At first glance, Havana Brown, with fur that appears brownish in bright light, may seem like a black cat. However, Havana Brown is a cat breed known for its distinct appearance and charming personality, which has been gaining popularity worldwide in recent years.
Still relatively unknown in Japan, even among cat enthusiasts, Havana Brown is a cat breed that we'll introduce in detail.
Table of Contents
1. What is Havana Brown?
1-1. The Dream of Havana Brown That Once Faded Away
1-2. The Reason for Havana Brown's Revival
1-3. Two Types of Havana Brown
2. Points to Consider When Living with Havana Brown
2-1. Havana Brown's Personality
2-2. Be Cautious of Jealousy
2-3. Daily Exercise
3. Health Points to Watch for Havana Brown
3-1. Stress - The Root of All Illness
3-2. Vaccination Is Recommended
Conclusion
1. What is Havana Brown?
Havana Brown, as suggested by the name with "Brown," appears slightly brownish when seen in bright light. But how was Havana Brown born?
The ancestors of Havana Brown were born in 1890. They were born from the crossing of Siamese cats and cats with Siamese blood. Cats with brownish fur were the ancestors of Havana Brown.
The fur was brown, and there were efforts to establish it as a cat breed called the Swiss Mountain Cat at the time. However, the fact that the Swiss Mountain Cat's eye color was green was disliked by Siamese cat enthusiasts.
Siamese cats were required to have only blue eyes, so they feared that the green-eyed gene would infiltrate. As a result, the establishment of the Swiss Mountain Cat, the ancestor of Havana Brown, as a cat breed had to be abandoned, and it came to an end at this point.
1-2. The Reason for Havana Brown's Revival
After giving up breeding the Swiss Mountain Cat, time passed, and in the 1950s, crossbreeding between Siamese cats and black cats began. The Second World War had led to a decrease in the number of cats worldwide, and Siamese cats, in particular, had become so scarce that there were concerns they might become extinct.
Other cat breeds were also bred with them, leading to the direct ancestors of Havana Brown. At that time, they were registered as a cat breed under the name "Chestnut Brown Foreign."
Later on, the name was changed to Havana Brown, and it was registered as the current cat breed in 1970. Havana Brown, which was once abandoned, was registered again due to the historical background of the time and the fact that it had various names, making it a rare cat breed.
1-3. Two Types of Havana Brown
When we say Havana Brown, it can actually be divided into two main types. One is the European type of Havana Brown, characterized by a slender body and face.
The other is the American type of Havana Brown, which is more robust and muscular, with a slightly rounder appearance.
Comparing them, you can see that they have distinctly different appearances, and the reason for this lies in the fact that breeding was carried out separately in Europe and America through completely different routes.
Many cat breeds are established in their home countries and then spread worldwide. However, in the case of Havana Brown, breeding was done separately in America and Europe. As a result, it divided into the slim European type and the muscular American type.
2. Points to Consider When Living with Havana Brown
While Havana Brown is not yet a major breed in Japan, those who are captivated by its appearance may consider living with one in the future. When living together, it's important to consider their personality.
Cats have widely varying personalities depending on their breed, making their lifestyles diverse. Therefore, we will introduce Havana Brown's personality and points to consider when living with them.
2-1. Havana Brown's Personality
Havana Brown places absolute trust in humans. As a result, they tend to become very affectionate and build trust by cuddling and playing with their owners. They are also intelligent, making them relatively easy to train.
They enjoy being vocal, so they may respond with meows when spoken to, creating a companionable atmosphere. However, if they are not given enough attention, they can sulk, so it's important to pay attention to their needs. When you call their name after a period of neglect, they may come to you, showing their adorable side.
If you're unable to give them attention due to a busy schedule, make sure to take good care of them afterward.
2-2. Be Cautious of Jealousy
Jealousy is a common trait in cats, and Havana Brown is no exception. When they feel that they are not receiving enough attention, they may sulk. In multi-cat households, if they receive less attention than other cats, it can lead to stress.
Especially if they are an older cat, they may feel that their position has been taken by a newcomer, so caution is needed. In such cases, providing food and attention to the older cat first can help reduce their stress.
If Havana Brown is the newcomer, spending quality time and attention with them gradually can help prevent them from accumulating stress.
2-3. Daily Exercise
Havana Brown is known for being playful and intelligent, often described as "dog-like" in their behavior. They love to play and exercise is important for them. Physical activity helps relieve stress, so make sure to set aside time for play every day.
They may start playing on their own when their energy levels are high, but playing with their owners is an enjoyable bonding experience. Playing together also helps build trust and reduces stress. Using cat towers and toys that encourage vertical movement can be beneficial in increasing their exercise levels.
3. Health Points to Watch for Havana Brown
Considering the rarity of Havana Brown in Japan and the desire for them to stay healthy for as long as possible, it's essential to be attentive to their health. Cats, like all animals, can contract unexpected illnesses. However, reducing the risk of illness is a responsibility of the owner.
If your cat does fall ill, it's crucial to take them to the vet promptly.
3-1. Stress - The Root of All Illness
Havana Brown is prone to stress and may sometimes appear reserved, even though they are actually very intelligent and can adjust their behavior based on the situation. However, if they hold back, it often indicates stress, which can affect their overall health.
If you notice signs of stress, such as withdrawal, don't hesitate to call their name and provide them with attention. Playing together is also essential for stress relief.
3-2. Vaccination Is Recommended
There are many diseases that can be prevented by vaccination in cats. Cat flu, which can be prevented by vaccination, is one such example. Once a cat contracts cat flu, it takes time to recover and requires veterinary care.
Vaccination doesn't guarantee 100% immunity, and it needs to be administered annually to remain effective. However, it's an essential measure to prevent certain diseases.
Conclusion
Havana Brown is rarely seen in Japan, but it has a unique and charming personality in addition to its distinctive appearance. While encountering Havana Brown may be challenging, it's not impossible.
If you're interested, taking action to meet Havana Brown may lead to a fateful encounter. Good luck!
