Breed characteristics carousel
Learn More
Need to Know
- Great for first-time cat owners
- Enjoys playing games and is active at home
- Calm cat
- Sociable and dependent cat
- Quiet cat
- Average build cat breed
- Requires frequent grooming
- Needs a bit of both indoor and outdoor space
- Good for family homes
- Does not like to be left alone
- Needs a calm environment
Personality
Small in size but large in personality, the Havana Brown cat is a confident, self-assured, and intelligent cat. They are loving and gentle and have a reputation for being puppy-like. They love to paw at their owners affectionately and enjoy interacting with them and playing games like fetch. They are successful cat burglars; if something goes missing in your house, your Havana Brown cat almost certainly has taken it back to their bed for further inspection.
In the 1950s, breeders in England decided to recreate past cat breeds to create an all-brown cat. They accomplished this by breeding a solid Black Shorthair Cat and a chocolate-point Siamese Cat. Havana Brown cats are essentially chestnut-colored Oriental Cats.
Havana Browns love companionship and do best with owners who are home most of the day. They like attention and will often seek it from owners by pawing at them or nudging them. They aren’t super high-energy cats, which make them ideal for those who want cat companionship without cat antics.
While not as hyperactive as some breeds, Havana Brown cats do need playtime between their naps in sunny spots. They can become bored easily so a steady stream of games, puzzles, and engaging activities will keep their minds active.
A warm spot and proximity to their owner is all a Havana Brown cat needs.
The distinctive coat of the Havana Brown cat is the only one of its kind in the cat world. The cats are brown from ears to tail, including their whiskers. The coat is short and glossy and sheds very little. Frequent brushing can help remove dead or loose hairs and distribute the coat’s natural oils.
Eager and open to learning, the Havana Brown cat can be trained. They need patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement to succeed at basic commands, tricks, and leash walking.
The Havana Brown cat is a good choice for families. Despite seeking attention, they are relatively mellow cats that are highly adaptable.
The cost of a Havana Brown from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.
Learn more about feeding and caring for your Havana Brown on Purina.
Did You Know?
- Havana Brown cats are the only cat breed to be fully one color, including the whiskers. Kittens may have tabby stripes, but they typically disappear before adulthood.