Living with a Havana Brown feline is both a delight and a privilege. For one, the cat loves human companionship as well as interaction; secondly, it is among the most uncommon breeds of feline worldwide. Additionally, the kitty is equally a perfect companion for kids, dogs, and other kitties. This chocolate-colored cat, with its mesmerizing olive-green eyes, is affectionate, intelligent, and has a mischievous personality, which it displays occasionally – a perfect breed for the true feline connoisseur, According to popular belief, once you have shared your house with a Havana Brown, no other breed will do. Continue reading for more information on the Havana Brown cat breed, characteristics, and facts.
History of the Havana Brown cat
The history of the Havana Brown breed is somewhat clouded. According to various cat historians, this chocolate brown breed occurred accidentally while others uphold the belief that it was a result of deliberate breeding. In whichever case, the initial chocolate kitten called Elmtower Bronze Idol was born in England in 1952 – this became the first of the Havana brown kittens. The next year, four Havana Brown males were born; thus, they became the foundation of these chocolate brown cats called the Havana Brown breed.
The breed was named for that rich deep brown color of Havana cigar which caused some confusion at that initial stage as the name made people think that the cat originated in Cuba rather than England. They actually contemplated changing the name to Chestnut Brown at some point, but the original name was later upheld.
Check out our article: Do Cats Know Their Names?
Quick Facts About the chocolate brown cat
- The cat comes in a distinctive chocolate brown color, which extends to its whiskers, making it the sole feline with a breed standard spelling out whisker color (a brown color complimenting the cat’s coat).
- In the midst of all that tobacco-brown richness is a pair of oval-shaped vivid green eyes. Another distinguishing feature of the feline is the head with an unusual shape – longer than it is wide, sporting forward-tilted large ears.
- The cat is endowed with a brawny and firm body, bathed in smooth, short fur.
- Havana brown kittens and the younger adults may display tiny hints of tabby patterns, which would naturally disappear with maturity.
- Almost all parts of the kitty’s body are realized in brown – rosy brown pads cover the paws, while its nose leather is equally in brown color with a rosy flush.
- The females weigh from 8 lbs and below, while the males are heavier from 8 lbs up to 12 lbs.
- Life expectancy for the Havana Brown cat is 8 to 13 years.
- It is a rare and endangered breed with fewer than 1000 felines worldwide.
- Sporting short to medium-length coat, the kitty has a smooth and glossy body. The rich brown color of its coat has a mahogany undertone, which is quite unique to the breed.
Things You Should Know
Health
Both mixed-breed cats and the pedigree ones are expected to exhibit different kinds of health issues, and the Havana Brown feline is not an exception. However, the cat is generally healthy, but the kittens are susceptible to upper respiratory infections.
Feeding
Cat parents must control their feline friend’s nutrition to avoid overweight problems. Havana Brown’s slender and brawny shape ought to remain in that condition for a healthy living. So, ensure that whatever you feed your cat is produced with real meat as against meat from some by-product.
What’s more, fresh drinking water is a necessity for the feline to prevent dehydration, GI, and urinary issues. Water is even more essential when your furbaby is on a dry food diet; thus, the water bowl must be refilled regularly.
Care
Bathroom hygiene is important to every member of the feline population; thus, the litter box must be cleaned when necessary – this will encourage the cat to always do its business within. Keep your cat away from diseases making the rounds by restricting its movement within the house only. This will equally save it from such things as attacks, accidents, and theft.
Grooming
Because of its short coat, the Havana Brown has minimum grooming requirement. A bath may not be necessary, but a quick run of the brush weekly will keep the furs in perfect shape and you can achieve a beautiful shine by using a chamois to polish it.
Keep periodontal disease away with daily dental care; although weekly brushing will suffice in the absence of daily hygiene. What’s more, the cat’s nails can be clipped monthly, or as at when due, the ears and eyes should equally benefit from regular cleaning. Furthermore, discharge from their eyes should be wiped with a clean wet cloth while the ears can be cleaned out with moistened cotton buds.
Temperament
The Havana Brown feline is very playful. Even in the absence of its human family, the cat is content to just sit and play with its favorite toys. The feline is a bit of a loner, but plays with the adopter when they can spare the time; however, it tends to have a favorite person and attaches itself to the person for life. Once you come to know the cat, it can be quite addictive and ready to follow people around the house.
Because of its Siamese ancestry, the Havana Brown can be quite talkative as well as demanding, but with a subtle personality and softer voice. The cat is smart and loves the challenges posed by puzzle and teaser toys. When the affectionate cat is done with playtime, it will be content to ensconce itself on your lap.
Relative to some other shorthaired breeds, the Havana Brown is considered to be moderately active and can even accommodate other cats in a game of tag; what’s more, the cat also loves to take a nap once in a while. And once it is ready to sleep, it naturally goes to its favorite human companion, who also serves as its sleeping partner.
No doubt, this cat breed is inquisitive by nature, always reaching out with one paw to investigate its curiosity by touching and feeling. It is equally sensitive, always touching the human family in a gentle way like it is actually extending a paw of amity and friendship.
Sources:
- Meredith Hooker Williams, 5 Reasons a Havana Brown Might Be the Right Cat Breed for You, Vetstreet
- Havana Brown, VCA Hospitals
