Common Reasons for Surrender
Havana Browns, like other breeds, lose their homes through no fault of their own. Most commonly, a couple divorces or an owner passes away without having left provisions for the care of his cat.
Pros
A Havana Brown will follow you around like a puppy and, the minute you sit down, will hop on your lap for a snuggle. Havana Browns bond closely to their humans and typically get along well with children, other cats, and even dogs. They are relatively active but not so active that you’ll need to cat-proof your home. A loving breed, all the Havana Brown really wants is companionship from you.
Cons
Havana Browns are the exact opposite of what some imagine is the typical cat—they love to be with their humans and do not do well being left alone. If you’re not home a lot, you will probably want to consider another breed unless you are willing to adopt a companion for your Havana Brown.
Diet
A high quality cat food is essential to ensure your Havana Brown’s continued good health. Eukanuba, Science Diet, and Royal Canin are all healthy, high quality options. Some experts recommend giving no treats to a cat, citing that a high quality food is sufficient for their diets. However, if you opt to provide your Havana Brown with a treat, do so sparingly and never give people food. Overfeeding your cat can lead to potential health problems in the future. Feline Greenies are an acceptable treat as they also promote good dental hygiene.
Exercise
Most Havana Browns will exercise themselves if they have a partner in crime. When possible, adopt a second cat for your Havana Brown. Two cats generally run around, chase each other, and play until they’ve released all of their excess energy. You may also want to include playtime, between you and your Havana Brown, each day. Your cat will let you know when she’s had enough.
Possible Health Issues
Havana Browns are an overall healthy breed, although like all cats they may be prone to age-related issues, including cancer.
Litter
A natural litter, such as World’s Best Cat Litter, is generally the healthiest for any breed. However, some cats can be finicky about the litter, so find something your Havana Brown likes and will use. Newspaper-based litters, such as Yesterday’s News, and pine-based wood stove pellets are both healthy options. Clay litter should be dust-free and digestible.
Grooming
Havana Browns need minimal grooming. Brushing your cat’s coat weekly to remove dead hair is sufficient. Only use a soft brush with your cat. Havana Browns have only one coat. If you use a wire brush on her coat, you may actually hurt your cat’s skin. Because Havana Browns enjoy being brushed, you may want to brush more often, provided you use a soft brush, which will also provide a good bonding experience.
Training
Most people don’t associate training with cats as they do with dogs. However, you can train the intelligent Havana Brown to do basic commands and even tricks if you’re patient.
Entertainment
Havana Browns love being with and playing with other cats. If you have two cats, you will quickly discover they love playing chase and interacting with one another. Your cat may also enjoy a good game of fetch or chasing a wand with a toy at the end. Avoid giving your Havana Brown toys with feathers. A cat can accidentally swallow the quill of the feather, which could then become lodged in her throat. Your cat would then need immediate veterinary assistance. (Think of it this way: Dogs should not have chicken bones. A chicken bone may splinter and injure the dog’s throat.)
We want to thank Mokolea Cattery for help with this profile.