Group Classification: Domestic shorthair
Country of Origin: U.S.
Date of Origin: 1950s
Weight (M): 8-10 lbs.
Weight (F): 6-8 lbs.
Life Expectancy: 9-11 years

History
In the 1950s, British breeders created a solid chocolate Siamese that they called Havana. When Havanas were exported to the U.S., American breeders produced Quinn's Brown Satin of Sidlo, which is the ancestor of all North American Havana Browns. Outcrossing ended in 1974; in the two decades after that, the breed struggled. In 1998, to help the breed thrive, CFA voted to re-allow outcrossings. Since then, breeders have created a hardy and beautiful cat in the U.S.

General Description
The Havana Brown is a medium-sized cat noted for its dark chocolate coat. They are muscular animals that look well-toned and powerful. The brown color can vary considerably from cat to cat.

Two features separate the Havana Brown from all other breeds: their distinctive glistening brown coat and their'corn cob' muzzle with whiskers to match.

No other breed of cat has whiskers in the same color as their fur. Large, oval green eyes give the cat a sultry look.

Colors
Solid colors only.

CFA - the Havana Brown is accepted in Brown only.

TICA - refers to breed as Havana and accepts both Chocolate and Lilac colors.

The Havana brown is a rich warm tone; today the tendency is towards cinnamon in shows, where the darker looking sable coats are considered a fault.

Coat
Short and glossy.

Notable Features
Unique shiny mahogany brown coat with matching brown whiskers.

Health and Care
A good diet will keep the Havana coat shiny and the cat will take care of bathing so owners needn't bother. A weekly grooming with a rubber brush will help prevent hairballs. Otherwise, these cats need nothing more than regular petting.

This is a sociable, affectionate and intelligent breed. The Havana Brown often uses its paws to investigate things and has been known to use the "wounded paw" technique to elicit sympathy. Quick, agile and playful, this cat thrives on human companionship. They usually will pick a favorite person and follow that individual throughout the day. They can be very possessive of'their' person so they are best as an only pet.

Resources
The International Havana Brown Society at www.havanabrown.org