Havana Brown: Length, Weight, Lifespan, Care Special Info
The Havana Brown was the result of organized breeding between Siamese and domestic black cats by a group of cat fanciers in England in the 1950s.
Early breeders introduced the Siamese type of Russian Blue into their breeding. However, using current genetic testing, it is believed that almost no gene remains in the pool.
It has been reported that self-browning cats were shown in Europe in the 1890s, given the name Swiss Mountain Cat. These disappeared after World War II, possibly because the Siamese Cat Club of Britain discouraged their breeding.
The Swiss Mountain cat was never used in modern Havana Brown’s breeding programs. However, they likely share genetics inherited from the Siamese.
- ORIGIN: England
- WEIGHT: About 6 to 10 pounds
- LENGTH: About 18 inches
- HEIGHT: 12″-14″
- COAT COLOR: Rich and even shade of warm brown; color tends toward red-brown (mahogany) rather than black-brown
Characteristics
While every cat has its own personality, as a general rule, Havana Brown cats are very friendly, sociable, and interested in everything that happens within their home.
They enjoy interaction with their humans, and will happily spend time sitting on their owner’s lap, participating in a spirited game of ribbon catch, or being brushed or stroked.
If their favorite human is not available, Havana Browns are usually more than happy to play with other household pets, both feline and canine. They also get along with children.
Adult air brown cats are medium-sized, with a somewhat muscular appearance that is graceful in action. When not investigating, socializing, or playing, they are likely to engage in one of their other favorite activities: taking a nice, long nap, possibly on their owner’s pillow or chair.
Adaptability: 5Point | Energy Level: 3Point |
Child Friendly: 4Point | Social Needs: 5Point |
Shedding Level: 3Point | Grooming: 1Point |
Health Issues: 1Point | Stranger Friendly: 3Point |
Affectionate: 5Point | Dog Friendly: 5Point |
Intelligence: 5Point |

History
Although solid brown cats are mentioned in the Tamara Maw Cat-Book poems, an ancient manuscript dating to 1350 c.e. is up to When the Siamese was established, the Havana Brown cat as we know it was a fairly new breed.
Those originally ancient brown cats were not only cute companions, they were believed to ward off evil. As they were considered highly prized, a handful of self-browning cats were brought to England from Siam in the late 19th century. They were described as “Siamese, with burnt chestnut coats and green-blue eyes”.
Not all of these early imports were genetically identical to today’s Hawaiian brown cats. Instead, they were probably Burmese, Tonkinese, and Chocolate Point Siamese. Some may have been the result of mating between Siamese and domestic black or blue cats, resulting in cats resembling contemporary Havana Browns.
Records show that solid brown cats were shown in Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
English show In 1888
In 1888, a brown cat was awarded first prize at an English show, providing further evidence that cat fanciers of that era admired these stunning chocolate-colored cats as much as we do today.
By the 1930s the British Siamese Cat Club banded solid brown cats without blue eyes out of competition, announcing, “The Club regrets that it is unable to encourage the breeding of any breed other than blue-eyed Siamese.”
Fortunately, this was not the end: solid brown Siamese cats became popular again in the early 1950s. A few English cat breeders came along, studied chocolate gene inheritance, and eventually started a breeding program.
They successfully mated Siamese cats with domestic shorthairs and a few Russian blues to produce solid chocolate point-colored kittens. It is worth noting that these breeds were darker than Burmese kittens, which are a light sable color.
In 1952, a solid chocolate kitten named Elmtower Bronze Idol was created by mating a Seal Point Siamese and a solid black cat, both of which were known to carry the chocolate gene.
This kitten, nicknamed the Bronze Idol, has the foundation genetics for today’s Havana Brown cats. The breed was accepted by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy in 1958 but was named Chestnut Brown Foreign.
1959 In the breed name was changed
In 1959, the breed name was changed. No one is certain whether the Havana brown cat is named after the Havana cigar or the Havana rabbit; Both cigars and rabbits share the rich color of the Havana Brown cat. In 1964, the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) recognized the Havana Brown and gave it breed championship status.
The Havana Brown cat gene pool was closed to outcrossing in 1974, and by the early 1990s, the breed was more difficult to find and breeders were forced to cross closely related cats.
The Wynne Feline Foundation and Doctor Leslie Lyons, Ph.D. At the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at the University of California, Davis stepped in, helping Havana Brown breeders develop a successful outcross program. In 1998, the CFA decided to allow outcrossing Seal Point and Chocolate Point Siamese cats, select Oriental Shorthair cats, and Solid Blue and Solid Black Domestic Shorthair cats.
Registries
Kittens produced by matings of registered Havana Brown cats may be mated to one of the permitted outcrosses followed by another Havana Brown. The resulting kittens can be registered and characterized as Havana Browns as long as the breed standards are met.
All major cat registries recognize the Havanna cat. The International Cat Association (TICA) recognizes the “lilac” (thin) color and calls the breed “Havana”. Other registries, including the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA) and the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), call the breed “Havana Brown”.
Appearance
The Havana Brown is an attractive cat, thanks to its sleek and shiny coat, which is a warm brown from the tip of its ears to the tip of its tail.
The mustache and nose are also brown. While Havana brown kittens and young adults may show very faint tabby stripes through their coats, these “ghost” markings should disappear by the time the cat reaches adulthood. The coat is fairly short, although some individual cats have slightly longer fur.
Bright green eyes are another hallmark of the breed. Any shade of vivid green is allowed by breed standards, but the deeper the better. Some of these cats have emerald-green eyes that really stand out against their brown coats. The overall shape of the head is somewhat triangular, a nod to the breed’s Siamese heritage.
Male air browns are usually slightly larger than females, but both are somewhat muscular, with long legs and slender tails that are well-proportioned to their overall body size. While this is a breed that does not shed as much as other cat breeds, it is not a hypoallergenic cat.
Temperament
Don’t get a Havana Brown if you don’t have a lot of time to interact with your cat. Havana Brown is human-oriented, playful, and whimsical. He has a strong desire to spend time with his people and involve himself in what they do. If you’re bothered by cats pawing at your feet, don’t get the Havana Brown.
Havana Brown uses her claws to probe and seek attention from her person. Interactive toys are his favorites – anything that will make sure he has your attention.
Personality
A Havana Brown’s personality is more distinctive than a cannon, ears, or mink-like coat. Although still very rare, Havanas have developed an enthusiastic following. Havana Browns are affectionate, docile, highly intelligent, and, unlike their Siamese compatriots, calm.
They are remarkably adaptable and agreeable cats and adjust to almost any situation with calmness and confidence. Havans must have human interaction if they are to live happy, healthy lives.
They crave the attention of their human companions and are not satisfied until they are by your side, helping you with your household chores.
Air people love to reach out and touch their favorite humans; They often nudge their human friends with outstretched paws as if seeking attention. Fetch is Havana’s favorite game, and they are often seen carrying toys and loose objects in their mouths.
If you’ve misplaced a sock or other small, easily carried item, check your air cat bed. You may find that it has magically found its way there.
Health
All cats have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all humans are prone to hereditary diseases.
Any breeder who claims his breed has no health or genetic problems is either lying or ignorant about the breed. Run, don’t walk, from any breeder who doesn’t offer health guarantees on kittens, who tells you the breed is 100 percent healthy and has no known problems, or who tells you their kittens are different from the mainstream. Family for health reasons.
Havana Browns are generally healthy, however, they are prone to developing calcium oxalate stones in the urinary tract. It is always wise to buy from a breeder who has a written health guarantee.
Remember that after you take a new kitten into your home, you have the power to protect her from one of the more common health problems: obesity. Keeping your Havana Brown at a healthy weight is the easiest way to protect her overall health.

Care
The short, smooth coat of the Havana Brown requires minimal grooming. Brush once a week with a soft slicker or rubber curry brush to remove ingrown hairs. To give the coat a brilliant shine, polish it with a chamois cloth after brushing. Keep your air-brown cat’s nails short and check inside the ears weekly.
If you see any dirt in the ear, use a pet ear cleanser to clean the ear using a cotton ball (never stick anything like a cotton swab in a cat’s ear). If the ears appear red, swollen, or excessively dirty, or if you notice your air brown shaking his head or scratching his ears, call for an appointment with your veterinarian.
Havana Browns are naturally active and curious, so it’s easy to encourage daily exercise with indoor enrichment and play. Bring out the toys a few times each day and involve your Havana Brown in play.
This breed is quite frisky, and many like to play with small dog-like toys. Give your Havana Brown plenty of climbing opportunities, with cat trees, shelves, or kitty condos.
Scratching is also an enjoyable and natural outlet for cats that helps exercise their leg and paw muscles while keeping their nails in tip-top shape.
Provide your air brown with several acceptable scratching locations, including vertical scratchers and horizontal scratchers.
Best Food For
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Savory Turkey Entrée Cat Food
- Hill’s Prescription Diet y/d Chicken Flavor Dry Cat Food
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Chicken Recipe Cat Food
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Feeding
All cats need access to clean, fresh water throughout the day. Your Havanese needs to stay hydrated for all the play on their to-do list! Your local pet stores have many high-quality cat foods that can give your Havanese the nutrients it needs.
Your cat’s size, exercise level, and age determine how much food to feed them. The food packaging will tell you how much to feed your cat each day. Divide the recommended amount into two meals, which are given to your cat about 8 to 12 hours apart.
Free feeding works with some cats. But having constant access to food may cause you to overeat. If you decide to free-feed, do so with dry food. Wet food can attract bacteria and mites if left out for long periods of time.
Your cat’s preferences and needs should determine whether you feed her wet or dry food.
Wet foods have plenty of moisture and a wide variety of flavors and textures. Wet food can be a good choice for people who are hungry or have trouble staying hydrated. On the other hand, dry food is cheaper and stays fresh longer than wet food.
Your cat’s nutritional needs will change as they age. Work with your vet to find the best diet for your Havanese throughout his life.
Grooming
Havana Brown’s silky coat is not overpowering. It is easy to groom with weekly brushing.
The only other grooming the Havana Brown needs is regular nail clipping and ear cleaning if the ears appear dirty. Use a mild cleanser recommended by your veterinarian. Brush teeth frequently with vet-approved pet toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath.
Start brushing, clipping nails, and brushing your cat while she is still a kitten, and she will take to these activities later.
Training
While you’re probably not going to train your cat to complete a wide range of tricks, it’s not too difficult to train them to do what they want, such as scratching at the scratch post and using the litter box.
Havana Brown cats are highly intelligent cats, and if they decide they want to do something, they have no problem doing it. The problem is that like most cats, they are fiercely independent and stubborn.
So, while litterbox training is easy, training them to do tricks is one of the most difficult tasks out there.
Exercise
Havana brown cats are playful in nature. Not only do they love to show off their athletic prowess with acrobatic leaps and high jumps, they appreciate exciting games of fetch and may bring a favorite toy to encourage you to join in the fun.
Treat your cat to plenty of toys and make sure they have things to keep them occupied when you can’t be there to play.
Puzzle games, a tall cat tree, multiple scratching posts, and a window seat with a view of the birdfeeder are some of the things that will help keep your air-brown cat entertained so they’re less likely to get into trouble while you’re away.
Adoption center
Havana Brown is an extremely rare breed of cat. If you want a Havana Brown kitten, it can be difficult to find. Your best bet is to attend a local cat show, where you can meet reputable breeders. Cat shows are fun to watch, and you can see many different cat breeds at once.
To find a cat show in your area, do an Internet search for “cat show near me” or check the Cat Fanciers Association website, which lists registered cat shows around the world.
Because these cats are rare and valuable, you are unlikely to find one at a cat rescue or shelter.
Havana brown Cat Video
See More Cat Breeds For Further Research
FAQs
How much is a Havana cat?
Rare Havana brown kittens are neither cheap nor easy to come by. A purebred Havana Brown that is three months old can cost $800 to $1,500 or more. It all depends on its quality, age, markings, breeder, and geographical location.
Are Havana Brown cats 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.
Are Havana Brown cats nice?
Havana Brown cats are friendly, affectionate, and playful cats of medium size. Rarely aloof or independent, Havana brown cats want to be as close to their people as possible. Some use their claws like hands to reach out and seek attention, and they need plenty of it.
How rare are Havana cats?
Havana Brown is extremely rare. It is estimated that fewer than 1,000 cats exist in the world. Havana Brown’s large, round-tipped ears are tilted forward, giving the cat an alert look.