Cat Breed - Havana
About the Havana
Introduction: Havana - A Comprehensive Guide
Brief Overview:
The Havana is an elegant and rare breed known for its rich chocolate-brown coat, striking green eyes, and affectionate personality. Often described as a “living chocolate cat,” this breed is intelligent, playful, and deeply bonded to its humans. If you’re looking for a social, talkative, and loving companion with a unique appearance, the Havana might be the perfect choice.
Looking for Havana kittens for sale in Maryland or the Washington DC area? Luxury Only Kittens is a TICA-registered Havana breeder in Bethesda, MD.
Breed History
Origins:
The Havana cat was developed in England in the 1950s through a selective breeding program aimed at creating a solid brown cat with Siamese traits. Breeders crossed chocolate-point Siamese with domestic black and Russian Blue cats, eventually producing a cat with a warm brown coat and bright green eyes.
Though the name suggests a connection to Cuba, the Havana has no direct relation to the country. The breed was named after the Havana cigar due to its similar deep brown color. In the United States, the breed is often called the “Havana Brown,” while in Europe, it is simply known as the Havana.
The breed was officially recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and remains a rare but highly sought-after breed among cat enthusiasts.
Physical Characteristics
The Havana is a medium-sized, muscular cat with a rich brown coat and expressive green eyes.
Body:
- Medium-sized, muscular, and well-proportioned with a sleek yet strong build.
- Weighs 6 to 12 pounds, with males being larger.
- Firm, lean body with an elegant stance.
Coat:
- Short, smooth, and glossy, lying close to the body.
- Single coat with no undercoat, making it easy to groom.
- Color is always a warm, rich mahogany brown with a chocolate-like sheen.
Head & Face:
- Slightly longer than wide, with a well-defined muzzle and prominent whisker pads.
- Large, forward-facing ears, giving an alert expression.
Eyes:
- Large, oval, and always a striking shade of green.
- Eye color must be vivid green in show cats.
Tail:
- Medium-length, slender, and well-proportioned to the body.
Personality and Temperament
General Disposition:
Havana cats are known for their intelligent, affectionate, and people-oriented nature.
- Extremely Social: They love human companionship and thrive in interactive homes.
- Highly Intelligent: They enjoy learning tricks, playing fetch, and solving puzzles.
- Affectionate and Loyal: Havanas form deep bonds with their owners and love being the center of attention.
- Curious and Playful: They enjoy exploring, chasing toys, and engaging in interactive play.
- Talkative but Soft-Spoken: They have a gentle, melodious voice, unlike the loud Siamese.
- Great with Families and Other Pets: They are friendly and adaptable, making them excellent companions for children, other cats, and even dogs.
Havanas dislike being alone for long periods, so they do best in homes where they receive plenty of attention and interaction.
Health and Lifespan
Havanas are adaptable but prefer a warm, cozy indoor environment where they can interact with their humans.
- Best suited for indoor living to protect their sleek coat and maintain their health.
- They enjoy soft bedding, heated spots, and cozy hiding places.
- They love high perches, scratching posts, and interactive toys to stay engaged.
- They do well in multi-pet households, as long as introductions are done gradually.
Havanas are generally healthy and long-lived, with an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years. However, they can be prone to some breed-specific health concerns.
Common Health Concerns:
- Upper Respiratory Infections: Due to their Siamese ancestry, Havanas may be more susceptible to respiratory issues.
- Obesity: Portion control and regular play are essential to maintain a healthy weight.
- Gingivitis and Dental Issues: Regular dental care is important for their overall health.
Grooming Needs:
- Minimal grooming required – brushing once a week keeps their coat glossy.
- Regular ear cleaning and nail trimming to maintain overall health.
- Dental care is important to prevent gum disease.
Diet and Nutrition:
- High-protein diet to support their muscular build.
- Balanced wet and dry food combination for hydration and dental health.
- Plenty of fresh water available at all times to prevent kidney issues.
Exercise and Playtime:
- Daily interactive play sessions with wand toys and balls.
- Climbing structures, tunnels, and scratching posts to satisfy their curiosity.
- Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys to challenge their intelligence.
Breed Standards
The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA) recognize the Havana as a pedigreed breed with specific standards.
Specific Standards for Havana Cats:
- Body: Medium-sized, muscular, and well-proportioned.
- Coat: Short, smooth, and rich brown in color.
- Head: Slightly longer than wide, with a well-defined muzzle.
- Eyes: Large, oval, and vivid green.
- Ears: Large, forward-tilted, and alert.
- Legs and Paws: Slender, elegant legs with oval-shaped paws.
- Tail: Medium-length and proportionate to the body.
For official breed standards, visit the CFA website and TICA website.c3
Interesting Facts
How Much Does a Havana Kitten Cost?
Havana kittens from a TICA-registered cattery typically range from $1,200 to $2,000. At Luxury Only Kittens, all kittens come health-tested, vaccinated, and TICA registered. View available kittens →
- One of the Rarest Cat Breeds: The Havana remains a rare breed, with only a small number of dedicated breeders worldwide.
- Nicknamed the “Chocolate Cat”: Their warm brown coat resembles the color of a Havana cigar.
- Whisker Pad “Corncob” Effect: Havana cats have prominent whisker pads, giving their face a unique shape.
Other Pictures of Egyptian Maus
Frequently Asked Questions About Havana Kittens
Do your Havana kittens come with registration papers?
Registration papers (TICA, CFA, WCF, or another registry) depend on the origin breeder and whether the kitten is placed as pet-quality or breeding-quality. Most families receive pet-quality kittens without formal registry papers, which is standard for ethical breeder-to-family placement. If registration matters to you for showing or breeding, tell us during inquiry and we will match you with a kitten from a registered line. Full lineage and parent details are shared with you before purchase.
What health testing do you perform on Havana kittens?
All Havana kittens receive age-appropriate FVRCP vaccinations, deworming, and negative FeLV/FIV screening before placement. Parent cats are DNA-tested for breed-specific hereditary conditions, and where applicable echocardiogram-screened for HCM. Written health guarantee included with every placement.
Do you deliver Havana kittens nationwide?
Yes. Luxury Only Kittens offers personalized white-glove delivery across the United States, including Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Miami, Houston, and Los Angeles. Delivery is either hand-delivered by our team or accompanied by a bonded flight nanny in-cabin, never as unattended cargo.
What age do Havana kittens go home with new families?
Havana kittens are placed between 12 and 16 weeks of age. This ensures full weaning, complete first-round vaccinations, and proper socialization with mother and littermates. We never place kittens earlier.
How long is the waitlist for a Havana kitten?
It depends on availability. If a Havana kitten matching what you want is already in our current litters, placement can happen within days. For a specific request such as a particular color, sex, or personality, typical timing is 2 to 8 weeks. For rare colors or highly specific pairings, expect 6 to 12 months. Contact Luxury Only Kittens with your preferences and we will tell you what is available now versus what needs a waitlist.
What is included with my Havana kitten purchase?
Every placement includes complete veterinary records, age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, negative FeLV/FIV screening, a written health guarantee, and a starter kit with food sample and blanket carrying mom scent. Lineage documentation and any registration papers vary by origin breeder and are shared with you before payment. Above all, Luxury Only Kittens is built on the match between family and kitten. We care equally that families receive a healthy, well-socialized kitten and that every kitten joins a family committed to caring for them for life.