Did you know that Siamese cats and Havana Brown cats are actually related? The first recognized Havana Brown cat is a mix between a Siamese cat and a half-Siamese and half-black cat. The cat’s name is Elmtower Bronze Idol.
Elmtower Bronze Idol is the first ever registered Havana Brown cat. He was the only brown male out of the four kittens.
His parents are Tombee, a Seal Point Siamese cat, and Susanah, a half-Siamese and half-Shorthair cat.
The first Havana Browns, like Elmtower Bronze Idol, came from England in the 1950s. They were first dubbed “Chestnut Foreign Shorthair” cats by GCCF in 1958. The Cat Fanciers Association renamed them Havana Brown cats in 1959.
Want to learn more about Havana Browns and how they differ from Siamese cats? Continue reading!
What Do Havana Brown Cats Look Like?
It’s time to learn more about them and discover why we call them “chocolate delights”!
The Havana Browns in the UK resemble the modern-day look of Siamese cats. They have slender and long physiques. They may have a slim build, but are considerably heavier than they appear.
Meanwhile, most Havana Browns in the US resemble the traditional look of Siamese cats. They have a rounder appearance than modern-day Siamese cats.
Havana Brown cats have luxurious mahogany-brown coats. They have brown coloring all over their bodies, except for their eyes. The hue leans closer toward a reddish brown or pinkish gray than blackish brown.
You would not believe it, but their whiskers are also brown!
Havana Brown cats have short, smooth coats. They have a solid coat pattern and do not shed a lot.
They have long, thin tails. They do not have any tabby markings like some Siamese cats.
You might see faint stripes or markings on their bodies while they are kittens. These markings, though, disappear as they become older. We refer to them as “ghost” markings.
Havana Brown cats have oval-shaped green eyes. Their heads are triangular, like those of their Siamese relatives. Their enchanting green eyes match their red-brown coat well, radiating elegance and liveliness.
Most Havana Browns are about medium size and have a sleek, muscular build. They may have a streamlined build, but they are heavy. Male Havana Brown cats are usually bigger than female Havana Browns. Both male and female Havana Browns are pretty muscular.
Havana Brown cats are well-known in the United Kingdom and the United States. Their popularity is far lower outside the UK and the US.
Take a look at this table. Let’s see how Havana Browns stack up against their related Siamese ancestors!
Siamese Cats vs. Havana Brown Cats
| Comparison | Havana Brown cats | Siamese cats |
| Color(s) | Chocolate brown | Variety |
| Eyes | Enchanting green | Tanzanite blue |
| Coat | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Medium | Low |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Weight | 3 kg – 4.5 kg | 2.5 kg – 6 kg |
| Height | 27 cm – 31 cm | 24 cm – 30 cm |
| Origin | United Kingdom | Thailand |
| Playfulness | Medium | High |
| Intelligence | High | High |
| Vocality | Medium | High |
| Friendliness | High | Medium |
| Grooming | Weekly | Weekly |
| Lifespan | 10 years – 15 years | 15 years – 20 years |
What Traits Can You Expect From Havana Brown Cats?
Havana Brown cats share some of the Siamese breed’s traits and personalities.
They are much alike in play preferences. Havana Browns enjoy interactive play the same way that Siamese cats do. They also have a soft spot for puzzle feeders and moving, rolling toys.
Havana Brown cats enjoy spending time with their owners. They are a lot of fun to be around. They even look forward to their grooming sessions. They are tolerant of children. They are also friendly to other pets.
Havana Browns are naturally more subtle than their Siamese relatives. They can be chatty sometimes, but not overly so because they have a gentler voice than Siamese.
Siamese cats do not fare well when you leave them alone. The same is true for Havana Brown cats, too! Havana Browns struggle if left alone for a long time, just like the Siamese.
Havana Browns are modestly active compared to their energetic Siamese cousins. They can sometimes be a little mischievous. They will show you their playful side once in a while.
Their activity stems primarily from their inquisitive nature. They also like to involve themselves in everything in the house.
You’ll occasionally think they’re like puppies. They love to follow around and jump on your lap as soon as you’ve sat down. They enjoy subtly touching you as their means of requesting more time and attention. They also like petting sessions.
Are Havana Brown Cats Expensive?
It will cost you more than $1,000 for a Havana Brown cat. The price can even go much higher due to the limited availability of these cats.
Expect to pay more if you want to buy a Havana Brown from a reputable breeder.
Finding Havana brown kittens in cat shelters may not be easy if you want to adopt one. Attending a local cat show is one way to spot one if you want an up-close and personal look at a Havana Brown cat.
How Rare Are Havana Brown Cats?
Havana Brown cats are relatively rare. They are less common than other cat breeds, like the Persian and Ragdoll. Their numbers pale compared to Siamese cats too.
Did you know that brown cats have the rarest coat color among all the other colors of cats? This tells us how famously rare Havana Browns are!
Why Are Havana Brown Cats Rare?
Havana Brown cats are the result of careful or selective breeding. They are rare because the program focuses on getting the chocolate brown hue.
Havana Browns are also rare due to small breeding efforts and a limited gene pool.
Still, Havana Browns are not impossible to come by. You can still find a few of them through breeders and cat rescue groups if you wish to adopt one. Cat registries, like TICA, CFA, and GCCF, acknowledge Havana Browns as an official breed.
Havana Browns are unquestionably special cats, resulting from years of meticulous breeding. There is so much to discover about these lovely brown cats!
Are Havana Brown Cats Low Maintenance?
Havana Brown cats are easy to care for. They are medium-sized with short, smooth coats which need minimal grooming. Weekly grooming will do.
They also do not need frequent bathing. You can give them a bath when they get smelly or dirty.
Some of them may enjoy bathing sessions less than Siamese cats. They may feel stressed, so it’s best to introduce your cat to water and bathing gradually.
They are generally considered a healthy breed. Yet, they can be prone to specific health concerns, like obesity and hip dysplasia like all breeds.
They may also be prone to dental issues and kidney disease. This is why they need regular vet check-ups to help catch and treat any health issues early.