Raas Cat Breed: Pictures, Info, Temperament & Traits

The Raas cat is a rare cat that comes from Raas Island, a tiny and isolated Indonesian island off the coast of the island of Madura. Due to where they come from, these cats are also known as Madura or Buso cats. Locals call them, “Cat Buso,” which means “gray cat,” and “Cat Madura,” which means “blue cat.”

Breed Overview

They are slender, large cats with short, thick fur and are commonly a gray-blue color but can sometimes be black, brown, chocolate, colorpoint, and blue bicolor. That said, a true Madura cat is solid gray-blue, and it’s thought that the other color variations might be a result of mating with other breeds.

Raas Characteristics

Raas Kittens

The Raas cat is quite an energetic and active cat that is generally healthy and has an average lifespan. They are potentially trainable, but it depends on the cat’s willingness, and they aren’t that social, except with their families.

The Raas cat is exceptionally rare and isn’t usually even allowed to leave Raas Island, so you won’t typically see any of these cats outside of Indonesia. Even if you could get one off the island, the cost of shipping the cat from the island to Europe or North America would be quite high. It’s likely that the only way to get your hands on one of these cats would be to travel to Raas Island yourself and bring them back with you.

If you ever come across a breeder advertising Raas cats, it’s likely a scam because there aren’t any official breeders of these cats, especially outside of Raas Island. You also probably won’t be able to find one for adoption at any animal shelters or rescues for the same reasons.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Raas

The Raas cat is highly intelligent and can be quite energetic and playful. However, they are generally shy of people, particularly those who aren’t immediate family members. Since this breed hasn’t been properly domesticated, this means it might be difficult for them to adjust to a new home.

They would do best with experienced cat owners because they tend to be nervous and skittish in new situations and environments.

Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪

Raas cats would do best in families with older children who know how to treat animals gently and with respect. Younger children can be rough with cats, and the Raas cat won’t tolerate any kind of boisterous play.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

The Raas will likely get along fine with other pets as long as there’s been appropriate socialization. Everything is easier when you introduce a new kitten to other pets, but either way, they would do better in a home with older animals that aren’t rambunctious and are accustomed to cats.

Things to Know When Owning a Raas

Food & Diet Requirements 🐡

The Raas is a large cat that is high energy, so you’ll want to opt for high-quality cat food to help sustain their activity. You should consider adding canned food because it adds necessary moisture to their diet. Investing in a cat fountain is also a great idea. It encourages cats to drink more water, which is important for their health. It can help prevent kidney issues as they get older.

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Exercise 🐈

Raas cats are active cats that need plenty of playtime to expend all that energy. They can get much of it on their own, such as through interactive toys, cat shelves, and a cat tree for scratching and climbing. But take the time to play with your cat, as this can form a stronger bond between you two, which is essential for this breed.

A cat scratcher, like the Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher, offers daily entertainment for your furry friend. This durable cardboard scratcher not only looks stylish but is also adjustable to three positions – high, low, and lower – ensuring your cat stays engaged and amused, helping to prevent them from getting into trouble or scratching things they shouldn't. 

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Training 🧶

Training the Raas cat will be a challenge. They definitely need socialization and might even need to be litter box trained because this breed isn’t quite as domesticated as most other cat breeds. They are smart enough to learn tricks, but they are also known to be stubborn and bossy cats, so it might be tricky.

Grooming ✂️

Raas cats have short and dense coats, so they only need to be brushed about once or twice a week, though probably more often during the spring and fall shedding seasons. You should give your cat regular nail trims and ensure that you have a cat scratcher. Some cat owners brush their cat’s teeth, but if this is too challenging, you can try dental treats.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Not much is known about any specific health conditions of the Raas. If you plan on letting your cat outside, you’ll need to do the usual flea, heartworm, and tick prevention. You can also look at the Korat’s health because there might be similarities. Otherwise, there are a few common illnesses that all cats are susceptible to.

Male vs. Female

Male Raas cats are usually a little larger than the females, but it depends on the individual cat. Beyond size, there are differences with certain behaviors, particularly if they are still intact. Unneutered males are generally more territorial and aggressive, particularly around a female that is in heat. They will also spray as a part of marking their territory.

Having your cat spayed or neutered can help stop these behaviors and prevent certain health conditions such as infections and reproductive cancers.

As far as a difference in temperaments, the sex of your cat is thought to influence the cat’s personality, but this method isn’t reliable. You might have a male that’s a little standoffish and another that’s a total cuddle-bug. How much time a cat spends with their mother and how they are raised in someone’s home will be what truly determines a cat’s temperament.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Raas

1. The Raas has many myths surrounding them

There seem to be several myths about this breed. One is that if anyone manages to smuggle the Raas away from the island (particularly if the person is not married), their boat will sink. If the person survives, they will be plagued with bad luck for the rest of their lives.

2. It’s thought that all males that leave the island are neutered

It seems that the inhabitants of Raas Island only want to keep their cats on their island. It is believed that locals will neuter any male cats that leave. Inhabitants believe that fertile cats should only live on Raas Island. This also means that not only are these cats rare, but they are also in danger of extinction.

3. The Raas is of Asian cat descent

It’s believed that the Raas likely descended from the Korat cat. Korat cats come from Thailand and are quite alike in appearance to the Raas. They have similar bone structure, blue-grey and short fur, and green or yellow eyes. Like many other Asian breeds, the Raas has a bent tail tip. However, it’s believed that this comes from inbreeding among the Raas.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve learned about Raas cats, you’re probably longing for one. But unfortunately, it’s not likely that you’ll find one anywhere outside of Indonesia. That said, these unique and gorgeous cats would make wonderful companions for the right owner — they need someone who is experienced and patient. You’ll need to spend plenty of time training and socializing these cats.

If you happen to have any family or friends in Indonesia or are planning a trip there, maybe have a look at Raas Island. You might be one of the lucky few who can bring home one of these rare cats!

Related Reads:

• American Ringtail Cat: Pictures, Temperament & Traits
• Asian Semi-longhair Cat Breed: Pictures, Temperament & Traits

Featured Image Credit: Kitirinya, Shutterstock