Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

8 Brown Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Abyssinian young cat sitting at tower

Cats are one of America’s favorite pets. They come in various coat patterns, and while most tend to be black, grey, or orange, other colors are also available, including brown, which is quite popular. If you are interested in this less-common hue, keep reading for a list of several cat breeds that tend to produce brown cats.

divider cats oct 2024

The 8 Brown Cat Breeds

1. Abyssinian

abyssinian cat looking away
Image By: Anton Akhmatov, Shutterstock
Height: 8–10 inches
Length: 12–16 inches
Weight: 6–10 pounds

The Abyssinian is a small to medium-sized breed with a distinctive ticked coat that often displays warm brown shades. They have a muscular body with a medium-length tail and almond-shaped eyes. They are playful, active, curious, and highly intelligent and form strong bonds with their human companions.


2. Bengal

Bengal cat sitting on the bed
Image Credit: Shvaygert Ekaterina, Shutterstock
Height: 8–10 inches
Length: 16–20 inches
Weight: 8–15 pounds

The Bengal resembles a miniature leopard with a range of brown hues. They have a muscular build, strong legs, and a long, sleek body. They are a highly energetic, agile, and intelligent cat that requires plenty of mental and physical stimulation to thrive.


3. Burmese

burmese cat in gray background
Image Credit: Seregraff, Shutterstock
Height: 8–10 inches
Length: 12–15 inches
Weight: 8–12 pounds

Burmese cats have sleek, solid brown coats that exude warmth and richness. They have medium-sized, compact bodies with well-developed muscles, expressive and round eyes, and a sweet, affectionate nature. Burmese cats make loyal and loving family pets.


4. Singapura

Singapuras
Image Credit: jojosmb, Shutterstock
Height: 6–8 inches
Length: 10–12 inches
Weight: 4–8 pounds

The Singapura is a small cat breed with a sepia-toned coat. Despite their petite size, they have a muscular build and large, expressive eyes. They also have a curious, playful personality and form strong bonds with their human family. They are outgoing and will often be the first to greet strangers.


5. Havana Brown

Havana Cat
Image Credit: Magnetic Mcc, Shutterstock
Height: 8–10 inches
Length: 12–15 inches
Weight: 8–12 pounds

The Havana Brown is a medium-sized breed with a chocolate-brown coat that is short and glossy. They have a muscular body, broad chest, and expressive green eyes. They are known for their affectionate, loyal, and outgoing personalities, making them great companions.


6. Oriental Shorthair

Black Oriental Shorthair in the grass
Image Credit: jojosmb, Shutterstock
Height: 8–10 inches
Length: 12–15 inches
Weight: 6–12 pounds

Oriental Shorthairs come in various coat colors and patterns, including shades of brown. This cat has a slender build with a long neck, large ears, and almond-shaped eyes that add to their unique appearance. They are highly intelligent, vocal, and active cats with outgoing personalities.


7. Somali

a somali cat portrait
Image Credit: Nataliya Kuznetsova, Shutterstock
Height: 8–10 inches
Length: 12–15 inches
Weight: 6–12 pounds

The Somali cat, or Long-Haired Abyssinian, has a ticked coat that can display various shades of brown. They have a medium-sized body with a long, bushy tail. They are playful, mischievous, and athletic and are usually quite vocal when they want something.


8. Toyger

Toyger cat on a white tree
Image Credit: Kutikova Ekaterina, Shutterstock
Height: 8–10 inches
Length: 14–18 inches
Weight: 10–15 pounds

The Toyger is a relatively new breed that resembles a miniature tiger. Their coat has bold, dark stripes on a brown background. Toygers have a muscular and athletic build, with a medium to large body. They have a playful, friendly, and outgoing personality and due to their intelligence, enjoy interactive play.

divider 2 cats

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Common Shades in Brown Cat Breeds?

Brown cat breeds can display various shades of brown, including chocolate, sepia, cinnamon, and mahogany. There are all brown cats and also cats with a mix of brown and other colors. Some may have lighter or darker variations within these color ranges.

Are Brown Cat Breeds Hypoallergenic?

No, brown cat breeds are not inherently hypoallergenic (there’s no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic cat, anyway). However, some individuals with allergies may find certain breeds, like the Oriental Shorthair or the Singapura, more tolerable due to their producing lower levels of allergenic proteins in their saliva and dander.

How Do I Care for the Coat of a Brown Cat Breed?

Coat care for brown cats varies depending on the breed. Generally, though, regular brushing helps minimize shedding and maintain a healthy coat, with long-haired cats requiring more frequent brushing. Some breeds may also require more grooming, such as occasional bathing or specific coat care routines, so it’s important to research the specific breed’s grooming needs before purchase.

professional-groomer-brushes-abyssinian-cat
Image Credit: Roman Zaiets, Shutterstock

divider 2 cats

Summary

Brown cats could be a number of different breeds. Whether you’re looking for an all brown cat or a brown variation, there’s lots to choose from. Popular ones include the Havana Brown, Burmese, and the newer Toyger. These cats require the same care and attention as any other breed and will make just as good companions. It’s also important to note that other cats may also produce brown coats, just not as frequently.


Featured Image Credit: Darya Lavinskaya, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

2 Responses

  1. I have always owned cats along with dogs and horses and bunnies throughout my life and I've owned various different breeds but my different cats I've owned over the years have all been rescues from local shelters and my most recent baby we found in our trailer court community and he's a chocolate brown but I'm not sure if his breed because like I previously stated he was born from a mostly feral stray queen. I'd love it if someone could help me figure out his breeding and help me with a sure decision on if he is a true chocolate kitty ! I can provide photos if anyone could help me !! it would be very much appreciated!! this article was a huge help also !! thank you for the knowledgeable information and the way you deliver the information makes it really easy to understand!! …. and our chocolate boy's name is Koda ????

    1. Hi Cheyenne, how amazing that you have the pleasure of sharing your life with cats, horses, dogs, and bunnies! Thanks for sharing your story. The most reliable way to find out is by doing a DNA test this is a list of the best ones: https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/best-cat-dna-tests/. You can also send your cat's images to: info@catster.com and we can try to help but this is not a 100% effective method. Also, it sounds like your chocolate kitty Koda is a cutie, please feel free to submit their pictures to our cat photo contest at: https://www.catster.com/submit-your-cat/
      For a chance to have Koda featured on our site!

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Does a Dryer Kill Fleas on Cat Bedding? Here’s What Science Says (Vet Answer)

Fleas may be small, but they can cause us and our pets big problems. They are the most common external parasite of cats...

5 Homemade Cat Ice Cream Recipes (Vet-Approved)

Ice cream and popsicles are more than just a rich treat for humans on a hot day – you might be surprised to...

Anatolian Cat: Info, Pictures, Traits & Facts

The Anatolian cat breed isn’t that well-known, particularly in North America. They are also called the Anatoli, the Turkish Shorthair, and the Anadolu...

Can You Save a Cat With Kidney Disease? Our Vet Explains Prognosis & Lifespan

Sadly, kidney disease in cats is nearly 100% fatal. There is no reversing it in most cases, and treatment consists of managing it...

More related

Why Do Cats Pee When Scared? 2 Reasons for This Behavior

If you’re a cat owner, chances are that you don’t see your cat pee anywhere but the litter box. Sometimes, though, you may...

HempLucid Organic Full-Spectrum CBD for Pets Review 2025: My Kitten, Makoa’s Experience

Are you on the hunt for an affordable, quality pet CBD oil for your kitty? I just stumbled upon a product that fits...

How I Fell in Love With a Cat That Wasn’t Mine, and Became a Cat Person at 65

I had never had, or even known, a cat in my long life. The day she arrived, in the hot summer of 2018,...

My Cat Swallowed a Foreign Object: When to See a Vet

Cats love to play with anything that they can get their paws on, such as buttons, balls of paper, bits of string, threads,...

Keep reading

Will a Male Cat Mate With a Female if She’s Not in Heat? Vet-Reviewed Feline Behavior Explanation

As cat parents, we know that female cats mate when in heat, but what about male cats? They don’t go into heat like females, so when do they mate? Will they mate with a female if she isn’t in heat?...

Black-and-white-Thai-cats-with-bell-collars

How to Find a Cat-Friendly Vet: 5 Vet-Reviewed Steps

If you’ve just moved or recently adopted a cat, and you’re looking for a vet to take them to for their checkups and medical emergencies, there are some surefire ways to determine if a vet is good for you and...

vet and assistant holding cats

Can Cats Eat Fennel? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Cats are obligate carnivores and require a diet of meat from animal sources. Once in a while, cat owners might wonder if the occasional fruit or vegetable is safe for cats to eat. Usually, some plants can provide fiber and...

Can Cats Eat Fennel

How Clean Is a Cat’s Mouth? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Although you may think your cat’s mouth is cleaner than yours, this isn’t necessarily true, and it’s not a good idea to let your cat lick you. A cat’s mouth contains various species of bacteria, with exact numbers depending on...

Cat with mouth wide open

How Long Should a Cat Be Confined After Being Spayed or Neutered? Vet-Approved Recommendations

Spaying and neutering your cat is highly recommended, not only for the prevention of health and behavioral problems, but also to help combat the severe overpopulation of cats. Overpopulation leads to homelessness and the risk of euthanasia. Spays and neuters...

vet putting on surgical suit to a cat after surgery

Why Does My Cat Lie on Top of My Laptop? 3 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Any of us who share our lives and homes with a cat knows that they’re the real ruler of the roost. Enjoying a glass of water? There’s going to be a paw in it. Growing a gorgeous new houseplant? Those...

A white-coated cat lying on an hp laptop

Do Cats Masturbate? Feline Behavior Explained

Sometimes, being a pet owner means dealing with awkward situations. Many dog owners complain about their pet’s tendency to hump objects, but did you know that cats can also display similar behavior? Obviously, this can be an uncomfortable and unpleasant...

brown cat licking grooming its genital

Can Cats Eat Strawberries? Vet-Approved Diet Facts & FAQ

Cats often appear to have a slim selection of foods they’ll eat, which can make it seem surprising when they greedily munch down a fresh strawberry. Though we may not expect it, we also don’t need to worry, as cats...

Can Cats Eat Strawberries