Havana Brown Cats

The origin of the Havana Brown cats occurred through intentional and careful breeding. Unlike the naturally-occurring cat breeds, English cat breeders of desiring a solid brown cat with characteristics of Siamese cats bred Siamese cats with domestic shorthair black cats and sometimes Russian Blue cats. The result was the chocolate-colored Havana Brown. The Havana Brown cat breed was sometimes referred to as a chocolate-colored strain of Siamese or Swiss Mountain cats.

Cats of this breed in England are called Havana cats. The word “brown” was dropped from the cat breed’s name. However, in the United States, the breed name remains Havana Brown. Havana Browns were imported to the United States in the 1950’s.

In 1959, the Havana Brown cat was accepted by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). American Havana Brown cat breeders have tried to preserve the characteristics of the early Havana Browns. Though crossbreeding of Havana Brown cats was restricted in the mid-1970’s, crossbreeding was allowed to resume in the late twentieth century to improve the genetic diversity of the cat breed.

The coat of a Havana Brown cat is a deep chocolate or chestnut color. The coat should be a solid color with no markings. Even the whiskers are brown. Havana Brown kittens may have faint, tabby markings. A warm chocolate brown color with reddish-brown hue is considered most desirable by the CFA. A Havana Brown’s coat is smooth and feels like mink.

Graceful and lithe, their muscular, slender bodies are characteristic of the cat breed. Like their Siamese ancestors, many Havanas are vocal, though their voices tend to be softer than a Siamese. Havanas are people-oriented. They are devoted pets that typically love interacting with their owners. Havana Browns are playful and intelligent.

Havana Browns are medium-sized cats. A Havana Brown’s ears are large with rounded tips. The eyes of Havana Browns are oval, set wide apart, and green in color. Deeper colors of green are preferred. Tails of Havana cats are medium in length. The head is slightly longer than it is wide. The overall appearance of Havana cats is one of moderation and sleek balance.