Havana brown

The Havana Brown, also called Swiss Mountain cat or Chestnut Oriental Shorthair is a cat breed originating from Great Britain. This cat is characterized by its chocolate-colored short-haired coat.

The ancestors of Havana Brown existed at the time of the kingdom of Siam (current Thailand), probably Burmese or Tonkinese, their color was appreciated and it was said that they warded off evil spirits. Later, in the 19th century and around 1880, several cats with characteristic brown coats were exhibited and appreciated by the general public without any follow-up being given to these cats. It was only in 1950 that Baroness Von Ullman, who wanted a cat with a chocolate brown coat, had a chocolate point Siamese crossed with a black European. The kittens born from this union were a success and other breeders did the same. The English recognized the breed quickly under the name of Havana Brown. We do not know exactly why this name, perhaps it is related to the dress of a rabbit of the same name, or for the color of the famous cigars. The breed was imported to the United States where it was a great success. From then on, the British subjects and the American subjects were differentiated. The English developed the Havana Brown into the Siamese type while the Americans kept the original type. The GCCF recognized this breed under the names of Chestnut Havana Brown and Havana Brown in 1958. The breed remains rare today, especially in Europe. There are about ten farms in the world, especially in the United States and Canada. Only one breeding exists in France. The American type breed was recognized by the LOOF at the end of the 1990s. The FIFé recognizes the breed as an Oriental.

The Havana Brown is said to be a curious, lively and playful cat who appreciates the comfort of his home. He would like to "talk" from time to time with his owners. Of course, the character being above all a function of the history of each cat, it remains individual, independently of the breed.