Since the 1890s cat breeders began trying to develop an all-brown cat and so, they eventually succeeded.  In the early 1950s, British Breeders cross-bred a Siamese Cat with a Black shorthair cat and the result was a group of cats referred to as "Chestnut Brown Foreigns". Chestnut Brown Foreigns served as a stable foundation for the Havana Brown Cat.

Today, Havana Brown Cats differ markedly depending on their country of origin. The Havana Brown cat's eyes are a vivid shade of mid-green and comes only in Brown, ofcourse. The brown coat color can be described as a rich shade of warm mahogany with a reddish accent.  The Havana Brown cat's personality can be described as companionable. These cats crave companionship and should not be left alone for too long. The Havana Brown has an interesting habit of using their paws to investigate and will touch and feel anything that sparks their curiosity.