Havana Brown Cat: A Complete Guide to this Unforgettable Cat

Havana Brown fans often use the term “Chocolate Delights” to describe this beautiful chocolate brown cat with captivating green eyes. They are attentive, clever, loving, and have a mischievous attitude at times. Many people believe that once you’ve been by a Havana Brown, no other cat breed will ever suffice.

Quick Cat Fats About Havana Brown

• The Havana Brown is an extremely exotic breed.
• The Havana brown cat is the only one with brown whiskers.
• The name “Havana” was given to the breed because of its hue, rather than its origin.
• The Breed is a 20th-century recreation
• The breed was formerly known as the Chestnut Foreign Shorthair before being renamed the Havana Brown in 1970.

It is a privilege and a joy to share your house with a Havana Brown. This breed requires human company and contact. They get along with other cats, dogs, and kids. Individual personalities, of course, differ. Some are quiet, but the majority are extroverted, playful, and chatty in a lovely, coquettish manner. Not only will these endearing brown creatures insist on being a part of every family activity, but they will also insist on having the last say on everything.

Did You Know?

The Havana Brown is a brown variation of the Oriental Shorthair in the United Kingdom, while it is a distinct breed in the United States with a different body and head type.

Breed Information

What is a Havana Brown Cat?

• The Chestnut Foreign Shorthair cat was the original name for the Havana Brown cat. However, the breed name was formally altered to Havana Brown in 1970, and subsequently to just Havana.
• As we all know, the Havana cat currently comes in two kinds. The English, or European, Havana Brown, and the North American Havana Brown are the two varieties. 
• The North American strain is stockier and lacks considerable Siamese influence.
• Roofspringer Mahogany Quinn, a single imported female, is the ancestor of this line.
• Lilac was introduced as new coat color in 1983. (a pink-grey color). In addition, the breed name was officially changed back to Havana.

History of Havana Brown Cats

• The origin of the Havana Brown is unknown.
• Although brown cats first emerged in England in the early 1800s, the Havana Brown was not identified until the 1950s.
• The Havana Brown was called after the Havana cigar’s deep, rich brown hue. This caused considerable consternation when the breed was first introduced, since many people assumed it originated in Cuba rather than England.
• Breeding chocolate and seal point Siamese cats with black Domestic Shorthairs and a restricted cross with Russian Blues resulted in the creation (or re-creation, depending on the hypothesis).
• The breed name, Havana, was believed to be named from the Havana cigar or the Havana rabbit before being altered in 1970 from Chestnut Foreign Shorthair to Havana.
• Havana Brown cats first appeared in the United States in the mid-1950s and were officially recognized as a breed in 1983.
• Havana Brown is an extremely uncommon breed. If there was a list of endangered cat breeds, the Havana Brown would most likely be at the top. Attempts are now being undertaken to rescue this breed from extinction. As a result, cat registries may need to reopen the breed.

Are Havana Brown Cats Good Pets?

These kitties are just as lovely on the inside as they are on the exterior!

The Havana Brown cat is still uncommon. However, it is becoming more sought after. This is due to the fact that these sociable felines are excellent companions if you want your cat to keep you company.

They’ll want to hang out with you on a frequent basis. Not only when the food dish is brought out.

For the time being, their tiny population puts them out of reach for many of us.

However, if the breed grows in popularity, we may see a lot more of these unusual-looking cats.

Characters of The Havana Brown Cat

BODY 

Torso length is modest, and it is solid and muscular. Adult males are often bigger than adult females. The neck is medium in relation to the rest of the body.

HEAD

The head is narrower than it is long, with a noticeable split on both sides beneath the whisker pads.

The head of Havana brown is often characterized as light-bulb shaped. The skull is spherical, and the snout protrudes prominently from it. The connection between the head and the muzzle should be obvious.

In contrast to the rest of the head, the snout is rounded and relatively small.

EYES

• The aperture is oval in form.
• Medium is size.
• Set aside.
• Bright, attentive, and expressive.
• Hue: any vibrant and even shade of green; the darker the color, the better.

PAWS & LEGS

• For a cat with medium trunk and tail proportions, the ideal exemplar stands rather high on its legs.
• Legs are perfectly straight.
• Female legs are slender and delicate.
• The more strongly muscled, mature men will have less slenderness and length of leg.
• The hind legs of the Brown Havana cat are somewhat longer than the front legs.
• The paws are round and compact in shape.
• Five in front and four in behind.

TAIL

• The tail is medium in proportion to the body length. 
• It is slender, neither whip0like nor blunt at the end.
• Tapering at the end, and are not be too broad at the base.

COAT 

• Smooth and short to Medium.
• Straight, slender, and shiny. 
• The garment’s feel has been compared to that of a beautiful mink coat.

COLOR

• A rich and even shade of warm brown that runs throughout; the color leans toward red-brown (mahogany) rather than black-brown. 
• Leather brown nose with a pink flush.
•  The paw pads have a pink tone to them. 
• Whiskers are a chestnut hue that complements the coat.

The Temperament of a Havana Brown Cat

• Overall, the Havana brown cat has a wonderfully balanced disposition. They are curious and intelligent, but they also enjoy affection and company.
• They have a medium degree of energy. So, while you’re busy doing other things, a Havana may easily have a pleasant rest.
• The Havana cat is not very vocal. It likes to use its paws to get attention or to explore new things. However, you may sometimes hear a trill or chirp.
• This type is ideal for families seeking for a sociable, lively, and loving dog. They will be sociable and affectionate as long as they are properly socialized as kittens.
• For a short-haired cat, Havana browns are fairly active. They may like running about your home for a while, but they also enjoy resting or dozing on someone’s lap.

How Friendly Are Havana Brown Cats?

• Havana Browns are inquisitive, clever, sociable cats that like being around humans.
• They may be chatty and want to be a part of whatever you do. 
• They may also be mischievous, which makes for an intriguing household atmosphere.
• Furthermore, they get along nicely with other cats, dogs, and other pets. Havana Brown cats are adaptable to most circumstances, which may be advantageous for households that move often. This implies that they make excellent family members.
• Don’t be shocked if your Havana brown approaches you, places its paw on your palm, and meows at you as if it’s communicating with you.

Individual cats will have distinct personalities and may or may not adhere to breed criteria. Poor socialization as a kitten may make a cat less sociable, therefore temperament should not be used as the only determinant of the breed.

Is Havana Brown Cat an active breed?

Havana brown are more than just couch potatoes. They like playing and running everywhere, particularly if they can do so with other cats. Having said that, they are neither hyper nor excessively energetic, since they like napping and lying about for a portion of the day.

If you have a Havana brown cat, he or she will most likely like playing with a feather on a string or perhaps love to chase a laser pointer.

Exercise Requirements for Havana Brown Cat

• Havana Brown Cats need a VERY LITTLE EXERCISE.
• They are fairly active inside and have a muscular and tidy bodies.
•  If you see your Havana Brown appearing slow or lethargic, it’s time to take him to the vet.

Grooming Requirements for a Havana Brown Cat

• It is important to have a regular brushing and grooming regimen. Include cleaning the ears, trimming the claws, and inspecting the body of your cat.
• Fortunately, the Havana cat enjoys being the center of attention. As a result, it will be a willing participant in this process.
• The coat is short, glossy, and close to the body. As a result, it is simple to give your cat a thorough brushing without meeting any mats or tangles.
• This breed’s low shedding is an excellent trait. Brushing once a week is generally adequate, and bathing should be done only when absolutely required.
• Bathing the cat while it is young can help it get used to being handled and wet, and it may prevent some severe scratches.
• To keep the shredding to a minimal, trim the nails once a month or as required. 

We also recommend that you provide your cat with a scratching post.

Paying attention to your cat’s dental hygiene and cleaning the ears on a regular basis may also significantly enhance overall health.

Can you take Havana Cats out of the House?

• This is a choice that will be different for each owner. Havanas have distinct looks and great personalities.
• As a result, they are likely to draw a lot of attention while they are out and about, and they generally do not shy away from strangers. This is all due to their inquisitive and inquisitive nature.
• Havanas will most certainly like exploring the outside world, but this curiosity may be hazardous for cats at times, especially if you live in a densely populated region with a lot of fast highways.

This choice will ultimately be determined by your circumstances.

Is Havana Brown Cat prone to shedding?

The Havana cat sheds very little. As a result, it requires nothing in the way of conventional upkeep.

Grooming on a regular basis will assist to keep Havana’s shedding to a minimum.

This kind of low-shedding dog is popular among individuals who are allergic to cats.

Is Havana, however, hypoallergenic?

Is it true that Havana Cats are Hypoallergenic?

Cats that are hypoallergenic are those that are least prone to elicit allergic responses. 

Truly, no cat breed is entirely hypoallergenic, and allergies are always a possibility. This is due to the presence of allergens that trigger responses in most people in your cat’s saliva, skin flakes, and perianal glands.

 If you are allergic to cats, it is advisable to spend some time with a Havana cat before bringing them home. This will assist you in determining how severely impacted you are.

Health Issues with Havana Cats

Because Havana Brown’s gene pool is insufficiently diversified, this breed is prone to some genetic-based health problems. Aside from that, the Havana Brown cat is a healthy breed in general.

These are some of Havana Brown Cat’s health issues:

• Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases (FLUTD)

Peeing outside the litter box is often the first indication that your cat has this disease, even if he or she has been neutered or spayed. Another symptom, particularly in male cats, is difficulty urinating. This is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate veterinarian attention!

Havana Brown cats are known to be prone to acquiring bladder stones, also known as calculi (calcium deposits). FLUTD may be caused by the presence of these stones.

FLUTD has also been related to diabetes and renal problems. Dietary modifications are the most often used therapy.

• Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a heritable blood disease that affects clotting function.

When blood cannot clot, even minor injuries may be deadly.

• Kidney Disease

FLUTD is related to kidney damage in many elderly cats. But there is also a genetic kind.

Breeders of Havana cats should record occurrences of kidney illness in a kitten’s family tree and prevent breeding with cats that are prone to pass on hereditary renal disease.

• Diabetes

It is another major health issue that affects both humans and cats.

Diabetes may not be caused in some cats until they grow overweight or obese. However, the Havana Brown cat breed is predisposed to hereditary diabetes. As a result, your cat is more likely than not to develop diabetes.

Your veterinarian may perform a test to identify diabetes, which is usually treated with food changes alone or in conjunction with insulin injections.

Life-Threatening disease in Havana Brown Cat

• Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a condition that affects the heart (heart disease) Heart disease may arise as a result of a hereditary susceptibility in a breed line. Or via other diseases that may harm the cardiac muscle.

Because of Havana Brown’s proclivity for thyroid dysfunction, it may also harm the heart, causing it to thicken and fail to pump efficiently.

A genetic test known as HCM can identify whether breeding cats have inheritable cardiomyopathy that they may pass on to their offspring.

Arterial Thromboembolism

• FATE, or feline aortic thromboembolism, is a technical term for blood clots in the arteries of the heart.
• While symptoms vary, the most common is abrupt hind-leg paralysis. 
• This is a life-threatening situation, and your cat may need immediate veterinary attention! 
• A diagnosis of cardiomyopathy increases your cat’s chances of acquiring FATE.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a risk factor for the Havana Brown cat. When the thyroid gland develops a tumor (usually benign), the gland produces more hormones.

The following are the early warning signs:

• Vomiting
• Restlessness
• Weight reduction
• Increased drinking of water

Your veterinarian may do tests to see whether you have thyroid malfunction or a tumor. This condition has a treatment option. However, it is better to catch it early!

Are Havana Brown Cats Allergy Prone?

Yes, Havana Brown cats may develop skin allergies (atopy). This may have a hereditary basis or not.

• Excessive itching or licking of certain places is typically the first sign to emerge. 
• Food allergies, environmental allergies, and pollen/mold allergies are often to blame.
• Your veterinarian may perform tests to identify the source of the allergy and prescribe the proper therapy.

How to Take Care of Your Havana Brown Cat?

• You must provide the finest care for your Havana cat breed if you want them to live the longest.
• Although they do not need any particular care, you should keep up with frequent grooming, vet visits, and even check them over at home for any issues.
• Making ensuring Havana Brown is on the finest diet possible is a big component of keeping them healthy.

Recommendations for Havana Cat Food

• These cats are prone to obesity if free-feeding is not complemented by enough exercise and fun.
• Obesity may raise your Havana brown’s chance of getting diabetes, heart disease, and other severe health problems later in life.
• So, make sure you’re feeding your cat high-quality food and not giving them more than they need.
• Avoid providing too many sweets outside of meals. If you are concerned about your cat’s weight, take them to the doctor.

How much does a Havana Kitten Cost?

The scarcity of Havana Brown kittens usually influences the price of a Havana Brown cat.

Kittens may cost up to $1,250. Especially if the kitten is descended from a champion line. If you decide to acquire a Havana Brown kitten, make every effort to visit the cattery in person. 

Before buying a kitten from any breeder, check the license and pedigree of the breeding pair, see the cat’s parents, interact with the litter of kittens, and speak with references.

Due to the scarcity of Havana Brown cats throughout the globe, reputable Havana Brown breeders often have lengthy waiting lists. The good news is that Havana Brown cat owners believe it is always worth the wait to enjoy the companionship of your very own Havana Brown kitten!

Adopting an adult Havana Brown cat, particularly one that will not be bred, may be less expensive.

Conclusion: 

• Havana Brown Cats are the most loving creatures on the planet. They are nothing more than a gift in disguise.
• Purebred Havana Brown Cats are difficult to find. As a result, you may have a better chance of discovering a mixed breed cat with Havana heritage.
• In recent years, mixed breeds have grown in popularity. When searching for a healthy Havana mix kitten, it’s also important to select a reliable breeder.

Whether you have a mixed breed or not, make sure you have everything you need before bringing the tiny furball home. It is your duty as a pet parent to meet all of your kitten or cat’s requirements. Make sure to check out our website to learn more about what’s good and harmful for your little furball.