The Havana Brown is a breed of cat known for its warm brown coat. Havana Browns are one of the few naturally occurring brown cat breeds. Their rich chocolate brown coat sets them apart from other cat breeds and is an identifying characteristic of the Havana Brown. But what exactly is the specific color of a Havana Brown cat? Let’s take a closer look at the genetics, breed standards, and descriptions of the Havana Brown’s trademark coat color.
Genetics of Coat Color
The distinct brown color of the Havana Brown comes from a recessive gene that causes a form of melanism. Melanism refers to an increased amount of dark pigment, called melanin, in the skin and fur. The gene responsible for the Havana Brown’s color is referred to as “seal brown” or “chocolate brown.” This gene inhibits the production of red and yellow pigments, allowing the darker brown pigment to dominate.
The seal brown gene is recessive, so a Havana Brown must inherit two copies of this gene, one from each parent, to exhibit the brown coat. If a cat inherits only one copy, its coat will appear lighter like a Siamese. The gene is also temperature sensitive, so cooler areas of the body such as the extremities appear darker than warmer areas like the torso. This temperature-dependent distribution of pigment gives Havana Browns their distinct color points.
Breed Standards
Cat breed associations have written standards that describe the ideal features of the Havana Brown, including the proper coat color. The standards specify the exact shades of brown that are acceptable for the show ring and breeding programs.
According to The International Cat Association (TICA), the ideal Havana Brown is “rich, warm chocolate brown, even from root to tip of fur.” The coat color should be luminous and appear reddish-brown in sunlight. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) also states that the coat color should be a rich, even brown to the roots, with no other colors or markings.
The standards prohibit any mingling, barring, or markings in the solid brown coat. The nose leather, paw pads, and eye color should coordinate with the coat color as well. The mature specimen should present as an even, warm brown without any lighter brown or gray fur. Kittens are lighter in color initially but darken as they grow.
Color Descriptions
The chocolate brown coat of the Havana Brown has been described in vivid ways by breeders, owners, and cat fanciers:
- Mink brown
- Roasted chestnut
- Mocha
- Chocolate milk
- Espresso
- Tobacco
- Cinnamon
- Saddle brown
- Cocoa
- Coffee
These descriptions evoke the rich, warm brown tones of the Havana Brown coat. While individual cats may vary slightly in shade, they all share that characteristic Havana Brown chocolate brown color.
Coat Color Changes
The coat of the Havana Brown does undergo some color changes from birth to maturity:
- Newborn kittens appear almost white or cream-colored at birth.
- At around 1 week old, the points on the face, ears, paws and tail start to darken.
- By 2 weeks old, the kitten’s coat takes on a warm, milk chocolate hue.
- The coat continues to gradually intensify in color up to 2 years old.
This color transformation is due to the temperature-sensitive nature of the Havana Brown’s pigmentation. As the kittens grow and their body temperature increases, melanin distribution evens out and the coat takes on that distinctive rich brown color. Adult Havana Browns typically maintain their mature coloration throughout life.
Coat Care
The short, silky single coat of the Havana Brown requires minimal grooming to stay looking its best. Weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush removes dead hair and distributes skin oils. Bathing is only necessary every few months when the cat becomes visibly soiled.
Too much bathing can cause dry, itchy skin and a dull coat for Havana Browns. It’s important not to over-bathe them. Their natural oils help maintain that beautiful sleek, shiny chocolate brown coat. Regular nail trims and ear cleanings are also advised.
| Age | Coat Color |
|---|---|
| Newborn | Creamy white |
| 1 week | Point darkening |
| 2 weeks | Milk chocolate brown |
| 2 years | Rich warm brown |
Eye Color
In keeping with their luxurious coats, Havana Browns have strikingly beautiful eyes. Their eye color is vivid green. Kittens may initially have blue or blue-green eyes that change to green as they mature.
The intense green eyes complement the warm brown coat color of the Havana Brown. It sets off their coat and adds to the breed’s exotic appeal. The eye color is one of the distinguishing features of the breed according to TICA’s breed standards.
Nose and Paw Pads
On the Havana Brown, the color of the nose leather and paw pads matches the coat color. The nose and paw pads should be an even, warm chocolate brown described as “milk chocolate” in tone.
Some kittens may be born with pinkish noses and paws. As they mature, these areas will darken to coordinate with the full adult color of the cat. The change progresses as the cats’ body temperature rises. By two years old, the nose and paws reach the final, desired milk chocolate brown shade.
Origins of the Havana Brown
The Havana Brown originated in England in the 1950s and 60s. A Siamese breeder named Diane Brown was experimenting with breeding Siamese cats to produce solid chocolate brown cats. She crossed a seal point Siamese with a domestic black cat, and then bred one of the offspring to a Siamese relative.
The resulting litter produced a kitten named Elmtower Brown Lady, the first truly brown cat. This cat became the foundation for the new breed Diane Brown named the Havana Brown after the rich Cuban cigars. She worked to establish the breed and standardize the brown coat and green eye color.
Popularity and Recognition
The Havana Brown was first recognized as a new breed in 1959 by the English Governing Council of the Cat Fancy. In 1964, they were imported to America and accepted by the Cat Fanciers Association. They are also recognized by The International Cat Association and most other cat registries.
The Havana Brown remains one of the rarest and most expensive cat breeds. They are enjoyed as show cats and pets but are hard to find due to their limited bloodlines. There are only a handful of breeders working with Havana Browns around the world. But those who love the beautiful brown cats remain devoted to the breed.
Similar Brown Cat Breeds
A few other naturally occurring brown cat breeds share some similarities with the Havana Brown:
- Chocolate – This breed originated as a cross between Havana Browns and Oriental Shorthairs. They have a warm milk chocolate coat.
- Chestnut Brown – A rare Russian breed with a rich reddish-brown coat.
- Cinnamon – From Myanmar, they have a brownish-cinnamon colored coat.
However, none of these cats have the exact same warm chocolate brown coloration as the Havana Brown. The Havana Brown stands alone with its shining, sleek brown coat and emerald eyes.
Conclusion
The Havana Brown has a signature chocolate brown coat that sets it apart in the cat fancy. This warm, rich brown color resulted from crossbreeding Siamese cats and is produced by a recessive gene mutation that allows dark brown pigment to dominate in the fur. Breed standards mandate an even, luminous brown coat with no markings from roots to tip of fur. Individual Havana Browns may vary slightly in exact shade but overall present a consistent picture of mocha, cocoa, or chestnut brown. This distinctive color paired with green eyes gives the Havana Brown an exclusive, exotic impression befitting its aristocratic name. When asked “what color is a Havana Brown?” the answer is: a glamorous, velvety chocolate brown.
