long, slender cat is lithe but muscular, with blue eyes and triangular ears.
Javanese have a lifespan of 15+ years. They are a generally healthy breed but may be affected by lysosomal storage disease and feline acromelanism, a condition that causes changes in coat color with temperature variations.
Javanese cat temperament
This breed may appear to be aristocratic and refined, but their elegant body hides the heart of a kitten that loves to have fun. They adore people and like spending time with them. This makes them wonderful companions for those who have time to spend with their pets.
Much like the Siamese, they are very talkative. They are extroverts who get along well with children and other pets.
The Javanese are highly intelligent, agile, and athletic. You need to keep its busy brain active with puzzle toys and keep its body exercised with teaser toys that it can chase and a cat tree that it can climb. They like to play fetch, are willing to walk on a leash, and learn tricks easily. They are chatterboxes that love to talk and demand a lot of your time and attention, so make sure you are able to provide this before considering the breed.
How much do Javanese cats shed?
Javanese cats have a medium-length, single-layer coat that does not shed as much as most cats. They shed mostly when new hair replaces old hair and not like other breeds where shedding is seasonal. With proper grooming, Javanese cat shedding can be controlled and thus lessen the presence of dander and allergens in your home.
Reducing dander and allergens
Here are some tips to help prevent the spread of the allergen in your home:
- Clean all fabric furniture often. The frequency will depend on how often your cat sheds and how allergic you are. Clean your fabric furniture at least once a week with a dander removal product such as a lint roller.
- Keep your home as clean as possible to reduce the number of surfaces the hair and dander can stick to.
- Use an air purifier or filter. This may be the easiest and most effective way to significantly reduce dander in your home.
- Brush your cat’s coat twice a week. Javanese cats have a fine, silky coat that is easy to care for. They do not have an undercoat, which means they are less prone to matting. Use a stainless-steel comb to brush the cat from head to tail. Doing this will remove any dead hair and keep its coat looking healthy.
- Javanese cats rarely need to be bathed, unless they come into contact with something dirty or smelly. But a bath once in a while can help wash off any loose hairs that may contain dander. If your cat is not a fan of baths, try wiping their body with a damp towel instead. This may be less traumatizing for your cat while still effectively removing loose fur.
- Feed your cat good quality cat food. Cheap cat food might make your cat break out in a rash, causing them to scratch themselves more than usual and so getting dander into the air quicker. Feed them cat food that contains fish once in a while so they get a good amount of Omega 3, which helps keep cat skin healthy.
- Wash your hands after petting your cat. This is so you will not be touching your nose or any part of your face with your hands that have come into contact with the allergen.
Conclusion
Javanese cats are considered to be one of the most hypoallergenic cats because of their minimal shedding and inability to produce high amounts of the Fel d 1 protein that triggers cat allergies in humans.
A Javanese cat’s coat is quite low maintenance and only requires brushing at least twice a week to remove loose hair that may contain allergic dander. Giving them baths is seemingly unnecessary and wiping their bodies with a damp towel will often do the trick of removing dirt and old hair. Make sure to feed your Javanese high-quality cat food that contains all the nutrients they need to ensure that they keep a healthy coat.
Do not forget to clean your house as often as you can to avoid the accumulation of dander and other allergens on surfaces and in the air around your home.
Image: istockphoto.com / Dizfoto