Havana cat

With its striking coat and brilliant green eyes, the Havana cat is a rare and stunning breed. These cats, who are distinguished by their rich chocolate-brown fur, exude both refinement and levity. In spite of their exotic appearance, they are amiable, loving, and social creatures.

The Havana cat, which is a hybrid of a Siamese and a domestic shorthair, has an unusual personality. They are perceptive, clever, and enjoy taking in their surroundings. They also have a reputation for developing close relationships with their owners and frequently accompanying them around the house.

For those seeking a sleek and gregarious companion, the Havana cat may be the ideal choice. They are a popular choice among cat lovers because of their gorgeous appearance and devoted and loving disposition.

English history of orientals

The Havana breed originated from an artificially bred species of oriental cats. Although the species’ name has Cuban influences, the Havana originated outside of the islands. Britain was the breeding ground for the breed’s original members.

The eastern state of Siam is where "brown cats," as they are known from the 19th century, were brought to England. The world has many rare species thanks to the native animals of those areas. The Havana is one of them; it still possesses the best traits of its raptors.

An indirect descendant of the Oriental breed

The exotic breed’s first representatives in Great Britain achieved amazing success. The "chocolate" pet represented prosperity and a happy existence. Cats of a peculiar hue were on display in Foggy Albion’s exhibition spaces. The breed even prevailed in one of these contests in 1888.

However, styles shift, and the Havana was unjustly forgotten over time. The same Orientals who brought the brown breed into the world drove the breed out of show grounds. The Second World War delivered the ultimate blow, wiping out nearly the entire species’ population.

Modern formation of the species

In that same Britain, the breed’s active restoration got underway. In the middle of the century, a group of cat lovers and like-minded individuals known as "The Havana Group" set out to revive the "chocolate" population.

Breeders were forced to crossbreed because the breed’s numbers were getting close to zero. She had the good fortune to breed a European shorthair. The color black was selected for breeding. Carefully chosen by enthusiasts, the species bestowed upon the breed its finest characteristics. In addition to being brought back to life, chestnut Siamese also acquired wild genes.

Havana from the east

American breeders also contributed to the species’ recovery. A portion of the first artificially bred Havanas’ offspring were shipped to the United States. It should be noted that American breeders favored avoiding the use of outside species. Because of this, the "pure" exterior bred in America was adopted as the breed standard in 1958.

It has been mentioned that the Russian Blue cat contributed to the breed’s recovery. Regretfully, the Havana breed’s legacy has not been conserved within its current genetic makeup.

Blue Russian cat

Origin of the name

The rum-scented breed name is merely a figurative reference to Cuba. The coat’s distinctive hue—which is reminiscent of the tobacco color of a Cuban cigar—led to the breed’s naming, Havana. While this is the view held by the majority of breeders, there is another viewpoint.

A cold climate is where the coat’s rich shade can be found.

According to a different legend, the name originated with a breed of rabbit whose fur closely resembles the chocolate shimmer of cat fur. Havana was dubbed "the cat from the Swiss mountains" by locals. Breeders from far-off lands noticed that the Havana fur coat takes on a richer and more noble shade in a cool mountain climate, which is how the polar name came to be.

The sleek, chocolate-brown coat and stunning green eyes of the Havana cat make it a rare and elegant breed. Energetic, inquisitive, and jovial, these felines create lasting relationships with their masters, rendering them excellent companions. Havana cats are smart and loving, with a hint of Siamese heritage. They love attention and interactive play. For those seeking a loyal companion, they are an exceptional option due to their distinct appearance and affectionate disposition.

Characteristics of the breed

Havana is a beautiful feline. The exterior blends the European breed’s spontaneity with the majestic features of the orientals. The breed’s social graces and public manners are its greatest assets.

The TICA organization registered the breed’s original and unique exterior. Numerous subtleties go into the species’ appearance, and only when these are combined can a cat be truly referred to as a Havana.

Exceptional presentation

Mandatory features of the breed

1. Head shape. The cat"s skull is elongated, the profile is rounded, with a straight nose and a slight bend in the bridge of the nose. Cheekbones are pronounced, the chin is strong, not fluffy. The color of the whiskers should harmoniously repeat the shade of the coat. Whiskers are lilac or chocolate, but must duplicate the main color. Nose mirror is pinkish.
2. Muzzle. Characteristic oriental appearance with large eyes and a triangular shape of the muzzle. Clear whiskers, wide bridge of the nose.
3. Ears. Large shells, set wide and slightly directed forward. The tip of the earlobe is rounded. Tassels and excessive "feathering" of the ear are unacceptable.
4. Eyes. Almond-shaped cut shapes. Eyes are large, expressive. The shade may change with age, but by the first year the color of the iris stabilizes. An adult cat should have bright green eyes.
5. Body. Slender, without pronounced muscles. Strong bones and developed muscles, but outwardly the cat looks graceful. The body is proportional, the percentage of fat is minimal.
6. Extremities. Proportional legs with developed joints. The length of the hind legs is slightly longer than the front ones, which forms a “predatory” raised pelvis. Pink paw pads.
7. Tail. Long, with the same thickness from the back to the tip. Pointed towards the edge.
8. Wool. A mandatory condition is a characteristic shine.

An adult’s weight ranges from 3.5 to 5 kg. Men tend to weigh a little bit more than women do. The animal appears light on the outside, but this is misleading. Well-developed muscles create a powerful cat with a powerful stance.

Nuances of colors and wool

The breed, known as Havana Brown, is known for its ability to "transform" during its first year of life. The exterior matures gradually, replacing the kitten-like appearance with features characteristic of an adult.

Kittens gradually get better.

Havana kittens frequently have tabby coats at birth. Although there is no disqualification for this phenomenon, these markings ought to go away in a year. The phenomenon of spots disappearing is referred to as "ghost" tabby.

For the Havana coat, felinologists have specific requirements:

1. Smooth structure with pronounced guard hair.
2. Shine of the coat in the sun.
3. "Plumage" is uniform, without a collar and pants. Smooth structure and silkiness.
4. Uniform color. By adulthood, there should be no transitions and different shades on the coat.

The specification permits a range of chocolate hues:

• Warm brown with a reddish tint;
• Lilac with a gray tint.

Havana hue

Reasons for disqualification

Breed standards are precise specifications for the animal’s exterior. The cat will be disqualified if it is not followed. Pets that are "non-standard" are enrolled in the pet class.

1. Kinks or bending of the tail. This situation is not uncommon in Orientals.
2. Buttons on the fur or other spots, medallions.
3. Too many fingers or, on the contrary, their shortage.
4. Any shade of eyes other than green are unacceptable.
5. Difference in the color of the whiskers and fur.
6. The nose or paw pads are not pink.

The animal is disqualified if it is not allowed to participate in exhibition activities. External flaws, however, have no effect on other qualities. The character of a Havana with buttons or a kinked tail is identical to that of its ideal brothers. The only female cats who can carry on the purebred line are those who fulfill TICA requirements.

Features of the breed"s behavior

The Havana cat was designed to be social. It is a never-ending energy source and a machine that never stops moving. She values communication over delicious food and fresh air.

The Havana is an outgoing cat that is skilled at winning people over. She is friendly and loving, yet discreet and independent. The animal always knows when to display its magnificent self.

She will not trail you about. She will just be there, everywhere, all the time. She won’t be able to stay out of his affairs, that much is certain. Getting such a socialized pet requires planning for shared activities and work. The cat will undoubtedly poke her head into the laundry basket, check the bags she brought from the store, and discreetly use her paw to adjust the carrot in her owner’s soup.

The Havana, incidentally, makes good use of her paws. She is able to use her claw to pick up objects and bring them up to her nose. Additionally, she enjoys caressing someone as though she’s saying hello during particularly tender moments.

The breed is averse to heights. We’ll conquer all cabinets, shelves, and other heights. An observation post will be established by the animal on one of the "towers." She will then observe what is going on in the house.

The Havana was created through artificial breeding, but its forebears were hunters. This is what bred the incredible curiosity in the breed. The cat will never miss a rustle if it doesn’t investigate what’s rustling. Closed doors and family secrets irritate her.

The cat enjoys being well-informed about everything.

Havana respects household rules and values comfort. She observes feeding areas and private areas without question. She won’t act erratically without cause. She has a very kind disposition and is not resentful.

Socialization of a pet

Predatory tendencies are accompanied by uncontrollable activity. The cat despises sitting still and has no patience for it. She lives a life of motion. Furthermore, it is more comfortable the faster it is. She is a clever and creative gamer. She enjoys playing with kids. She plays it cool and is cautious. She doesn’t use her claws on kids, and when she senses danger, she wisely retreats.

It is preferable to get this breed of cat for people who are frequently at home because the cat needs a companion. It is not advised to travel alone to Havana. She experiences profound depression, loses her appetite, and questions the purpose of life after losing her friends.

It is not advised to travel alone to Havana.

It is preferable to have two cats at once in case the owner is compelled to move. In this instance, the Havana will only get along with a friend of the same breed.

She can get along with other animals if needed. Even with a dog, Havana can establish a friendship. The most important thing is that the cohabitant does not fit the description of a possible meal; otherwise, the predatory genes will eventually take over.

Talkativeness is one of the breed’s best qualities. Havana enjoys chatting and talking about everything she observes. Her meowing is not overbearing. The cat would rather use melody than volume to win people over. She doesn’t mind purring when she is feeling happy.

She would rather love every member of the household equally rather than picking a favorite. She is loving and will even use deceit to get what she wants, which is affection.

She respects the position in the house, but she is unable to control her habits. Because the pet enjoys using her paws, she will undoubtedly touch every item in the house with them. The animal frequently topples vases and cups because it enjoys gently touching objects.

It is not hard to raise a cat. It is sufficient to speak with it and issue orders in a firm voice. Havana won’t dispute. She’s willing to comply under any circumstance.

Choosing and buying a kitten

A unique breed is the Havana. In the Russian Federation, there aren’t many catteries that raise this breed. Clubs that are members of a felinological association should be taken into consideration when selecting an organization.

Verify the paperwork attesting to the kitten’s breed membership before making a purchase. To assess the quality of their exterior, you should also get to know the litter’s parents. Examining the circumstances of the kittens’ birth would not be unnecessary.

When a kitten reaches three months of age, it’s time to find them a new home. They have developed a rudimentary immunity and received the required immunizations by now. By this point, kitten appearance is by no means "Cuban." Havana’s exterior changes are a defining feature that should be taken into account when examining.

A kitten that is purebred may have rings on its tail, striped coloring, or spots on its fur. Its body might also have "ghost" patterns that gradually vanish.

The breed of Havana is small. Only roughly a thousand members of the breed are officially registered worldwide. The majority of them reside in Western Europe and the United States. The high price of purebred kittens can be attributed to this. It will cost you between $500 and $1,000 for a club baby.

But owning a pet cat with a flawless exterior is by no means required. For just $200, you can buy a used but devoted friend.

Furthermore, interspecies crossing is permitted by some organizations, like CFA, which greatly increases the market.

If both parents belong to the permitted breeding group, kittens from interbreeding families are not regarded as crossbreeds. They are granted permission to carry on the family line and are given the title "Havana."

Gavana requires easy care. A cat with short hair requires little care from its owner. The two primary topics will be diet selection and wool care.

Wool care

The breed of Havana does not require frequent watering. As soon as a cat gets dirty, or as a preventative measure, every two to three months, you can give it a bath. The animal can have more frequent washings if it walks on the street.

It is best to use cats that are designed specifically for swimming. These substances don’t cause allergies or damage the skin.

Children’s shampoo may be used if there isn’t a cat remedy available. But washing it with "human" shampoo is always out of the question.

Even indoor cats require regular bathing. Using a flea collar and washing are two examples of antiparasitic processing.

Havana will require occasional combing in addition to swimming. Because of this cat’s affection, the procedure is easily tolerated and enjoyable. It is sufficient to make one approach per week during regular times and twice during shedding. It is sufficient to run your hand along the cat’s sides in a rubber glove to reduce the amount of fur in the apartment on other days.

Ears, eyes and teeth

Toiletries are not the only act of hygiene. Every day, you should check for contamination in the area surrounding your eyes, in the oral cavity, and in the auricles.

It is advised to use a moist cotton swab every day to clean the corners of the cat’s eyes. You can wash the cat with warm tea leaves if it got to the web or dust and started tearing.

Cleaning of the ears is required at least once every two weeks. It is essential to follow safety precautions in this situation! You can learn how to clean a cat’s ears at home by reading this article.

The cat will have to put up with an annoyance in its personal space once every one and a half to two weeks. Regardless of how much the pet protests, brushing its teeth is essential. You can speak with a veterinarian or read the pertinent articles for information on cleaning fangs.

A neat appearance

Claws

Cat claws are more of an instructional issue than a hygienic one. Taking good care of your pet’s nails will help to keep it from destroying wallpaper and upholstered furniture.

Table 1: Solutions for getting rid of the claw issue

How to solve the problem	Nuances
Claw trimming	The easiest way, which involves regular manicure sessions. The sharp edge of the claw is cut with special tweezers, after which the cat does not need to tear the wallpaper.
Silicone pads	Special soft attachments that cover the sharp part of the claw. Put on the cut nail and protect the furniture for several weeks, after which they require replacement.
Scratching post	The most natural way for a cat to file its claws. You need to accustom a pet from an early age until he has chosen another place for sharpening.

Disease prevention

Like cats of any other breed, Havana cats require vaccinations. This is an absolute must for all animals.

The pet is brought to the clinic when it reaches the age range given by the veterinarian, where it is given injections to protect it from rabies, panleukopenia, calicivirus, and rhinotracheitis. Every year, vaccinations are administered.

Every pet receives injections as well as deworming. Such precautions are particularly important in the Havana’s case because it doesn’t lose the chance to test strange objects with its teeth.

Diet

The Havana breed’s diet doesn’t differ significantly from that of regular cats. The chocolate predator requires vitamin supplements along with a well-balanced diet. In terms of cuisine, it is modest.

Because the diet has a direct impact on the appearance and health of the animal, breeders advise feeding the Havana speciality super-premium food. This is a well-balanced menu with everything a predator needs.

It’s not advisable to give your cat only dry food. Using wet canned food is advised. It is advised to introduce your cat to only specific brands of food and to train it to not be picky about what it eats. This is especially true for super-premium food, since these types of food rarely have artificial flavors and fragrances added to them, making them less likely to be enhanced with a rich aroma that draws in cats.

If the pet’s owner opts for natural food, the menu should include at least 70% meat products.

Special calorie counting is not necessary for a healthy adult Havana. Although the breed does not enjoy overindulging, it has a normal appetite. Sterilized animals will be an exception, and their owners will need to keep a close eye on their weight to avoid feline obesity.

Apart from wholesome food, the Havana will require uncontaminated water for drinking. Thirst quenching is another way that the peculiarities in the breed’s character will show themselves. If the animal chooses to drink "from the palms," using its paw to scoop up water, don’t worry.

Nutritionists’ suggestions for cat food

Characteristic	Description
Breed Name	Havana Cat
Origin	United Kingdom
Coat	Short, smooth, and glossy
Color	Rich, warm brown (mahogany)
Personality	Affectionate, playful, and curious
Size	Medium-sized
Lifespan	10-15 years
Good with families	Yes, especially with children and other pets
Activity Level	Moderate

The Havana cat is a stunning and lovable breed distinguished by its vivid green eyes and rich brown coat. This breed is more than just attractive; they are a pleasure to have in any home due to their gregarious and outgoing personalities.

Havana cats enjoy spending time with their owners and are very gregarious. Playful and inquisitive, they frequently accompany their owners around the house. This breed might be the ideal choice if you’re searching for a cat that likes to socialize.

Havana cats have short hair, so they don’t require much maintenance. Although they are generally healthy, they do best when given a balanced diet, frequent veterinary care, and lots of mental stimulation.

All things considered, the Havana cat is an excellent friend for anybody looking for a devoted, energetic, and beautiful feline. They are distinguished from other cats in the world by their distinctive look and endearing nature.

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