What makes a Havana Brown unique? The first thing an admirer notices is the cat's glistening mahogany-toned brown coat. Their other incomparable feature is the distinctive head that is slightly longer than it is wide. When viewed in profile, the prominent, broad nose has a definite stop at the eyes. A pronounced whisker break combined with the strong square chin forms a somewhat rounded muzzle, which appears to be a protrusion of the head. When viewed from above, the pronounced break in the bone structure behind each whisker pad is easily seen in good specimens and resembles an hour glass shape. If you are looking for a people-oriented cat that is more dog like than cat like, the Havana Brown may be for you. This is a highly intelligent breed of cat that easily learns its name, the word "No," and may be halter and leash trained just to name a few accomplishments. Certainly if you are looking for a brown cat with a nose, then the Havana Brown fits that bill! These are cats that can learn to ride in your car, motor home or fly in the airplane cabin with you when necessary. Some have such a loud purr they simply vibrate!

Because of these attributes, they make wonderful companion animals whether you plan to exhibit and show or simply as a very best friend in your home. It is not unusual for a Havana Brown to touch you with a paw to get your attention or to run, then flop on the floor right in your path for a tummy rub. This is also an adaptable breed, a tribute to its intelligence. Adult Havana Browns following show careers often go to new approved homes without missing a beat as long as the human gives the attention and affection this cat demands. Because of the adaptability of this breed, the Havana Brown will adjust to your home/work schedule, but, as with any companion animal, it should never be left alone for long periods of time.

Several theories exist as to how the breed got its name. Some historians insist it was named after the rabbit of the same color; however, most Havana Brown fans choose to believe that the breed got its name because it was the color of a fine Havana cigar. The medium sized eyes of the Havana Brown are green in color, oval in shape, expressive, and positioned lower on the head than those of most other breeds. This gives the appearance of a cat looking down its nose. The resulting high forehead accentuates large, round-tipped ears, which are tilted slightly forward, lending an alert appearance.

Picking up a Havana Brown for the first time can be a surprising experience, as this lithe-looking cat actually weighs more than it appears. Its medium-sized body must be firm and muscular, exhibiting a sense of power, yet also showing definite elegance and gracefulness. Males tend to be larger than their female counterparts, usually weighing around eight to ten pounds, while the females average six to eight. Kittens are born brown, all brown. Whiskers must be brown to complement the coat color but with age they turn snow white.

Brown cats have been known for centuries. Their origins were probably from South East Asia as a branch of the Royal Cats of Siam. They first arrived in Britain in the 19th century along with the importation of the Siamese. Simpson's Book of the Cat published in London in 1903 (page 234) refers to them and The Encyclopedia Britannica 11th Edition mentions a "wholly chocolate-coloured strain of Siamese. Master Timkey Brown and his dam, Granny Grumps, were cats shown in London in 1894." They were described as "Siamese with coats of burnished chestnut with greeny-blue eyes." The self-brown Siamese, sometimes called Swiss Mountain Cat, lost favor and the breed was abandoned after the 1920s when the Siamese Cat Club of Britain issued a statement, "The club much regrets it is unable to encourage the breeding of any but blue-eyed Siamese." Roofspringer Mahogany Quinn was bred to Laurentide Brown Pilgrim of Norwood, also an import, and produced the very first Havana Brown reputedly to achieve the status of Grand Champion in CFA, Quinn's Brown Satin of Sidlo. All of the Havana Browns in North America today can trace their heritage back to this cat. This is the perfect cat for the person who wants a sociable, affectionate and intelligent feline friend. A cat as sweet in appearance and color as ... chocolate.
Pricing on Havana Browns usually depends on type, applicable markings and bloodlines distinguished by Grand Champion (GC), National or Regional winning parentage (NW or RW) or of Distinguished Merit parentage (DM). The DM title is achieved by the dam (mother) having produced five CFA grand champion/premier (alter) or DM offspring, or sire (father) having produced fifteen CFA grand champion/premier or DM offspring. Usually breeders make kittens available between twelve and sixteen weeks of age. After twelve weeks, kittens have had their basic inoculations and developed the physical and social stability needed for a new environment, showing, or being transported by air. Keeping such a rare treasure indoors, neutering or spaying and providing acceptable surfaces (e.g. scratching posts) for the natural behavior of scratching (CFA disapproves of declawing or tendonectomy surgery) are essential elements for maintaining a healthy, long