Havana Brown

The Havana Brown is a medium-sized cat with a long, muscular body. The males are larger than the females.

Size

Weight

Male Medium: 8-12 lbs.

Female Small: <8 lbs.

Coat

Length

Short, Medium

Texture

Smooth

Color

Brown, Lilac, Chocolate

Less Allergenic

Care

Longevity

8-13 yrs.

Needs

Moderate

Traits

Grooming

Social Needs

Eye Color

Green

Club Recognition

Associations

CFA, ACFA, TICA

Prevalence

Rare

The Havana Brown is a very rare breed. If a list of endangered cat breeds existed, the Havana Brown would probably be at the top.

About

The head of the Havana Brown is a triangle, but has a unique look because the chin is well developed and rather square. This look gives a corn cob appearance to the muzzle. The ears and eyes of the Havana are medium in size, and the eyes are a clear, bright green.

The coat of the Havana is short to medium in length, and is smooth and glossy. The coat color is a rich deep brown with mahogany undertones that is unique to this breed.

Personality

The Havana Brown is a playful cat but she is often content just playing with a favorite toy. She will also play with her parent, but can, at times, be a bit of a loner. This breed tends to get very close to one person and attaches herself to that person for life.

What to Expect

The Havana Brown must have her nutrition controlled to make certain that she does not become overweight. She is slender and muscled, and should be kept in that condition.

History

The Havana Brown has a somewhat clouded history. Some cat historians believe that this beautiful breed happened through an accidental breeding, while others believe that the breeding was deliberate. In either case, in 1952 in England, a chocolate kitten was born. This kitten was named Elmtower Bronze Idol and is considered to be the first Havana Brown kitten. The following year, there were four Havana Brown males. They are the foundation of the Havana Brown breed.

The Havana Brown was named for the deep, rich brown color of the Havana cigar. This made for some confusion at the inception of the breed, as many people thought that this meant the breed had originated in Cuba instead of England. A name change to the "Chestnut Brown" was attempted at one point, but this did not stick, and the name of the breed reverted to the original Havana Brown.

The Havana Brown is known as the Havana in Europe and in one cat registry in the United States. The European use of Havana is historical, while the American change reflects that the breed comes in a color other than its traditional deep brown.

The Havana is a very rare breed. If a list of endangered cat breeds existed, the Havana Brown would probably top the list. Currently, attempts are being made to save this breed from extinction. To that end, the cat registries may have to reopen the breed. That means they may change the registration rules to permit outcrossing of existing Havana Browns to another breed. So if you see a Havana Brown, understand that the cat registered this way may well have another breed in her pedigree. That can mean subtle but important changes in her personality and habits, as well as in appearance.