Havana Brown cat breed: facts, temperament and care
A rare, rich chocolate-brown cat with green eyes and a distinctive muzzle, created in Britain in the 1950s from Siamese and black shorthairs.
Also known as Havana Brown cat, Havana, Brown cat
Quick facts
| Origin | England, United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Typical weight | 6-10 lb (2.7-4.5 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Short |
| Coat | Short to medium, smooth and glossy, with no undercoat |
| Colours and patterns | Even, warm chocolate brown only; brown whiskers and rosy paw pads |
Recognition
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1964 |
|---|---|
| How common | Very rare |
Temperament and care (1 low, 5 high)
| Affection | 5 |
|---|---|
| Energy | 3 |
| Playfulness | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 3 |
| Grooming needed | 1 |
| Shedding | 2 |
| Good with children | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 |
| Happy alone | 2 |
| Trainability | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 4 |
Allergies and health
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The smooth coat sheds lightly, but people who react to cats may still react to this one. |
|---|
Best suited to
| Suits | A household that wants a rare, devoted, curious cat and is prepared to wait for a kitten. |
|---|---|
| Less suited to | A home that is empty for long hours, or anyone who needs an easy, quick choice of breeder. |
Registries that recognise it
- CFA
- TICA
About the Havana Brown
The Havana Brown was created in England in the early 1950s by a group of fanciers who crossed Siamese carrying the chocolate gene with black domestic shorthairs. Their aim was a solid brown cat of Siamese type, something that had existed in Europe in the late 1800s but had faded as pointed Siamese became fashionable. The name probably comes from the colour of a Havana cigar. The first cats reached the United States soon after, and the CFA registered the breed in 1959 and gave it championship status in 1964.
The breed has diverged from its relatives since then. The Havana Brown has a medium build, a distinct head with a rounded muzzle that has a clear break behind the whisker pads, large forward-tilting ears and vivid green eyes. The coat is a warm, even chocolate with brown whiskers and rosy paw pads. Faint ghost tabby markings may show in kittens and young adults. Any other eye colour is a fault.
Numbers are very low. The CFA has run an outcrossing programme since 2019 to widen the gene pool, and few breeders are active worldwide.
Temperament and living with one
The Havana Brown is intelligent, curious and affectionate. It is known for using its paws, and may pick up small objects, open doors or feel for things with a lifted forepaw. It bonds with its family and often follows people from room to room. Many like to sit on a lap.
The voice is soft. The breed does not like to be left alone for long. It tends to get on well with dogs and with other cats, and is usually gentle with children.
Care: coat, food and play
The coat is simple to keep. Comb or brush a few times a month, and some owners buff the coat with a soft cloth for shine. Baths are rarely needed. Trim nails and check the ears.
Feed a complete diet in measured meals, since neutered cats can become heavy. Provide puzzle feeders, climbing spaces and interactive play, which suit its curiosity.
Health
Few inherited diseases are linked with the breed, and the narrow gene pool makes careful breeding important. Gum disease may be slightly more common than average, a trait seen in related Siamese-type cats, so ask your vet about dental care. Responsible breeders use genetic tests and the outcrossing programme. Ask any breeder for health records for the parents and kitten.
Is it right for you?
Choose a Havana Brown if you want a loyal, quiet, inquisitive cat with an unusual colour. The wait for a kitten can be long. If you want something easier to find, compare the Burmese or the Oriental Shorthair in chocolate.
Profile last reviewed November 7, 2026