Cat Breed Comparison
Burmese vs Havana Brown: Key Differences
Burmese and Havana Brown are often confused. Compare their size, weight, lifespan, origin, temperament, and health — and learn how to tell them apart at a glance.
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Burmese | Havana Brown |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small to Medium | Medium |
| Weight | 8–12 lbs (3.6–5.5 kg) | 6–10 lbs (2.7–4.5 kg) |
| Lifespan | 12–16 years | 10–15 years |
| Origin | Burma (Myanmar) | United Kingdom (1950s) |
Visual Differences
Telling a Burmese from a Havana Brown
Burmese come in sable, champagne, blue, and platinum with gold or yellow eyes and a rounder head. Havana Browns are only chocolate brown with green eyes and a narrow muzzle, and their whisker break is far more pronounced.
Burmese Key Markers
- Short, fine, satin-like coat that lies close to the body with a glossy sheen — the CFA describes it as "fine, short, and close-lying" with a texture like polished silk; no undercoat, so the coat is sleek and gives the muscular body beneath full visibility
- Medium-sized, rounded wedge-shaped head with a short muzzle, full cheeks, and a visible nose break — the American Burmese has a broader, rounder head than the European type, with a distinct short, flat muzzle
- Large, expressive round eyes set wide apart — rich gold to yellow in color, the most desirable shade being a vivid chartreuse gold; the large eye size contributes to the breed’s sweet, open expression
Havana Brown Key Markers
- Solid rich warm brown coat, the same shade through the hair shaft, with no white, no tabby, and no shading. The brown even covers the whiskers, nose leather, and paw pads.
- Distinctive muzzle: narrow and rounded with a pronounced whisker break, and a chin that makes the profile look almost square. Nose tip and chin line up nearly perpendicular.
- Vivid green eyes, oval and wide-set. Any deep level of green qualifies, and deeper color scores higher in the show ring.
Temperament & Personality
Burmese
- Extremely people-oriented — follows owners from room to room, sleeps on or next to their person, and demands daily interactive play
- Retains kitten energy throughout life — still playful, curious, and active at 12+ years old, unlike most breeds that slow down by age 8
- Highly intelligent — learns tricks, opens doors, and solves puzzle feeders; needs mental stimulation or boredom leads to mischief
- Vocal but not as loud as Siamese — communicates with a distinctive soft, sweet voice to express needs and wants
- Good with children, dogs, and other cats — friendly and adaptable, but does best when given plenty of human attention
- Does not tolerate being left alone for long periods — the breed forms deep attachments and may become anxious or destructive when isolated
Havana Brown
- Intelligent and inquisitive, but watches and waits rather than forcing its way into things
- Uses its paws to communicate, reaching out to touch people and investigate new objects
- Moderately active and playful; some bond to one person, others greet everyone
- Gets along with other cats and dogs, often curling up to sleep in a pile
- Quiet and affectionate; breeders often recommend getting two for company
Health Notes
Burmese
- Hypokalaemia (Burmese hypokalemia) — a genetic condition causing low blood potassium levels, leading to muscle weakness, head-tilting, and transient paresis; the Burmese is the cat breed most often affected; diagnosed through bloodwork and managed with potassium supplementation; a DNA test is available for at-risk lines
- Craniofacial defect (Burmese head defect) — a fatal congenital malformation linked to the brachycephalic ALX1 gene mutation in American Burmese lines; homozygous kittens must be euthanized; responsible breeders avoid breeding two carriers together
- Gangliosidosis (GM2) — a fatal inherited metabolic disorder causing progressive neurological deterioration from around 3–8 months of age; an autosomal recessive HEXB gene mutation has been identified; a simple DNA test is available
- Orofacial pain syndrome — a neuropathic pain condition causing exaggerated licking, chewing, and pawing at the mouth; seen more often in Burmese than other breeds
- Diabetes mellitus — Burmese cats, particularly neutered males, show a higher-than-average risk of developing diabetes; maintaining lean body weight is the most effective prevention
- Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) — some lines show predisposition; high-moisture diet and stress management help prevent recurrence
Havana Brown
- No breed-specific genetic conditions are documented. Veterinary sources describe the Havana Brown as overall healthy, with nothing unique to the breed.
- Obesity and diabetes. Excess weight is the main health threat, raising the risk of diabetes, lower urinary tract disease, and arthritis; portion control matters.
- Calcium oxalate stones. Some sources note a tendency toward calcium oxalate urinary stones; a high-moisture diet and fresh water help prevent them.
- Dental disease. Regular brushing and annual cleanings are advised, as with any cat.
- Small gene pool. The breed is rare; CFA approved a regulated outcrossing program in 2019 using Oriental Shorthairs, point Siamese, and black or blue domestic shorthairs, so buyers should seek breeders who DNA-test their cats.
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a veterinarian for health advice specific to your cat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell a Burmese apart from a Havana Brown?
Burmese come in sable, champagne, blue, and platinum with gold or yellow eyes and a rounder head. Havana Browns are only chocolate brown with green eyes and a narrow muzzle, and their whisker break is far more pronounced.
Are Burmese cats hypoallergenic?
No — Burmese are not a hypoallergenic breed. Their short coat sheds like any other cat’s, and they produce normal levels of the Fel d 1 allergen.
Are Havana Brown cats hypoallergenic?
No — Havana Browns are not hypoallergenic. Their short, undercoat-free coat sheds less than many breeds, but they still produce the Fel d 1 protein that triggers allergies.
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Breed Profiles & More Comparisons
Burmese
A compact cat with surprising heft — dense muscular body, a satin-like short coat, and large expressive gold eyes. Burmese are famously people-oriented, maintaining kitten-like energy and playfulness well into adulthood. Often described as "a brick wrapped in silk" for their solid weight and glossy coat.
Havana Brown
A medium-size cat in a solid rich brown coat, with green eyes, brown whiskers, and a muzzle that stands apart from the rest of the face. Bred in England from Siamese and black domestic crosses, the Havana Brown is intelligent, affectionate, and rarer than its looks suggest.