Havana Brown Cat Breed

The Havana Brown, known outside the United States as Havana Cat, is the self-colored equivlent of the Chocolate Point Siamese. By "self" is meant the same color all over with no pattern. These cats emerged during the development of Oriental Shaded cats and have contributed in turn to newer self colors such as Apricot. With a typical Siamese profile, these cats are entirely bluish fawn in color; the coloration extends to nose, pads and eye rims. The variety originated from mating of a Chocolate Point Siamese and a black nonpedigree cat.

The coat may be any shade of rich chestnut brown, somewhat darker than the Burmese. The fur is short and glossy. The eyes are slanty and distinctly oriental in shape and a definite green. The main difference between the American Havana Brown and the Havana of Britain is in the head, as the American Standard calls for a rounded muzzle with an indentation on either side of the face behind the whisker pads. In profile there must be a distinct "stop" at the eyes, and the end of the muzzle should be almost square.

Calm and even in temperament, the Havana makes the ideal family cat. Extremely affectionate and often bursting with vitality, the Havana is a joy to live with. Havana cats will always reward their owners if they are given a little extra care and attention. Congenital defects are practically non-existent. This breed seems particularly immune to upper respiratory infections and show fever.

Structural defects, such as kinked tails, projecting strenum and poor dentition, so common in the Siamese, are rarely seen in the Havana. These cats make excellent breeding stock, maturing early, having easy parturition and making excellent mothers. The kittens open their eyes on the third or fourth day and eat well ahead of the average time. Being highly intelligent and quick to take advantage of any situation, careful training from an early age is necessary to prevent the Havana from dominating the household.

Most Havanas adapt well to entirely indoor living, making them ideal pets for apartment dwellers. Grooming the Havana presents no problems, for the best way to keep its coat immaculate is by hand-stroking every day. This tones up the muscles and gives a wonderful shine to the fur. Each week its claws should be inspected and if necessary shortened with nail clippers, and the inside of the ear flaps should be wiped clean of grease. Male cats may need an occasional bath to remove grease from the sebacious glands at the base of the tail.

The Havana is a remarkably hardy breed, and breeders who keep a careful watch on their veterinary bills say that those for the Havana are extremely low. In fact thety are generally regarded as slightly more hardy than the Siamese. The kittens are easy to wean and quickly show preference for solid food.

A favorable trait of the Havana springs from its relationship with its owner. This has been described by enthusiastic Havana owners as "dog-like". The Havana is fanatically devoted to its owner. It likes going for walks with members of its family, and will either follow behind or will accept being led on a lead.

Havana Brown Breeders Yofranlin Havana Haven (USA) www.highhopescharters.com/yofranlin Mokolea cattery (USA) www.mokolea.com Araquipa Cattery (USA) www.havanabrown.com/araquipa.htm Oberlin Cattery (USA) www.oberlincattery.com Havacat (USA) www.havacat.com Siddhis (USA) siddhishavanabrowns.com Susitna Havanas (USA) www.susitnahavanas.com

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