Havana Brown vs Oriental Short Hair

Which cat breed is right for you?

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

Oriental Short Hair

Size
5–10 lbs
Lifespan
12–15 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Vocal Social Playful Intelligent

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.

About the Oriental Short Hair

The Oriental Shorthair emerged in the 1950s and 1960s when British breeders crossed Siamese cats with Russian Blues, British Shorthairs, and Abyssinians to create a Siamese-type cat in a rainbow of non-pointed colors. Sleek and angular at 6–12 pounds, this breed has a wedge-shaped head, strikingly large ears, vivid green eyes (or blue in white coats), and a short, fine, glossy coat in over 300 color-and-pattern combinations — more than any other cat breed.

Temperament & Personality

Oriental Shorthairs are among the most extroverted and opinionated cats in existence — they will tell you exactly what they think in a loud, distinctive voice. Fiercely loyal, they bond tightly to their humans and follow them everywhere, including into the shower. They are athletic, curious, and endlessly entertaining, making them ideal for active households with children and other social pets.

Pros

  • Incredible coat variety — virtually every color and pattern available
  • Minimal grooming needs thanks to the short, close-lying coat
  • Highly intelligent and trainable — enjoys puzzle feeders and learning tricks
  • Deeply loyal and affectionate with family members

Cons

  • One of the most vocal cat breeds — constant meowing can be overwhelming
  • Severe separation anxiety when left alone — does best with a companion cat
  • Prone to dental issues, heart disease, and amyloidosis
  • Demands constant attention and can become destructive if under-stimulated

Think you can keep up with this talkative, spirited feline? Search for Oriental Shorthair cats on Puplister and meet your new best friend.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Havana Brown and a Oriental Short Hair?
The Havana Brown is 6–10 lbs sized while the Oriental Short Hair is 5–10 lbs sized. They differ in size (6–10 lbs vs 5–10 lbs), lifespan (8–13 years vs 12–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Havana Brown or Oriental Short Hair?
Havana Brown is generally good with kids. Oriental Short Hair is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Havana Brown or Oriental Short Hair?
The Havana Brown has a lifespan of 8–13 years while the Oriental Short Hair has a lifespan of 12–15 years.

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