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)

Share

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

Ask Dr. Paola – Help! My Male Cat Gets Into Fights! (March 9, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

Why Your Cat’s Poop Smells Like a Biohazard

Nobody enjoys litter box duty, but sometimes it gets unbearable. The smell hits you from across the room. You’re scooping faster, lighting candles,...

RIP Your Furniture? Not With This Guide to Cat Scratch Damage Control

Your couch looks like it survived a minor apocalypse. The curtains have mysterious vertical shreds. That new rug you splurged on is already...

Celebrating 15 Years as the Most Popular Resident of No. 10 Downing Street

For almost 300 years, a rather unassuming Georgian building of black bricks with a shiny black door has been the official residence and...

More related

What Kind of Cat Breed Is Thomas O’Malley? Movie Cats Explained

If you’ve seen Disney’s 1970s film, The Aristocats, you are probably aware that Duchess is a Turkish Angora. But have you ever wondered...

10 Best Cat Deodorizing Sprays in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Cats are very good at self-grooming and staying clean. However, they can get dirty and smelly when covering their waste in the litter...

6 Best Organic Cat Shampoos of 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Some cats are easy to bathe. And some cats turn bath time into a brutal beat down. You probably have a few battle...

10 Best Cat Litters for Multiple Cats in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Cats can be notoriously particular about their litter boxes. While some seem to be relatively mellow regarding litter consistency and scooping frequency, others...

Keep reading

My Cat Won’t Eat: Causes, Feeding Recomendations & When To Worry (Vet-Verified)

Cats are pretty good at hiding it when they aren’t feeling well, and a sudden lack of interest in eating is a cause for concern. Cats can go off their food for many reasons, from stress to dental pain and...

Tabby cat eating food from white bowl

Can Cats Eat Wheatgrass? Vet-Reviewed Benefits & Facts

If you have a dog, chances are you’re used to asking them what they have in their mouths. On the other hand, cats can be a little fussier about what they eat, but some nibble the edges of plant leaves...

Can Cats Eat Wheatgrass

9 Lives Cat Food Review in 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary 9 Live is a clear budget option. It is inexpensive, but it is also full of cheap, low-quality ingredients. For the price point, it is a decent cat food. However, if you compare it to the cat food...

9Lives Cat Food Review

15 Hazards That Could Hurt or Kill Your Cat & How to Avoid Them (Vet Reviewed)

When you are at home relaxing with your cat, you might be totally oblivious to all the hazards around the home. After all, we don’t foresee some events, making it difficult to navigate. While we could go on for hours...

vet wrapping cat's injured paw with bandage

How to Stop a Cat From Eating Litter: 6 Vet-Verified Methods

We might love our cats, but every now and again, they do something that makes us shake our heads. One of those things is eating cat litter. It may seem just a gross habit, but actually, it can be a...

Domestic ginger cat looking at litter box

Why Does My Cat Throw Up After Drinking Water? 5 Vet-Approved Causes

Cats vomit for various reasons. Sometimes, you’ll notice that they throw up their food soon after eating or unrelated to the feeding time. Other times, the vomit is clear or may contain bile. You may notice that your cat is...

cat-vomiting

The Feline Grimace Scale: How it Works & FAQ (Vet Approved)

Cats are masters at hiding it when they’re not feeling well or in pain, which can make it difficult for pet parents to know when something is wrong. Veterinarians first look for signs such as changes in behavior to determine...

man petting a sick siberian cat

What Is Cat Imprinting? Everything You Need to Know

Cat imprinting is a complex psychological and social bond between a cat and their human. It is challenging to describe the process but easy to see the signs. Essentially, a cat imprinted on you has accepted you as a member...

bengal cat gives a high five paw to the owner

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.