An extremely rare landrace cat from the small Indonesian island of Raas, off Madura — a striking, semi-wild-looking cat distinguished by an angular head, deep green eyes and a notably aloof, one-person temperament.
- Origin
- Raas Island, Indonesia
- Category
- shorthair
- Lifespan
- 12–15 yrs
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 4–6 kg
- Coat
- Short, dense coat
- Colours
- Predominantly brownish-grey, black and brown, often with green eyes
😺 Temperament
🏡 Best suited to
📊 Personality ratings
📜 History & origin
The Raas (also spelled Ras or Raas Madura) is a natural breed native to Raas Island in the Madura archipelago of East Java, Indonesia, where local lore surrounds it and exporting the cats was traditionally discouraged. Largely unknown outside Indonesia and not recognised by the major international registries, it is considered one of the rarest cats in the world. Genetically and visually it stands apart from ordinary Indonesian domestic cats, with a distinctive head shape and a slightly down-turned tail tip in many individuals.
🧼 Care & grooming
The short coat needs minimal grooming — a weekly brush is ample. Temperament is the real consideration: the Raas is famously reserved, strongly territorial and inclined to bond closely with a single person while remaining wary or even hostile toward strangers and other animals. It does best in a calm, predictable home with an experienced owner who respects its independent nature, gives it space, and earns its trust slowly rather than forcing affection.
🩺 Health notes
As a naturally-occurring landrace with a broad genetic base, the Raas has no well-documented breed-specific inherited diseases, and island cats of this kind are generally hardy. Routine preventive care — vaccination, parasite control, good diet and dental attention — is the mainstay of keeping one healthy. Because the breed is so rare and little-studied, prospective owners should seek out knowledgeable sources.
.jpg)
