At a glance the quick version
Hill's gives males 8-12 lb (about 3.6-5.4 kg) and females under 8 lb (under about 3.6 kg).
Coat and looks how to spot one
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.13
Personality what they are like
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.132
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate. Playful and interactive, yet also happy to entertain itself with a favourite toy.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
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.13
Home where they are happiest
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, balanced cat food in measured portions to keep it lean and well muscled.2
Company who they like around
People-oriented and does not like long periods alone; usually gets on well with other pets, and breeders often suggest keeping two.13
The story where it all began
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 1964.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
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
- 2
Havana Browns often use their paws to 'talk', reaching out to touch the people they love.1
- 3
Even its whiskers are brown, matching the coat.1
- 4
Its head shape is often described as a corncob stuck into an orange.1
Recognised by the official bits
- CFA
- Accepted for registration 1959; Championship status 19641
- TICA
- Recognised breed3
- ACFA/CCA
- Recognised breed3
- GCCF
- Brown cats are registered as the self chocolate Oriental Shorthair rather than a separate Havana Brown3
Popularity Very rare: Wikipedia reports only 15 registered USA-type Havana Brown catteries worldwide, mostly in North America3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Havana Brown. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Nail trimevery 3 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- Litter scoopevery day
- Litter changeevery week
- PlayDaily playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- CFA: Havana Brown cfa.orgused for history, recognition, coat, head, eyes, temperament, grooming, fun facts
- Hill's Pet: Havana Brown hillspet.comused for weight, lifespan, colours, activity, diet, history
- Wikipedia: Havana Brown en.wikipedia.orgused for recognition, name origin, temperament, care, popularity
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.