Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Havana, or Havana Brown, originated in the United Kingdom in the mid-20th century. In the 1950s, British breeders began selective breeding to create cats with a rich chocolate-brown coat. Siamese cats with chocolate points were crossed with black domestic shorthairs, resulting in a cat with a rare solid warm chestnut color and striking green eyes. The breed’s name derives from the hue of brown resembling Cuban “Havana” cigars. The Havana was later recognized by international associations and spread across Europe and the United States. Today, it is valued for its refined appearance, rare color, and intelligent, affectionate temperament.
General Appearance
The Havana is a medium-sized cat with an elegant yet sturdy build. The body is long and muscular without heaviness. The legs are slender and proportionate, with neat oval paws. The head is slightly elongated with a straight profile and a firm chin. The eyes are large, wide-set, and bright green—one of the breed’s defining features. The ears are large, widely spaced, and slightly tilted forward, giving an alert expression. The coat is short, smooth, glossy, and of a deep, uniform chocolate-brown shade. The overall impression is one of balanced grace and sophisticated charm.
Important Proportions
According to ICCF, harmonious proportions define the Havana breed. The body should be long but balanced with the length of limbs and tail. The head is wedge-shaped, slightly elongated, with balanced width and length and a strong chin. The large ears should continue the lines of the head. The eyes must be large, well-set, and an intense green color. Limbs are medium-length and slender, with oval paws matching the overall body structure. The tail is long, tapering, and in proportion to the body. All proportions should create an impression of refined harmony.
Behavior and Temperament
The Havana is known for its friendly and even-tempered personality. It is social, people-oriented, and enjoys attention and interactive play. While affectionate and intelligent, it remains calmer than most Oriental breeds. Havanas are loyal, gentle, and curious, easily adapting to family life. They get along well with children and other pets and rarely show aggression. Their voice is soft and melodious, never loud. This breed suits those who value a calm, affectionate, and intelligent feline companion.
Head
The head is wedge-shaped, elongated, and refined, with smooth lines reflecting its Oriental heritage. The forehead is flat or slightly rounded, the transition from forehead to nose smooth and unbroken. The nose is long and straight, with a slight depression at the bridge. Cheekbones are moderate and gently contoured. The muzzle is extended but not pointed, with well-developed whisker pads. The chin is firm and aligned with the nose, forming a perfect wedge. The head should convey elegance, intelligence, and refinement.
Facial Features
The face is refined and balanced. The cheeks are sleek and smooth, flowing naturally into the wedge. Whisker pads are visible but not overly pronounced, accentuating the muzzle. The nose is straight, medium-long, and dark brown, harmonizing with the coat. The chin is strong and well-aligned, providing a sense of balance. The slightly elongated muzzle gives the face an Oriental elegance while maintaining softness. The overall expression should be noble, intelligent, and graceful.
Eyes
The eyes are one of the breed’s most distinctive features. They are large, oval, and wide-set, slightly slanted toward the nose, giving an elegant expression. The color is a vivid, pure green—ranging from emerald to light green—but must be deep and clear. The gaze is alert, intelligent, and gentle. Yellow, amber, or blue eyes are disqualifying. The eyes must be symmetrical and complement the head’s wedge shape. Small or round eyes are considered serious faults.
Ears
The ears are large, broad at the base, and taper slightly to rounded tips. Set high and slightly forward, they create an alert, expressive appearance. The ears should continue the head’s lines, emphasizing the wedge shape. The interior may have light hair. Ears that are too small, too low, or disproportionately large disturb the balance and are considered faults. Correct ear placement is essential to the Havana’s characteristic look.
Neck
The neck is long, slender, and graceful, smoothly joining the head and body. It must be strong enough to support the head while maintaining elegance. Males have more muscular necks, while females show refinement and delicacy. Excess bulk or skin folds are undesirable, as are necks that are too short or overly long. A properly proportioned neck enhances the breed’s graceful outline.
Body
The body is medium-length, supple, and muscular, showing strength without heaviness. The chest is moderately broad, the back straight and firm, with a taut abdomen. The overall impression is one of strength combined with refinement. The Havana should not appear massive or fragile. The proportions between body, limbs, and tail must remain balanced, emphasizing flexibility and elegance.
Tail
The tail is long, thin, and tapering to a fine point. It should continue the body’s line, contributing to the breed’s sleek silhouette. The tail must be flexible and proportional—not too short or overly long. Kinks, nodules, or thickened areas are faults. The correct tail shape adds balance and elegance to the cat’s overall movement.
Forelimbs
The forelegs are straight, slender, and of medium length, with fine but strong bone structure. The stance should be parallel and steady. The shoulders are gently sloped and blend smoothly into the body. Paws are oval, compact, with strong pads and neat toes. Weak bone or crooked limbs are serious faults. Proper forelimbs emphasize the breed’s graceful yet firm structure.
Hind Limbs
The hind legs are slightly longer than the front ones, giving the body a gentle rise toward the rump. They are strong and muscular, with well-defined joints. Thighs are powerful but not heavy; legs are proportional and elegant. Paws are oval and compact. Incorrect angulation, weakness, or coarseness are faults. Correct hind limbs ensure the Havana’s smooth, elastic movements.
Gait and Movement
The Havana moves with light, elastic, and flowing motion that reflects its Oriental grace. Movements are coordinated, balanced, and rhythmic. The tail assists in maintaining balance. The gait should be smooth and natural, without stiffness or asymmetry. Proper movement indicates health, muscular tone, and correct structure according to ICCF standards.
Coat
The coat is short, close-lying, and glossy, with a fine, silky texture. It should be smooth and even, with minimal undercoat. The fur’s hallmark is its brilliant sheen, which gives it a lustrous appearance. The coat must be uniformly short across the body, head, and limbs. Dullness, excessive length, or coarseness of texture are faults.
Acceptable Colors
ICCF recognizes only one color for the Havana breed: a rich, solid chocolate brown. The shade must be deep, warm, and uniform across the entire body, without any markings or shading. The color should harmonize perfectly with vivid green eyes. Any white hairs, patches, or uneven coloring are disqualifying. The coat must appear sleek, glossy, and pure in tone.
Size
The Havana is a medium-sized breed. Males are typically larger and more robust, weighing between 4–6 kg, while females are lighter, weighing 3–4.5 kg. The height at the withers should correspond to the body’s length, maintaining proportional harmony. The cat should never appear too heavy or too delicate. Balanced size and proportion are essential to the breed’s refined elegance.
Faults
Faults include deviations from the ideal type and imbalance in proportions. A body that is too short, massive, or weak-boned is undesirable. The absence of a wedge-shaped head, a nose that is too short or long, a weak chin, or incorrect ear placement are considered faults. Small, round, or yellow eyes and a lack of coat gloss are also faults. White spots, uneven coloring, or coarse texture disqualify the coat. Overly large or miniature size and unbalanced movement are penalized.
Disqualifications
Disqualifying faults include tail deformities, cross-eyedness, incorrect bite, missing teeth, or severe skeletal deformities. Any cat lacking the solid chocolate color—showing white marks, stripes, or spots—is excluded from shows and breeding. Eyes of incorrect color (blue, yellow, amber, or mixed) are disqualifying. The absence of a vivid green tone in adults is also unacceptable. Aggressive or fearful behavior and mixed-breed traits disqualify a cat from ICCF recognition.
Important Notes
ICCF emphasizes that the Havana is a rare and valuable breed requiring controlled breeding. Key traits include its rich chocolate coat, wedge-shaped head, large ears, and striking green eyes. Judges evaluate not only conformation but also the impression of harmony, grace, and temperament. For exhibition and breeding, ICCF documentation is mandatory: official pedigree, microchip certification, and veterinary passport. Breeders must maintain breed purity and prevent uncontrolled crossings.
Conclusion
According to ICCF standards, the Havana is a refined breed with a deep chocolate coat, wedge-shaped head, large ears, and vivid green eyes. It combines Oriental elegance with composure and grace. ICCF requirements focus on maintaining proportional harmony, proper structure, and a uniform coat. White markings, eye color mismatches, or serious structural faults are unacceptable. Participation in shows and breeding requires ICCF documents, including pedigree, microchip, and veterinary certification. The Havana represents sophistication and balance, standing as a symbol of elegance among rare feline breeds.
