If you’ve ever seen a chocolate delight with mesmerizing green eyes and a charming character, it might have been the Havana Brown cat breed. These cats are friendly, intelligent, and playful, and they love human interaction and companionship. Their unique appearance sets them apart from other breeds, with a rich brown coat and a distinctive head shape. This article will explore the characteristics, history, temperament, care, health, and where to buy these fascinating cats.
Breed Overview
| Weight | About 6 to 10 pounds |
|---|---|
| Length | About 18 inches |
| Coat Length | Short to medium length hair |
| Coat Colors | Rich and even shade of warm brown; color tends toward red-brown (mahogany) rather than black-brown. Some European Havana cats may also come in lilac, blue, or black. |
| Eye Colors | Any vivid and level shade of green |
| Personality | Outgoing, playful, alert, and intelligent. Very affectionate and people-oriented. Curious and exploratory. Talkative but not noisy. Sociable with other cats, dogs, and children. |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Good with Kids | Yes |
| Good with Pets | Yes |
| Origin | England |
History of the Havana Brown Cat
The Havana Brown is a relatively new breed that was developed in England in the 1950s by crossing Siamese, domestic shorthairs, and Russian Blues. The name, Havana Brown, comes from the resemblance of their coat color to Cuban cigars.
The breed traces its origins to late 19th century England, when solid brown cats were exhibited at British cat shows under various names, such as Swiss Mountain Cat or Chestnut Foreign Shorthair. Some of these cats may have been imported from Thailand or Siam, where brown cats were considered to offer protection from evil.
By 1930, the British Siamese Cat Club banned solid brown cats without blue eyes from the competition, stating that they only encouraged blue-eyed Siamese. This led to a decline in the popularity of brown cats until the 1950s when a group of cat fanciers decided to revive the breed by crossing Siamese with black or blue domestic shorthairs. They also introduced some Russian Blue genes into the breeding program.
The first Havana Brown was registered in 1952 by Mrs. Armitage Hargreaves of Laurentide Cattery in England. The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) recognized the breed in 1958. The first Havana Browns were exported to North America in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) recognized the breed in 1964.
Today the Havana Brown is still a rare breed, with only a few hundred registered yearly. It is considered to be endangered by some organizations due to its limited gene pool and low fertility rate.
Appearance
The Havana Brown is a medium-sized cat that weighs between 6 and 10 pounds. The coat is short to medium in length, smooth, lustrous, and close-lying. The color is rich, warm, and brown with red undertones. The head is slightly longer than wide, narrowing to a rounded muzzle with prominent whisker pads. The ears are large and tilted forward. The eyes are oval and green. The tail is medium in length and tapered.
The Havana Brown has two variations: the American Havana Brown and the European Havana. The American Havana Brown has a more muscular body type than the European Havana, which has a more oriental body type. The European Havana also comes in other colors besides brown, such as lilac, blue, or black.
Personality
The Havana Brown is an alert, intelligent, and curious cat that loves to explore its environment. It is very affectionate and people-oriented, often following its owner around the house and demanding attention. It is playful and talkative but not overly noisy or demanding. It gets along well with other cats, dogs, and children.
The Havana Brown needs human companionship and interaction to be happy. It may not do well in a home where it is left alone for long periods of time or ignored. It may also become bored or destructive if it does not have enough toys or stimulation.
The Havana Brown is known for its unique habit of reaching out with its paw, like a hand, to touch and feel things or to ask for attention. It is also sensitive by nature and may gently touch its human companions as if it is extending a paw of friendship.
Care
Grooming
The Havana Brown has a low-shedding coat that requires minimal grooming. Weekly brushing with a soft rubber or chamois cloth will keep it shiny and healthy. Bathing is not necessary unless the cat is being shown. The nails should be trimmed regularly, and the ears should be gently cleaned with a cotton ball. The teeth should be brushed daily or at least weekly with vet-approved toothpaste.
Diet and Nutrition
The Havana Brown needs a high-quality diet that contains real meat or fish as the main ingredient. The portion size should be appropriate for its age and weight. Treats should be given sparingly and only healthy ones. Supplements are not necessary unless recommended by a vet.
Activity
The Havana Brown is moderately active and enjoys playing with toys or chasing other pets. It should have access to scratching posts and climbing trees to keep its claws healthy, and its muscles toned.
Common Health Issues
The Havana Brown is generally a healthy breed that has no specific genetic diseases. However, it may be prone to some of the common health problems that affect cats in general, such as:
- Upper respiratory infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Feline leukemia virus
- Feline immunodeficiency virus
- Worms
- Fleas, ticks, and ear mites
- Dental problems
- Allergies
The Havana Brown should be vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and microchipped as recommended by a vet. It should also have regular check-ups and screenings for any potential health issues.
To keep the Havana Brown healthy and happy, it should be kept indoors or in a secure enclosure to prevent exposure to diseases, parasites, predators, or accidents. It should also have a clean and comfortable environment with fresh water, litter boxes, toys, and hiding places. It should be given plenty of love and attention to prevent stress or depression.
Where to Buy a Havana Brown Cat
You can expect to pay between $500 and $1,500 for a Havana Brown kitten from a reputable breeder. The price may vary depending on the kitten’s location, quality, and availability.
If you are interested in buying a Havana Brown cat, you should do some research and find a reputable breeder who can provide you with health certificates and pedigree papers for the kitten. You should also visit the breeder’s facility and meet the kitten’s parents and siblings to get an idea of their temperament and health.
To get started in your search for a Havana Brown, check with the different fancier associations for help locating a breeder:
- The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA)
- The International Cat Association (TICA)
- The American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA)
- The Havana Brown Fanciers (HBF)
With some luck, you may find a Havana Brown cat from a rescue group or a shelter that specializes in this breed. Some of these include:
- The Havana Brown Rescue
- The Havana Brown Society
- The Havana Brown Cat Club
Conclusion
The Havana Brown is a rare and beautiful cat breed that has a chocolate brown coat and green eyes. It is a friendly, intelligent, and playful cat that loves human interaction and companionship. It has minimal grooming and maintenance needs but requires a high-quality diet and moderate exercise. It is generally healthy but susceptible to common cat health problems. The Havana Brown is a perfect pet for anyone who wants a loyal and charming companion.
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FAQ
Q: Are Havan Brown cats rare?
Havana Brown cats are one of the rarest cat breeds in the world, with some estimating fewer than 1,000 left. They are also considered to be endangered by some organizations due to their limited gene pool and low fertility rate. The breed was created in England in the 1950s by crossing Siamese, domestic shorthairs, and Russian Blues, but it faced a decline in popularity and recognition until the 1960s. Since then, some breeders have been trying to save the breed from extinction by introducing other breeds into the breeding program, such as black or blue domestic shorthairs, Oriental Shorthairs, or chocolate-point or seal-point Siamese.
Q: Are Havan Brown cats hypoallergenic?
No, Havana Brown cats are not hypoallergenic. They have a short to medium coat that sheds moderately, which means they may produce less dander than some other cats, but they still produce a normal amount of saliva allergen. Dander and saliva are the main sources of cat allergens that can trigger allergic reactions in some people. Therefore, allergy sufferers may still be affected by Havana Brown cats.
Q: How much do Havan Brown cats cost?
A: The price of a Havana Brown cat may vary depending on the quality, age, and markings of the cat, as well as the location and reputation of the breeder. On average, a Havana Brown cat can cost between $300 and $1,500. However, this breed is very rare and hard to find, so you may have to pay extra for shipping or travel expenses if you want to buy one from a distant breeder.
Q: How do I train a Havana Brown cat?
A: A Havana Brown cat is easy to train because it is smart and eager to please. You can use positive reinforcement methods such as praise, treats, toys, and clicker training to teach your cat basic commands and tricks. You can also use a scratching post, a litter box, and a cat carrier to train your cat to behave appropriately in your home.
Q: How do I socialize a Havana Brown cat?
A: A Havana Brown cat is naturally sociable and gets along well with other cats, dogs, and children. You can socialize your cat by exposing it to different people, animals, and situations from an early age. You can also play with your cat regularly and provide it with toys and enrichment activities to keep it stimulated and happy.
