Havana Brown Cats

Common Name(s)
  Havana Brown, Havana, Chestnut Brown, Chestnut Brown Foreign Shorthair, Berkshire Brown, Reading Brown, Oriental Chocolate Cat

Background
  The first recognized Havana Brown, Elmtower Bronze Idol, was born October 24, 1952 in England, though other Self-brown (solid brown) cats had been recorded in the past, including the Swiss Mountain Cat and the Brown Cat. Interestingly, Elmtower Bronze Idol was the product of a Seal Point Siamese male named Tombee and a black shorthaired female (half Seal Point Siamese and half Black Persian) named Susannah. Further mating with Tombee and Susannah resulted in a female Havana Brown named Elmtower Brown Study. Though the breeder, Mrs. Munro-Smith had intended to create a Color-point Persian, she had stumbled across an interesting new breed - the Havana Brown.
  The Havana Brown was first shown in Britain in 1953 and achieved championship status in 1958. The breed was imported to America in 1956 and was recognized as an official breed in 1959. The British Havana Brown has a stronger Siamese element than the American breed. It is believed that Russian Blue may have been introduced into the line if the Havana Brown.
  Two theories exist to why the Havana Brown was given its name. It is believed that this breed was either named after the "Havana Brown" color of Cuban cigars, since the cat's coat resembles the color of the tobacco in those cigars, or that it was named after the Havana Rabbit, which has the same colored coat. While this name accurately describes the breed's coat color, it led to some confusion concerning its origins. In the late 1950's, a committee decided to rename the breed "Chestnut Brown Foreign Shorthair" since the breed originated in England, and not Cuba. However, due to popular demand, the original name was reinstated in the 1970's.

Description
   The defining feature of the Havana Brown, as signified by its name, is of course its uniformly brown coat. Even the nose and whiskers are brown. All shades of chestnut brown are acceptable. The coat is medium in length, glossy, and smooth.
The body is medium in length and muscular, but not stocky. The legs are medium in length and the tail is medium long. In Britain, the Havana Brown has a more Siamese appearance than in the United States. In Britain, the head is triangle-shaped and the nose is long and straight. In the United States, the head is rounder in shape and the nose is shorter. In both countries, the ears are large and the eyes are oval-shaped and green. This breed weighs 6-10 pounds and lives to be approximately 9-15 years old.

Care and Feeding
  The Havana Brown is a hearty breed that has no special dietary needs. Unlike some breeds, the Havana Brown is able to digest milk.

Housing Your Cat
  The Havana is an active cat that should be provided with toys and a scratching post indoors. However, it enjoys being inside and can live happily in an apartment. It can benefit from time outside as well. This breed is known to enjoy jumping in snow.

Maintenance
  This breed requires little grooming. Weekly brushing and shining with a flannel or glove in order to maintain its glossy appearance are advised.

Social Behaviors
  This breed is not a highly social breed. It is a loving cat, but attaches itself to one person. It is a faithful, affectionate pet.

Activities
  The Havana Brown is naturally active. It enjoys playing with its owner, but requires no special exercise program.

Breeding/Reproduction
  Female Havana Browns are excellent mothers. Litters, on average consist of five kittens. The kittens open their eyes as early as the third day after birth.

Common Health Problems
  This is a naturally healthy breed. The Havana Brown is even known for having a natural immunity to upper respiratory infections.

Availability
  Due to its scarce nature, the Havana Brown is an expensive breed. However, breeders can be found for this breed.

Back to Cats!

Author: Ruth Bratcher