Also called Havana, HB, Brownie · England
The Havana Brown is a smart, curious and loving cat that likes to be close to its people.
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.7 to 5.4 kg (6 to 12 lb)males 3.6 to 5.4 kg, females 2.7 to 3.6 kg1 |
| Lifespan | 8 to 13 years1 |
| Coat | Short, smooth, glossy coat without undercoat |
| Origin | England, 1950s, from crosses of Siamese with black domestic shorthairs; the first kitten was born in 1952. Through its Siamese ancestors the breed's roots go back to Thailand.213 |
Ranges cover males and females and every standard linked on the line, so one standard alone may give a narrower range.
The Havana Brown is a smart, curious and loving cat that likes to be close to its people. It often reaches out with a paw to touch or investigate, tends to greet visitors at the door rather than hide, and many form a particularly strong bond with one person.231
short, smooth, glossy coat without undercoat
A medium, firm and muscular cat, sturdier than its Siamese ancestors. The glossy short coat is a warm mahogany brown, the whiskers are brown too, and the eyes are a vivid green. Its head is its signature: a rounded skull leading to a distinct muzzle with a clear break behind the whisker pads, famously likened to a corncob pushed into an orange.23
A typical home-care rhythm for a Havana Brown. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Moderate. Playful and interactive, yet also happy to entertain itself with a favourite toy.21
People-oriented and does not like long periods alone; usually gets on well with other pets, and breeders often suggest keeping two.23
Minimal. A soft brush or a wipe with a damp cloth once or twice a week, with an occasional rubber brush and chamois polish for shine. Baths are rarely needed.23
A complete, balanced cat food in measured portions to keep it lean and well muscled.1
Feed your Havana Brown a complete, balanced cat food in measured portions to keep it lean and well muscled. Times can vary with your routine, but two meals a day is common. Check the food label and ask your vet for the right amount for your cat.1
A complete, balanced cat food is best. Dangerous foods include chocolate, coffee, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Never give alcohol, yeast dough, or raw meat and eggs. For a full list, check with your vet.14
Baths are rarely needed for a Havana Brown. A soft brush or a wipe with a damp cloth once or twice a week is usually enough. Bathe only if very dirty or sticky, as per general cat care guidance.235
Brush your Havana Brown once or twice a week with a soft brush or a damp cloth. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests weekly brushing. An occasional rubber brush and chamois polish can add shine.23
Trim claws every two to three weeks, as Pet Wiki suggests. Start with no more than two claws per session. Use a proper cat nail trimmer and avoid the quick. Ask your vet or a groomer for a demo if needed.5
This smart, curious cat needs daily play. It is playful and interactive but also happy to entertain itself with a favorite toy. Pet Wiki recommends daily play sessions to keep it happy.21
Brush teeth daily if possible, as Pet Wiki suggests every two days as a start. For ears, check weekly and gently wipe with a damp cloth if needed. Ask your vet for proper techniques.
A Havana Brown typically lives 8 to 13 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy diet, it can enjoy a long, happy life.1
Yes, this people-oriented cat usually gets on well with other pets and children. It is smart, curious, and loving, often greeting visitors at the door. Breeders often suggest keeping two for company.23
This cat does not like long periods alone, as it is very people-oriented. If you are away often, consider a companion pet or ask a good breeder for advice. Pet Wiki notes it adapts well to indoor living with toys and company.231
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Havana Brown. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Plaque and sore gums build up with age and can make eating painful, so regular dental checks matter. VetCompass UK cats: gum disease 15.2% and dental disease 9.2%, the most common diagnoses in pet cats; CFA breed page names no breed-specific conditions, only genetic testing for diversity ↗
Indoor cats put on weight easily, which raises the risk of diabetes and joint trouble. VetCompass UK cats: obesity recorded in 11.6% of pet cats; CFA breed page names no breed-specific conditions, only genetic testing for diversity ↗
A thickening of the heart muscle that may show no signs for years; a vet may first notice a murmur. VetCompass: heart murmur in 4.4% of UK pet cats; no breed rate published; CFA breed page names no breed-specific conditions, only genetic testing for diversity ↗
Little is published for this breed; these are the usual conditions for its size and type. Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
Running costs for a Havana Brown, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
| Foodabout 25 kg of dry food a year | 175 GBP ↗ |
|---|---|
| Routine vet care | 88 GBP ↗ |
| Pet insurancetypical policy, varies by breed and age | 121 GBP ↗ |
| Gear to start | 366 GBP ↗ |
| Microchip and registration | 26 GBP ↗ |
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
Havana Browns have a hearty appetite and can easily overeat, so keep treats to no more than 10% of daily calories and use puzzle feeders to prevent boredom and overeating. Because dental disease is common, dental treats or chews can help support oral hygiene, but always ask your vet for the best options for your cat.
Source: petmd.com hillspet.com
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
The name is usually linked to the colour of Havana cigars, though it may come from the Havana rabbit; the breed has no connection to Cuba.3
Havana Browns often use their paws to 'talk', reaching out to touch the people they love.2
Even its whiskers are brown, matching the coat.2
Its head shape is often described as a corncob stuck into an orange.2
The name Havana is most often linked to the rich brown colour of Havana cigars, though some argue it comes from the brown Havana rabbit, which fits the breed's early UK history better. Breeders also nickname these cats Brownies, after the helpful household spirit of Scottish folklore.3
This morning I tapped my human's nose with a paw until she opened her eyes. Then I led her to the kitchen for her coffee. When the doorbell rang, I ran to greet the visitor, weaving between their legs. Later I batted my crinkly ball across the floor, then curled up in her lap for a nap. This evening I sat by the window, watching birds. Perfect day.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Solid brown cats were known in Britain and Europe in the late 1800s but had faded out. After the Second World War, English breeders set out to recreate them by crossing Siamese with black shorthairs, and the first Havana Brown kitten arrived in 1952. The breed reached North America in the 1950s, where CFA accepted it in 1959 and granted championship status in 1964.21
Popularity Very rare: Wikipedia reports only 15 registered USA-type Havana Brown catteries worldwide, mostly in North America3
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Text is written in our own words from these sources.
Oriental Shorthair
Siamese
Burmese