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Havana Brown vs Siamese
Both are devoted, short-coated and descended from Siamese stock. The Siamese is far more talkative and common; the Havana Brown is calmer and Very rare.
Verdict
The Havana Brown was created in Britain from Siamese and black shorthairs, and the main difference is voice and energy. The Siamese scores top marks for talkativeness and intelligence, and scores lowest for independence, so it wants someone home all day. The Havana Brown is a chocolate-brown cat with a distinctive muzzle, scores moderate for energy, and copes with a little more time alone. The Siamese is Common and the Havana Brown is Very rare. Choose the Havana Brown for a calmer devoted cat, and the Siamese for a talkative companion that is easier to find.
Choose the Havana Brown if
- You want a rich chocolate-brown cat with green eyes.
- You prefer a moderate voice and energy level.
- You are prepared to wait for a kitten.
- You want a cat with no named breed-specific health watch-list in its profile.
Choose the Siamese if
- You want a cat that talks and follows you around.
- You want the classic blue-eyed pointed look.
- You want an easier search, since the Siamese is Common.
- You will ask your vet about progressive retinal atrophy and amyloidosis.
Where they are alike
Both are CFA championship breeds with short coats that need almost no grooming. Both score top marks for affection and both are best in a home that is not empty for long hours.
Side by side
| Havana Brown | Siamese | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | England, United Kingdom | Thailand (formerly Siam) |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 6-10 lb (2.7-4.5 kg); males are larger | 6-12 lb (2.7-5.4 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Short to medium, smooth and glossy, with no undercoat | Short, fine, glossy coat that lies close to the body, with no undercoat |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1964 | Championship breed since 1906 |
| How common | Very rare | Common |
| Affection | 5 | 5 |
| Energy | 3 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 4 |
| 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 | 4 |
| 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 or family at home often who enjoys a cat that talks, follows them about and wants to be involved in everything. |
| Less suited to | A home that is empty for long hours, or anyone who needs an easy, quick choice of breeder. | Anyone out all day, anyone who wants a quiet cat, or a household that cannot give a lot of attention. |
| 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