Havana Cat Breed Guide
Talkative | Rare | Clingy. This breed of kittie is one of the rarest in the world, so if you’re lucky enough to own one, we’re totally jealous! The Havana cat is a beautiful chestnut-coloured floof that loves nothing more than spending every waking minute with their adoring hoomans. They’re as sweet as a cup of hot cocoa on a wintery night, but only suit pawrents that can provide these floofs with the high levels of lurve they need day in and day out. Read on to find out everything you need to know about this chocolate-covered cat.
HAVANA CAT BASICS
Average Lifespan: 10 - 15 years
Average Weight: 3 - 5kg
Coat Length: Short
Colouring: Brown
Shedding: Low - Moderate
WHAT IS THE ANCESTRY OF THE HAVANA CAT?
The Havana cat was first developed in the UK in the early 1950s when breeders wanted to create a new breed of floof that had the same look as the widely popular Siamese but with an entirely chocolate coat. They did this by breeding black domestic shorthairs with chocolate and seal-pointed Siamese kitties. The result was a stunning cat that was the same rich colour as the famous thick brown cigars from Havana, Cuba.
Unfortunately, as breeding progressed, health complications and foot deformities started to present in Havana kittens, so they were bred with other Siamese and brown moggies to diversify the gene pool. This made the breed stretch away from its original look and colour. Eventually, the Havana was no longer recognised by the GCCF as its own breed but rather grouped under the Oriental cat banner which includes all non-pointed Siamese-type cats. However, the American version of the Havana, the Havana Brown is still recognised by TICA and more closely resembles its original look.
WHAT DO HAVANA CATS LOOK LIKE?
Havana cats have a similar appearance to Siamese kitties with their long slender bodies, large bat-like ears and piercing green or blue eyes. The distinguishing factor of the Havana cat is its mahogany brown coat which extends from its short dense fur, to the tip of its nose and even the pads of its paws and whiskers.
WHAT IS THE PURRSONALITY OF THE HAVANA CAT?
If you don’t mind having a brown shadow following you at all times, the Havana cat is definitely for you. These kitties are people-orientated and thrive on time spent with their pawrents. They’re talkative and not afraid to use their voices which they do to meow for their hooman’s attention. They ideally suit furmilies who are at home a lot of the time or those that already have another floof that can keep them company whilst their number 1 (you) is out and about. They’re intelligent and can even learn to fetch small pounce balls which is purrfect for curbing their moderate energy levels.
ARE HAVANA CATS GOOD PETS?
Havana cats are highly affectionate and love their furmilies with all their heart. They make excellent pets but only for those that can provide them with enough attention during the day to keep them content. If you’re a busy pawfessional and are away from home for extended periods these kitties may not be the right fit for you.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH ISSUES WITH HAVANA CATS?
As part of the Oriental breed, Havana cats are susceptible to an inherited eye problem known as Progressive Retinal Atrophy which can cause blindness. This can be tested for with DNA tests, so you should always ask if this has been done by your breeder before adopting your kitten. Hepatic Amyloidosis and Flat Chested Kitten Syndrome have also been linked to this breed, so it's impawtent to obtain a certificate of health from your breeder and consult with your vet if you ever have any concerns.
HAVANA CAT FEEDING REQUIREMENTS
Other than these health conditions, Havana cats tend to live healthy lives if fed properly. Always choose a cat food that has been specifically labelled as “complete” as this will mean that it has been formulated to FEDIAF guidelines and includes all the essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients that cats need to keep them purring. As cats are obligate carnivores, you should always be feeding your cat a diet that is high in animal meat to provide them with energy and keep them in optimal health.
SCRUMBLES, THE PAWFECT FOOD FOR HAVANA CATS
Looking for cat food for your Havana cat that is nutritionally complete, high in delicious animal meat and good for your floof’s gut?
Scrumbles Gut Friendly Cat Food has the answer!
With up to 77% proper meat or fish, our delicious cat food recipes provide all the essential nutrients your Havana cat needs to keep them thriving.
With gut health at the forefront of our mission, we add gut-friendly goodies like prebiotics or probiotics to our dry cat food and wet cat food as well as our Gnashers Cat Dental Treats and Chillz Calming Cat Treats, to keep your Havana cat’s tummy happy and make for an easy clean-up of their pretty poops at the kitty litter.
We also have equally pretty cat poop bags making Scrumbles your one-stop shop for everything cat care.
But don’t just take our word for it! Check out the over 4000 rave reviews from satisfied cats across the United Kingdom who’ve made the switch to Scrumbles.
