Havana Brown Cat: A Rare, Chocolate-Colored Companion

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

The Havana Brown looks like it has been sculpted from dark chocolate. Its warm, rich, mahogany coat, bright green eyes and curious expression make it one of the most distinctive of the small breeds. It is also one of the rarest, and a sociable, clever cat that wants to be part of whatever you are doing.

History

The breed began in 1950s England, where breeders crossed Siamese cats with black domestic shorthairs, and some kittens had solid chocolate coats. Breeders later added Russian Blue lines. The cats were first shown as Chestnut Brown Foreigns, and later took the name Havana, perhaps for the color of the Havana cigar or for the Havana rabbit. The breed was imported to the United States, where it was further developed and recognized by cat associations. Because the gene pool is small, it has remained rare, and in some parts of the world it is considered endangered as a breed. See the Siamese and Russian Blue profiles for the breeds behind its character.

Appearance

The coat is the defining feature: short, glossy and a warm, rich brown that ranges from mahogany to reddish tones. Whiskers are brown, and the nose leather has a rosy tone. The eyes are an oval shape and a vivid green. The head is longer than it is wide, with a distinct break at the muzzle, giving a "corn cob" look in profile, and ears are large and forward-tilted.

The body is medium-sized, firm and muscular, with long legs and a medium-length tail. Adult cats usually weigh seven to ten pounds.

Personality

Havana Browns are intelligent, curious and devoted. They often use their paws to touch, tap and explore, almost like hands, and they enjoy toys that can be manipulated. They like to be near their people, and they often follow them around the home or lie on their laps. Many are happy to be carried on a shoulder.

They are moderately vocal, with soft chirps and murmurs. They get along with children and other pets, though they prefer calm homes and do not like to be left alone for long periods. See cat separation anxiety and leaving a cat alone.

Puzzle toys, climbing trees and interactive play suit this clever breed well. See indoor cat enrichment ideas.

Grooming

The coat is easy to care for. A weekly brush or a rub with a soft cloth keeps it shiny. See how to brush a cat. Brush teeth, trim nails and check ears as with any cat. See how to trim cat nails and how to clean a cat's ears.

Health

Havana Browns are generally healthy, but, as with any small gene pool, some conditions may occur.

• Urinary problems, including crystals and bladder stones. See bladder stones and crystals in cats.
• Upper respiratory infections, which may be more frequent in some lines. See upper respiratory infections in cats.
• Dental disease. See cat dental disease.
• Weight gain if overfed. See how much should I feed my cat.

Ask breeders about the health of the parents, and keep vaccines up to date. See cat vaccination schedule.

Is it the right cat for you?

The Havana Brown suits people who want an affectionate, clever, moderately active cat and who can give it time and company. It is a good match for quiet households and apartments. It is a poor choice if you need a cat quickly, since kittens are rare, or if you will be away for long hours. See best cat breeds for apartments.

Finding a Havana Brown

Search for registered breeders through recognized associations, and expect a waiting list and travel. Avoid sellers who cannot show parentage or who sell kittens under eight weeks. See how to choose a kitten. Because the breed is so rare, supporting responsible breeders helps preserve it.

Living with a Havana Brown

Provide scratching posts, perches and toys. See how to choose a cat tree. Keep it indoors or in a catio, since it is such a rare cat. See how to build a catio and cat microchipping and identification.

When to see a vet

See a vet if your cat changes in appetite, litter box habits or breathing. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.