Raas cat breed: facts, temperament and care
A very rare, muscular, short-coated Indonesian cat from Raas Island and Madura, known for blue and dark solid coats, high energy and a loud, deep voice.
Also known as Raas cat, Busok, Busok Raas, Raas Island cat, Madura cat
Quick facts
| Origin | Raas Island and Madura, Indonesia |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Coat length | Short |
| Coat | Short to medium, close-lying, smooth and glossy coat |
| Colours and patterns | Blue (known as Busok), black, chocolate and lilac; a white belly is accepted |
Recognition
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Not recognised by the CFA |
|---|---|
| How common | Very rare |
Temperament and care (1 low, 5 high)
| Affection | 4 |
|---|---|
| Energy | 5 |
| Playfulness | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 4 |
| Grooming needed | 1 |
| Shedding | 2 |
| Good with children | 3 |
| Good with other pets | 3 |
| Happy alone | 3 |
| Trainability | 3 |
| Suits a small home | 2 |
Best suited to
| Suits | Someone in a warm climate, with time and space for an athletic cat, who is ready to seek out one of the few official breeders. |
|---|---|
| Less suited to | A cold or very damp home, a small flat, or anyone who wants a quiet cat. |
About the Raas
The Raas is a very rare cat from Raas Island, a small island in the Raas district of East Java, and from the nearby island of Madura in Indonesia. It is a local type that people on the islands have long kept, and in recent years Indonesian breeders have worked to turn it into a standardised breed. No founding year is given. As of 2016 reports suggested fewer than a hundred pure cats were left, and by 2026 only a handful of official catteries bred them.
The Raas is not recognised by a major international registry. A small registry has given it provisional status under the name Busok, which is also the name of the blue colour, and an Indonesian association oversees its development. The cat is medium in size with a firm, muscular body and a short, smooth, glossy coat. Accepted colours are blue, black, chocolate and lilac, and a white belly is allowed.
Temperament and living with one
Raas cats are described as very active and athletic, strongly attached to their owners and unusually loud, with a deep voice. Little has been published about how they behave in homes outside Indonesia, so treat these accounts as a guide, not a guarantee.
An energetic cat of this type needs room to run and climb, daily play and company. Reports of how the cat gets on with children and other pets are limited. Introduce them gradually, supervise young children, and expect a cat that wants to be involved.
Care: coat, food and play
The short coat needs a weekly brush or a rub with a damp cloth. Trim the nails and check the ears and teeth. Offer measured meals of a complete diet and plenty of play.
Raas cats are reported to be sensitive to cold and to high humidity. In cool or wet weather they are usually kept indoors, so a warm, dry home matters. Provide a tall cat tree, sturdy perches and toys to chase.
Health
Health information on the Raas is very limited, and no breed-specific disease is documented. Because only a few cats are bred from, inbreeding is a risk, so ask any breeder what they know of the parents' health. Ask your vet about routine care, vaccination and parasite control, and about how to keep a cat from a warm climate comfortable.
Is it right for you?
The Raas is mainly a cat for people in Indonesia or for keen enthusiasts who can find a trustworthy breeder. It suits a warm home with space and an owner with time to give. If you want a short-coated, solid blue cat that is easy to find, look at the Russian Blue or the Korat.
Profile last reviewed November 7, 2026