What Does the Havana Brown Look Like?
The Havana Brown has a rich, tobacco-colored coat. They’re sometimes mistaken for black cats, but their coats have a reddish hue that makes them easily identifiable. The fur is short and sleek, and the body is muscular. They’re medium-sized cats, typically weighing between 6 and 10 pounds.
Another thing you’ll notice is the Havana Brown’s striking green eyes and their distinctive head shape. They have a long, narrow muzzle and high cheekbones that are typical of Siamese cats. Their ears are big and pointed or rounded at the tips, and their tails are long and slender.
What Is the Temperament of a Havana Brown Like?
Havana Browns are typically outgoing and friendly cats. They love to follow their humans around the house and be involved in everything that’s going on. They’re intelligent cats, and like to play with teaser toys or puzzle games. If they’re curious about something, they’ll touch it gently with their paw, and they may also do it to you as a friendly gesture.
Their temperament is similar to that of a Siamese cat, which means they can be demanding and talkative. However, they’re subtler in their voice and personality than the Siamese and some other related breeds. They’ll talk to you a lot, but not so loudly your ears will fall off!
Do They Make Good Pets?
Yes, Havana Browns make great pets. They’re friendly and affectionate, and they love to play. They’re also smart cats that enjoy a challenge, so they’ll keep you entertained. When they’re done playing, they’ll be happy to curl up on your lap for a nap.
These cats can play favorites, so don’t be jealous if they always sleep next to one person in the household. They can also be a little demanding, so if you’re not up for that type of personality, this may not be the breed for you.
Will They Get Along with Other Cats and Dogs?
Havana Browns typically get along well with other cats and dogs. However, as with any pet, it’s important to socialize them early on and make sure they’re comfortable around other animals. Some cats of this breed can be more reserved and need their own quiet space to hide in when they get overwhelmed.
Are They Healthy Cats? How Long Do They Live?
Havana Browns are healthy cats and typically have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. As with any breed, there may be some health risks associated with owning a Havana Brown with an unknown background, so it’s important to get your cat from a good source. Responsible breeders will screen their cats for health issues and breed only healthy animals.
One health issue that is common in young Havana Browns are upper respiratory infections. They’re typically caused by bacteria or viruses and can be treated with antibiotics or other medication if caught early.
What Are the Grooming Needs of a Havana Brown?
Havana Browns don’t require a lot of grooming, but a weekly brushing with a soft rubber brush is a great way to bond with your cat, as well as to keep their fur looking neat. To make it shiny, polish it with a soft chamois cloth or a silk scarf. These cats don’t shed much regardless of the season.
You’ll also want to trim their nails regularly and check their ears for dirt or signs of infection. You can clean their ears with a gentle, non-irritating cleanser. If you’re not comfortable doing these things yourself, you could take your cat to a professional groomer every few months.
Because modern cat diets are processed and softer than whole prey, you may need to clean your pet’s teeth a few times a week to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease. If you get your kitten used to tooth brushing from the beginning, it will be easy to stick to a routine.
Should You Bathe Your Havana Brown?
Bathing your Havana Brown is rarely necessary, but you can do it if they get into something dirty. Use a mild shampoo and warm water, and be sure to rinse all the soap off. Towel dry them and then use a hairdryer on low heat to finish drying them off.
Where Can You Get a Havana Brown?
Havana Browns are not a common breed, so you may have to do some research to find a reputable breeder. One way is to look through the Cat Fanciers’ Association’s online listings. A kitten from a good source will usually cost $800 to $1,300 and come with a health guarantee.
You can also check with shelters or breed-specific rescue organizations to see if they have any Havana Browns available for adoption. Adopting a cat is cheaper, but you may not know everything about their background. No matter where you get your cat, be sure to ask lots of questions to make sure you’re getting a healthy, well-socialized animal.
What’s the History of the Havana Brown Cat Breed?
Despite its name, the Havana Brown doesn’t come from Havana, or from the Americas at all. This cat is a descendant of solid-brown Siamese cats, which were first imported to Britain from Thailand and exhibited in the 1890s.
Somehow, they got the name ‘Swiss Mountain Cat’. In the 1920s, solid-brown cats without blue eyes were no longer accepted by the Siamese Cat Club of Britain, so their popularity dropped. A group of British breeders brought them back in the 1950s by crossing a chocolate-point Siamese with a non-pedigreed shorthaired black cat.
Before the breed was recognized as the Havana Brown, Russian Blue and Burmese blood may have been added to the mix. Still, the Cat Fanciers’ Association found that breeding a black shorthair and a seal-point Siamese carrying the chocolate gene was the best way to produce solid-brown cats.
They were brought to the United States in the 1950s, and the breed was accepted by the Cat Fanciers’ Association for championship competition in 1964. The Havana Brown is now a popular household pet in the United States, Europe, and Australia. In the UK, they’re known as brown Oriental Shorthairs.
Is the Havana Brown the Right Cat for You?
The Havana Brown is an all-around great cat. They’re typically healthy and have a low-maintenance coat. They’re outgoing, smart and playful, and make great lap cats. If you’re looking for a brown cat with the temperament of a Siamese, the Havana Brown may be the perfect breed for you.
The only reason someone may not like this breed is if they’re not a fan of Siamese-type cats, which can be demanding and vocal. They may not be suitable for homes with newborns and infants, as they may wake your kid up with their frequent meowing. Otherwise, the Havana Brown is a great pet for any home – with or without children and other pets.
Fun Facts about Havana Browns
If the above information hasn’t quite satisfied you, here are a few more interesting facts we’ve found about these chocolate-colored kitties.
- They may have been named Havana Brown because their coat is similar in color to fine Havana cigars. Another theory is that they were named after the Havana rabbit, which comes in chocolate among other colors.
- Since the breeding pool is small, they were once an endangered breed, with only 130 cats in 12 catteries registered in the CFA in the late 1990s.
- In 1998, an outcrossing program has begun to help rebuild the Havana Brown’s population. It has been permitted to cross them with the Siamese and some other kinds of cats, producing kittens that can be then bred to other Havana Browns to achieve purebred cats.
- Kittens and young adults may have barely-noticeable tabby markings, which disappear with age.
Ready to Get One of These Self-Brown Cats?
If you’ve read this far and decided that the Havana Brown is the right cat for you, congrats! You’re going to have an expressive and playful companion for years to come. You can buy a kitten from a CFA-registered cattery or adopt one that’s looking for a good home. Either way, you won’t be disappointed!
Have you ever had one of these chestnut or chocolate-colored cats? Share your experience in the comments below.
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