Raas
Discover the Raas cat, a rare Indonesian breed with a naturally short tail, four specific colors, and a history of being a prestigious gift from local elders.
Fewer than 100 genetically pure Raas cats remain, maintained by six official catteries in Indonesia under the supervision of the Indonesian Busok Raas Association. This extreme rarity stems from the breed's origins as a localized landrace on a small island, where isolation created a distinct population that was historically reserved for elite gifting rather than widespread ownership.
Origins and the history of prestige
The Raas cat is not a product of modern laboratory breeding but a naturally occurring landrace that developed through long-term isolation on Raas Island, located east of Madura Island in the Raas District of East Java. The island covers approximately 38.9 square kilometres, and the cat population there evolved into a distinct variety separate from the mainland. Historically, these cats were not common household pets; they were regarded as prestigious gifts given by local elders, known as kyai, to honoured guests or visiting officials. This tradition of limited gifting meant that ownership was restricted and the population never expanded widely, preserving the genetic distinctiveness but also limiting the numbers.
Physical structure and the natural tail
The breed is defined by a medium-sized, muscular build with a naturally shortened tail that ranges from tailless (rumpy) to short bobtailed forms. The head is shaped as an equilateral triangle with rounded cheekbones and a smooth, slightly curved forehead, while the nose features a gentle break located below the eye line, tolerated up to approximately 3 mm. The ears are medium to large, well separated, and positioned to point toward the 11 and 1 o'clock positions when viewed from the front. The body is solid and balanced rather than elongated, with hind legs that are slightly longer than the front legs, contributing to an athletic stance. The tail, when present, is typically kinked or bent at the tip and can be classified as rumpy (0 cm), rumpy riser (0–3 cm), stumpy (3–4 cm), or longy (4–10 cm).
The four accepted colour variations
The Raas comes in four specific colour variations: black, blue, chocolate, and lilac. Cats with a blue coat are known as Busok, while those with a chocolate coat are called Amethyst. The chocolate and its dilute form, lilac, are rare colour variations inherited as a recessive trait. While a true pure Raas cat has a non-white, solid coat (preferably blue), interbreeding with local cats on the islands has produced bicolours and colourpoint patterns such as sepia, mink, and point. A white belly is considered acceptable, but blue eyes are not accepted in the breed standard, with eye colour varying to include yellow, green, turquoise, or orange.
Current status and breeding efforts
Despite its unique characteristics, the Raas is not recognised as a cat breed in one of the major international cat registries. However, it holds Provisional Class status under the breed name Busok with the Hong Kong-based Feline Fanciers Federation (FFF), which registers the breed's pedigree. As of 2016, it was estimated that fewer than 100 Raas with pure genes remained, but as of 2026, the breed is being selectively bred in a controlled manner by six official catteries inside Indonesia. This work is supervised by the Indonesian Busok Raas Association (IBRA), a local independent breed club dedicated to conservation, promotion, and the introduction of the breed to national and international audiences.
Behaviour and environmental needs
These cats are known for their high activity levels, strong attachment to their owners, and a distinctive loud, deep vocalisation that sets them apart from other breeds. They are sensitive to cold temperatures and high humidity, which dictates their care requirements. Because of this sensitivity, they are typically kept indoors, especially during cooler or wetter seasons, to ensure their comfort and health. This environmental sensitivity, combined with their athletic nature, means they require a climate-controlled indoor environment rather than free-roaming access to the outdoors in variable weather.