Whether you recently adopted a Havana Brown cat or Havana Brown mix, or if you hope to add one to your family soon, learning about their breed can explain a lot about your pet's personality, habits and overall health.
Cousins to the popular Siamese breed, Havana Brown cats come from Siam (now Thailand) and are considered a rare breed.
Lanky and nimble, Havana Brown cats have a distinctive look. As a mix between the Siamese and the domestic black cat, these friendly felines have a silky-smooth short coat that makes their wide-set green eyes pop. Their short coat is low maintenance, as Havana Browns prefer to groom themselves.
"They're a very deep, dark chocolate color, which some people say is how they got their name because it's similar to a Havana cigar," Dr. Valerie Shaker, associate veterinarian and medical director at the Veterinary Center of Hudson, says.
At 6-14 pounds, Havana Brown cats usually have long legs and a muscular body. Their bat-like large ears are wide set on their head and tilt forward, ensuring your Havana Brown always knows where you are in the house.
While they share DNA with the Siamese cat breed, one significant personality trait differs: Havana Browns are much quieter than their Siamese counterparts.
"They're very intelligent and like to put their paw out to get your attention," Dr. Shaker says. "That's how they communicate."
Despite their quiet, gentle nature, Havana Brown cats adore their pet parents and would spend every second with them given the chance. They're highly social and grow very attached to their families, happily following people around as they complete household tasks. They're alert and curious, always happy to participate in whatever their people do. On the flip side, this social butterfly doesn't do well when left alone for long periods.
"They don't thrive when left alone, so it may be best to get a companion or two at the same time," Dr. Shaker says.
And while your Havana Brown will appreciate the company of other cats and even dogs, they're most content with the affection of human companionship. More so than other cat breeds, it's important to make time for play and cuddles with your Havana Brown. Many love a good game of fetch, but the tricksters often make off with their toys (or your socks) and enjoy carrying them around.
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Havana brown cats enjoy an active, busy lifestyle and are known to live anywhere from 12-20 years with their families. According to Dr. Shaker, the breed is quite healthy and has few breed-specific health issues.
They can be prone to genetic health issues like heart disease, thyroid dysfunction, blood clots or bladder stones, so check with your veterinarian if your normally spunky Havana Brown appears ill.
Are you interested in adopting a Havana Brown cat, a Havana Brown mix, or any pet at all? Check out our shelter partners to find your new best friend.
The Dig, Fetch by The Dodo's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we're there on bad days, too. Fetch provides the most comprehensive pet insurance and is the only provider recommended by the #1 animal brand in the world, The Dodo.
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
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