havana brown cat

Did You Know?

A rare cat breed whose genetic diversity is threatened, the Havana Brown boasts a fur that resembles the mystique wrapping of the Cuban cigar.

Size

Medium-sized cat, weighing 6 to 10 pounds

Coat

Short, smooth

Color

Chocolate brown

Life Span

10-15 years

Playful and smart, the Havana Brown is often described as the perfect family cat. Pet the kitty nicely, and you will have the best companion for a lifetime, thanks to his gentle, amiable, and affectionate nature. They live up to 10-15 years.

Physical Characteristics of Havana Brown

Nicknamed “Chocolate Delights” by cat lovers, the charming Havana Brown’s chocolate brown color is a symbol of grandeur. The cat enjoys chatting with his owner in a soft voice.

One distinguishing feature of the cat breed is their uncommon head shape, which is longer and less wide.

Large, round-tipped ears of the tobacco-colored cat slightly tilt forward, giving him an alert appearance. His brownish nose leather has a rosy flush. There is sparse hair growth in and outside of the ears.

His mesmerizing oval-shaped emerald eyes amplify his looks and personality. The distinctive muzzle shape and coat color, with green eyes and large, forward tilted ears, are distinctive physical characteristics of his personality and this sets him apart from other breeds.

His firm, muscular body is draped in short, smooth fur, which is rich, warm reddish-brown in color.  The cat’s prominent whisker pads are of rosy brown color similar to his nose leather. Slight tabby markings are visible in kittens and young adults, which disappear as the cat matures.

A typical Havana Brown is a cat of firm, muscular built, with a medium size structure, who weighs more than he appears. The kitty exhibits a sense of power but is a showcase of gracefulness and elegance.

Personality and Temperament of Havana Brown

Affectionate, alert, and intelligent, the Havana Brown rarely exhibits a mischievous personality. A lovable companion for the true cat connoisseur, the Havana Brown is friendly with children who treat him nicely.  His amiable nature makes him an equally friendly buddy for cat-friendly pets.

He enjoys playing fetch and learning tricks and often loves to carry fetch and stray objects in their mouths. Do not be surprised to find your misplaced items in your feline’s bed. The Havana Brown exhibits untiring stamina while playing with kids and does not tire of easily.  The moderately active breed compared to other shorthair breeds loves a good nap in your lap.

The quiet, affectionate cat adapts to any situation with poise and confidence, but craves for attention from their favorite people in the house. Constant human interaction is a must for a happier, healthier kitty.

The human-oriented cat is not content unless they are by your side, ever willing to follow you wherever you go and offer a helping hand for household tasks. They seek closeness with their favorite humans and reaches out to their human pals with an outstretched paw craving for more attention.

The Havana Brown has a soft voice. He is not as talkative as his Siamese cousin, but that does not mean he is not sociable. He is the perfect companion for a pet-loving family that can give him the attention he deserves.

When it comes to introducing new pets to the Havana Brown, do it slowly and in controlled circumstances. This will ensure that the pets learn to get along together and do not see each other as contenders.

Health and Care of Havana Brown

The Havana Brown boasts a short coat, which is smooth and easy to care for. They do not experience much hair loss or shedding. Weekly brushing of their chocolate-colored coat in a rich mahogany shade is all they need to keep it smooth. Besides this, they do not require much grooming.

Check and clean their ear weekly and trim their nails regularly.

The charming beauty is a generally healthy cat breed; however, some cats of the breed can develop calcium oxalate stones in their urinary tract.

Some members of the Havana Brown family are prone to infections of the upper respiratory tract.

They have a lifespan of about 10-15 years.

History and Background of Havana Brown

A man-made breed, the Havana Brown has been created by crossing the chocolate- and seal-point Siamese with Russian Blues and black domestic shorthairs. The cat breed came to be known as the Havana Brown for their striking chocolate brown color and emerald eyes. The cat is also fondly called the Chestnut Foreign Shorthairs.

North America’s first Havana Brown arrived in the mid-1950s. The Cat Fanciers Association recognized the breed in 1959. The Championship status was granted in 1964.