Havana Brown
The rare, chocolate-brown cat that explores with its paws
The Havana Brown was developed in Britain in the 1950s by crossing Siamese cats with black domestic cats, with the aim of a solid chocolate-brown cat. The name comes from the colour of a Havana cigar. It is a rare breed, and has been more popular in the United States.
It is known for its green eyes and its habit of patting things with its paws.
Havana Brown at a glance
- Origin
- Britain
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- Usually 3 to 4.5 kg
- Lifespan
- Often 12 to 15 years
- Coat
- Short, smooth and glossy
- Colours
- Rich chocolate brown, with brown whiskers and nose
Personality scorecard
- Energy
- 3 out of 5
- Affection
- 4 out of 5
- Chattiness
- 2 out of 5
- Grooming needed
- 1 out of 5
- Good with children
- 4 out of 5
- Good with other pets
- 3 out of 5
Our own rough guide. Every cat is different.
What they look like
A medium, firm-bodied cat with a head longer than it is wide, a distinct stop at the nose, large, rounded, forward-tilted ears and oval green eyes. The coat is a warm, even chocolate, with brown whiskers and a rosy-brown nose and paw pads.
Personality
Gentle, curious and people-oriented. Havana Browns are known for using their paws to investigate things, for bonding closely with their families, and for being quieter than a Siamese. They are playful, and happiest with company.
Care and grooming
Very little grooming: a weekly rub. Give them play, puzzle toys and attention. Measure meals, and keep up with dental checks.
Health to know about
Generally healthy, but because the breed is rare, ask breeders about health testing and how closely related the parents are. Siamese-line cats can be prone to dental, breathing and eye conditions.
Could suit
- Calm homes with company during the day
- People who want a gentle, curious cat
- Owners happy to wait for a rare kitten
Think twice if
- If you are out all day
- If you want a widely available breed
- If you want a very active climber
“I patted it. I investigated it. I have concluded: it is mine.”
Name ideas for a Havana Brown
- Cocoa
- Havana
- Mocha
- Brownie
- Cuba
- Mojito
- Hazel
- Coffee
- Cinnamon
- Truffle
Want more? Try the cat name generator, or find out their age in human years with the cat age calculator.
Questions people ask
Why is it called a Havana Brown?
Because the colour is like that of a Havana cigar.
Are Havana Brown cats rare?
Yes, it is a rare breed, so you may need to wait for a kitten.
Are Havana Browns vocal?
They are quieter than a Siamese, with a soft voice.
Do Havana Browns like attention?
Yes, they bond closely with their families and like company.
Other breeds to meet
This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about your own cat.
