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Havana Brown vs Oriental Shorthair
Both are devoted, short-coated cats of Siamese ancestry. The Oriental is louder and more active; the Havana Brown is calmer and Very rare.
Verdict
Both are affectionate cats bred from Siamese stock, and the Oriental Shorthair is the louder, busier one. It scores top marks for talkativeness and play and the lowest for independence, so it wants conversation and company all day. The Havana Brown is a rare chocolate-brown cat with green eyes. It scores moderate for energy and voice, and copes with a little more time alone. The Oriental is Uncommon and the Havana Brown is Very rare, so a kitten takes patience. Choose the Havana Brown for a calmer devoted cat, and the Oriental for a chatty athlete.
Choose the Havana Brown if
- You want a rich chocolate-brown cat with green eyes.
- You want a devoted, curious cat with a moderate voice.
- You can wait for a kitten from a Very rare breed.
- You want a CFA breed that has been recognised since 1964.
Choose the Oriental Shorthair if
- You want a talkative, athletic cat that you will play with daily.
- You want hundreds of colour combinations.
- You are home much of the day.
- You will ask about amyloidosis, eye disease and flat-chested kitten syndrome.
Where they are alike
Both have short, glossy coats that need almost no grooming and shed lightly. Both score top marks for affection and rate well with children and other pets.
Side by side
| Havana Brown | Oriental Shorthair | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | England, United Kingdom | United States and Europe, from Siamese stock |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 6-10 lb (2.7-4.5 kg); males are larger | Males about 8-12 lb (3.6-5.4 kg); females under about 8 lb (3.6 kg) |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | Often reported as 12-15 years; few studies |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Short to medium, smooth and glossy, with no undercoat | Short, fine, close-lying coat on a long, tubular body |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1964 | Championship breed since 1977 |
| How common | Very rare | Uncommon |
| Affection | 5 | 5 |
| Energy | 3 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 3 | 5 |
| Grooming needed | 1 | 1 |
| Shedding | 2 | 2 |
| Good with children | 4 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 2 | 1 |
| Trainability | 4 | 5 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 3 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The smooth coat sheds lightly, but people who react to cats may still react to this one. | — |
| Suits | A household that wants a rare, devoted, curious cat and is prepared to wait for a kitten. | A person who is home much of the day and wants a talkative, athletic, affectionate cat and will play with it daily. |
| Less suited to | A home that is empty for long hours, or anyone who needs an easy, quick choice of breeder. | A quiet home, or anyone who is away for long hours, since this cat dislikes being alone. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch | — |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026