Bombay vs Havana Brown

Which cat breed is right for you?

Bombay

Size
6–11 lbs
Lifespan
12–16 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Affectionate Playful Social Intelligent

Havana Brown

Size
6–10 lbs
Lifespan
8–13 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Affectionate Intelligent Playful Curious

About the Bombay

The Bombay was created in the 1950s by breeder Nikki Horner in Louisville, Kentucky, who crossed sable Burmese with black American Shorthairs to produce a cat resembling a miniature black panther. This medium-sized breed weighs 6–11 pounds and has a compact, muscular build with a sleek, jet-black coat. Every feature is black — from their glossy, patent-leather-like fur to their nose leather and paw pads — contrasted only by their striking copper or gold eyes.

Temperament & Personality

Bombays are outgoing, attention-loving cats that thrive on being the center of their family's world. They are remarkably adaptable and get along well with children, dogs, and other cats — often becoming the social director of the household. Their intelligence and trainability make them excellent candidates for learning tricks, and they are known for greeting visitors at the door.

Pros

  • Sleek, low-shedding coat requires minimal grooming
  • Dog-like personality — enjoys fetch, leash walks, and greeting guests
  • Highly adaptable to apartment living and urban environments
  • Craves warmth and is an enthusiastic lap cat and bed companion

Cons

  • Can be excessively needy — does not tolerate being ignored well
  • Prone to craniofacial defects and breathing issues inherited from Burmese lines
  • Overeats easily and is highly prone to obesity
  • May become demanding and vocal when seeking attention

Fall in love with the sleek elegance of the Bombay — find your perfect match among adoptable cats on Puplister.

About the Havana Brown

The Havana Brown was developed in 1950s England by crossing chocolate-point Siamese with black domestic cats, creating a breed distinguished by its rich, warm mahogany-brown coat. This medium-sized breed weighs 6–10 pounds and has a distinctive muzzle that is noticeably wider than it is long — giving the head a unique "corn cob" shape when viewed from above. Their glossy, short coat is uniformly chocolate brown, complemented by vivid green eyes, brown whiskers, and rosy-brown nose leather and paw pads.

Temperament & Personality

Havana Browns are charming, people-oriented cats that use their paws to investigate and reach out to touch their owners — a behavior unique to this breed. They are moderately active, enjoy interactive play, and are gentle enough for families with children. They tend to bond closely with one particular person while remaining friendly with the rest of the household.

Pros

  • Strikingly unique all-brown appearance — even whiskers and paw pads are brown
  • Engaging, tactile personality — uses paws to explore and communicate
  • Moderate energy level — playful without being hyperactive
  • Low-maintenance coat that gleams with occasional brushing

Cons

  • One of the rarest cat breeds in the world — critically low population numbers
  • Prone to upper respiratory infections and calcium oxalate urinary stones
  • Can become overly attached to one person — may develop jealousy
  • Limited breeding population raises concerns about genetic diversity

The rare and captivating Havana Brown is a true treasure — search for adoptable cats on Puplister.

Available for Adoption

14

Bombays

Browse

0

Havana Browns

Related Articles

All Articles →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Bombay and a Havana Brown?
The Bombay is 6–11 lbs sized while the Havana Brown is 6–10 lbs sized. They differ in size (6–11 lbs vs 6–10 lbs), lifespan (12–16 years vs 8–13 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Bombay or Havana Brown?
Bombay is generally good with kids. Havana Brown is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Bombay or Havana Brown?
The Bombay has a lifespan of 12–16 years while the Havana Brown has a lifespan of 8–13 years.

Find Your Perfect Pet

Browse thousands of adoptable pets from shelters near you.

Browse Cats