The Havana Brown, also known as the Swiss Mountain cat, is a breed of cat well known and shown in England in the 1890s. Similar to the oriental short hair, full color cats, also known as non-blue eyed Siamese, were known to interbreed with the pointed cats of Siam.

The Havana Brown is noted for its warm, chocolate brown color that reminded an early breeder of a Havana cigar. This breed requires little grooming. Weekly brushing and shining with a flannel or glove in order to maintain its glossy appearance are advised.

Havana Brown Cat Origin

In terms of history, the Havana Brown is a hybrid or man-made breed. This delightful self-chocolate cat is the result of carefully planned breeding for a specific genetic design. Documentation indicates that self-brown Siamese type cats existed in England and Europe in the late 1800's, but the breed development did not begin in earnest until sixty years later.

The Havana Brown cat was developed in the 1950s by crossing a British Seal Point Siamese with another black shorthaired cat of Siamese descent. An accidental breeding between a black short hair and a seal point Siamese produced a self-chocolate male kitten named Elmtower Bronze Idol, the first Havana Brown to be registered in England and the forerunner of the present day breed. These cats were formerly known as Chestnut Brown Foreigns.

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 name refers to the color of a fine Havana cigar.

The first Havanas reached America in the mid-1950s. The breed was given recognition in 1959 under the name Havana Brown, and in 1964 the CFA granted the Havana Brown full Championship status.

Havana Brown Cat Appearance

Today, Havana Brown Cats differ markedly depending on their country of origin. Rather than attempt a Siamese body style as British breeders have done, American breeders have favored a more moderate body and head type for their Havana Browns. The British Havana Brown is considerably more Siamese in conformation than North American Havanas. The American Havana Brown's distinctive muzzle, rich color, expressive eyes, and large ears make it distinctive and exceptionally striking among the American cat breeds.

Body: Medium in length, firm and muscular, but not stocky; general conformation is mid-range between the short-coupled, thickset, and svelte breeds; stands relatively high on its legs that are medium in length.

Head: Longer than wide; narrowing to rounded muzzle with pronounced break on both sides behind whisker pads; end of muzzle appears almost square; distinct stop at eyes; well-developed chin.

Ears: Large, round-tipped, cupped at base; wide-set but not flaring; tilted forward giving cat alert expression.

Eyes: Oval, medium-sized, set wide apart. Color any vivid and level shade of green, the deeper the better.

Tail: Medium length; slender; tapering at end.

Coat: Short to medium; smooth and lustrous.

Color: Rich and even shade of warm brown throughout. Color tends toward red-brown (mahogany) rather than black-brown.

This breed weighs 6-10 pounds and lives to be approximately 9-15 years old.

Havana Brown Cat Colors and Coats

The defining feature of the Havana Brown, as signified by its name, is of course its uniformly brown coat. Color is very important to this breed: the coat should be a rich, even shade of warm brown, tending toward red-brown or mahogany rather than black-brown. Allowance is made for ghost tabby markings in kittens and youngsters. The colour must be even from nose to tail and from tip to root. Whiskers should be brown; nose leather and paw pads are a rose colour that harmonizes with the coat. Since Havanas are a shorthair breed, routine grooming is kept to a minimum.

The Havana Brown Temperament

Havana Browns are affectionate, gentle and, unlike their Siamese compatriots, quiet. They are remarkably adaptable and agreeable cats, and adjust to any situation with poise and confidence. They love human companionship and are very generous with their affections in return.

The Havana Brown cat's distinctive feature is that the often uses its paws both to examine objects and to communicate with its owners, instead of relying on their sense of smell, as do most other breeds.

Havana Brown cats are very playful even once they begin to mature. They are very active and energetic cats that love biting paper and cardboard as well as playing tag and other games with their humans. 'Fetch' is another Havana Brown cats favorite game. They can often be found carrying toys and stray objects around in their mouths. If you've misplaced a sock or some other small, easily carried object, check your Havana's cat bed. You might find that it has magically found its way there.

This is the perfect cat for the person who wants a sociable, affectionate and intelligent feline friend. A cat who is as sweet in appearance and color as ... chocolate.