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Conference misery::feline

Title:	Meower Power - Where Differing Opinions are Respected
Notice:	purrrrr...
Moderator:	JULIET::CORDES_JA

Created:	Wed Nov 13 1991
Last Modified:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	1079
Total number of notes:	28858

616.0. "I love my Havana Brown" by EASI::GEENEN (Cogito, ergo doleo!) Mon Sep 27 1993 11:24

    Hello Fellow Feliners:
    
    As mentioned in notes 14.177 and 15.98, my wife and I own a Havana
    Brown kitty named Mocha (registered name Kapalua Deluxe Mocha).  In
    addition, we are charter menbers of the Havana Brown Fanciers, a club
    dedicated to spreading the news about these wonderful and smart
    kitties.  Our club is affiliated with CFA (Cat Fancier's Association).
    
    Since I have not seen any other info about HB's here in the feline
    notes conference, let me take this opportunity to spread the news
    about them by typing the text of the CFA Havana Brown Breed Profile
    pamphlet (their permission not given, but I don't think they'll mind):
    
                           THE HAVANA BROWN
    
        The Havana Brown originated in England, the result of a mating
        between a black domestic and a seal point Siamese that was
        carrying the chocolate gene.  Self-brown cats had been reported
        in the late 1800's, but it was not until the late 1940's and early
        1950's that fanciers, who previously had worked independently,
        banded together to systematically isolate the genetic design of
        a self-chocolate shorthair cat.  The first Havana Browns were
        registered in England in 1954.  The breed was subsequently
        imported into the United States and in 1964 they were accepted
        for championship competition in CFA.
    
        The ideal Havana Brown is a cat of medium size, well muscled,
        with a rich, solid brown coat, large ears and brilliant, expressive
        green eyes.  It is comparable to no other breed, due to its unique
        muzzle shape and coat color.
    
        One of the most distinctive and impressive elements of the Havana
        Brown is the head.  Overall, it is slightly longer than it is wide.
        When viewed in profile, there is a definite stop at the eyes and
        the end of the muzzle appears almost square.  This muzzle has
        been described as appearing to be the shape of a light bulb, or
        a corn cob stuck on the end of the face.  Perhaps the best way
        to visualize it is to think of the muzzle as being an actual
        protrusion to the face, rather than an extension of the head. There
        is a pronounced break in the bone structure; one can grasp the
        muzzle of a Havana Brown with the fingertips and feel this; it
        is unmistakable and no Havana Brown is ever without it!!
    
        Picking up a specimen of the breed for the first time can be
        a surprising experience.  The lithe-looking body actually weighs
        more than it appears.  As in all cats, the adult males tend to be
        larger than their female counterparts, usually weighing around
        eight to ten pounds, while the females average six to seven.
        Overall balance and proportion, rather than size, is the preferred
        manner in which they should be viewed.
    
        Havana Browns are born brown, all brown, however several
        shades lighter than at maturity.  In the adult cat, the ideal being
        a solid color coat free of any markings whatsoever.  This breed
        is unique in that the Show Standard specifies a whisker color;
        the only breed of cat to do so.  The whiskers MUST be brown,
        complementing the coat.  Any other color is a serious fault.
    
        The Havana Brown's distinguishing look is accompanied by an
        equally outstanding personality.  Their temperament is quiet,
        affectionate and gentle.  Generally endowed with a soft voice,
        it is rarely used.  Of course, there are exceptions to every rule;
        some Havana Browns have been known to be real "talkers."  Their
        loud purr can usually be evoked just by a glance or a word from
        their person.  They have a habit of needing to physically touch,
        play with and occasionally "steal" such objects as pencils, pens,
        earrings, package ties, etc.
    
        Although perfectly capable of amusing themselves, they also
        greatly enjoy the company of other cats and, of course, people.
        Havana Browns make excellent pets for all ages.  They absolutely
        thrive and blossom with human love and companionship and have
        a way of gently and silently demanding lots of attention from
        their people.  Young kittens readily respond to the sound of human
        voices long before they are ready to venture out of the kittening
        box; often to the consternation of their protective mother.
    
        Havana Browns are an extremely nosey breed, eagerly
        participating in any and all activities of "their" household.
        Always willing to lend a "paw" to whatever project is being under-
        taken.
    
        Cats of this breed are very oral, washing itself and its companions
        frequently.  Being a shorthair breed, the coat does not require
        daily care.  Once weekly, gently go over the coat with a double-
        sided rubber brush to remove dead hairs and finish up with a
        chamois to give it a "polish."  Be sure to remove any dirty matter
        in the corners of the eyes and clean the ears carefully with a
        Q-tip moistened in warm water.  Clip all claws to minimize the
        need to wear them down by scratching.
    
        Pricing on Havana Browns usually depends on each individual
        kitten's bloodlines, type and marking.  Many breeders allow local
        pickup of kittens between twelve and sixteen weeks.  Shipping
        by air is available for older kittens.
    
        For more information on Havana Browns, please send inquiries
        to CFA, P.O. Box 1005, Manasquan NJ 08736-1005.
    
    The above is the descriptive text of the pamphlet.  There is more info
    in it, but it is devoted to point scoring for championship competition
    and descriptions of various physical features for show judges.
    
    At the end of the pamphlet, credit is given to Norma Placchi for the
    text, and photo credit is given GRC Kapalua Touch of Class (Classy,
    my Mocha's daddy).
    
    Classy, and his owner/breeder Larry and Sheila Ullmann of San Ramon
    CA, are single-handedly responsible for bring the Havana Brown back
    from near-obscurity during the 1980's.  But I'll go into more
    detail in a later note.
    
    Feline notes moderator, please could you add a keyword for this topic,
    perhaps HAVANA BROWN.
    
    Thanks,
    Carl

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
616.1	Do you hold your own shows?	POWDML::KAREN		`Mon Sep 27 1993 13:06`	10
	Carl, Havana's are a very interesting cat. I have watched them at shows. I own a nine year old chestnut oriental, which is derived from the Havana/Siamese cross. As I watch his own type and can see the influence of the Havana. The color is what originally grabbed me. Just like a rich brown mink color.... Certainly a minority breed, but one of great beauty! Karen and her Moonsta kitties (Colorpoints/Siamese/Orientals)
616.2	A rare breed	EASI::GEENEN	Cogito, ergo doleo!	`Mon Sep 27 1993 14:00`	26
	Hello Karen (and other feline noters too), Yes, Havana Browns are indeed a minority breed. It is extremely rare to see them at cat shows. BTW, CFA calls them Havana Brown, while TICA calls them just Havana. In CFA, only one color is allowed, the dark chestnut brown that you, and I, find so attractive, but in TICA, there are two allowable colors, chestnut brown and beige/lilac. Also of interest is the origin of the name. The brown color is reminiscent of the color of a Havana cigar, or so the story goes. So far, our club (Havana Brown Fanciers) has co-hosted two shows, one in Atlanta a couple of years ago with a club devoted to Japanese Bobtails, and last year in Pasadena CA with the Tonkinese Breeders Society. Co-hosting a show seems to be the only way to guarantee that there will be at least one HB at the show. My wife and I attend a couple of dozen shows each year, and the number of HB's we see total less than 20. We ourselves don't show, but several of our club's members are breeders/showers and go to shows natrionwide. They also report very rare sightings of other HB's. In later notes, I will post further info about HB's as well as about our club and people who breed and show. Carl
616.3		JULIET::CORDES_JA	Four Tigers on my Couch	`Mon Sep 27 1993 15:47`	4
	The base note of this string has been keyworded HAVANA_BROWN for future reference. Jan
616.4		POWDML::KAREN		`Tue Sep 28 1993 12:22`	12
	Carl, I think I have seen two different breeders at shows since I started going. It must be very trying to build your points when you are always "BOB" :'). I have been there at times and have friends that show Chartreux, so at least you are not alone. I also show in TICA, but not as much as I used to. I do enjoy their shows and some of the rules/regulations. The Havanas that I have seen seem to have a light pretty green color eye and their muzzles look to me as if they are always going "woof"!! Karen
616.5	Kapalua Cattery	EASI::GEENEN	Cogito, ergo doleo!	`Mon Oct 11 1993 20:21`	81
	As promised, here is more information about the Havana Brown world. This entry introduces Kapalua Cattery, perhaps the premier HB cattery in the US today, maybe even the world! KAPALUA CATTERY Havana Browns With A Touch of Class Larry P. and Sheila A. Ullmann 52 Mainprice Court San Ramon, CA 94583-2529 Phone: 1-510-829-5427 Fax: 1-510-829-4695 CFA Cattery of Excellence 1992-93 CFA Registered Since 1983 The origin of the Havana Brown began in England in the 1950s by Baroness von Ullmann and Ms. Hargreaves. These ladies began by breeding a Russian Blue to a Seal Point Siamese which produced all blacks. Subsequently, a black from this litter was bred to a Chocolate Point Siamese - the first Havana Brown was in this litter of four. The year 1954 saw the Havana Brown registered in England. Havana Browns were accepted by The Cat Fanciers' Association for competition in championship in 1964. Since 1985, this beautiful brown cat has done very well in competition and 1989-90 saw the breed's first Top 25 since back in 1976. There are still fewer than a dozen serious CFA breeders of the Havana Brown in the United States. These cats are born brown and the adult should be a rich warm milk chocolate to dark chocolate in color. In the sunlight and good artificial lighting one would have to be blind not to see the wonderful, warm brown color! The chocolate color gene is in command with this breed! They have taken the very best Siamese traits and packaged them in a brown wrapper that is quite people oriented! Highly intelligent, they will steal your hearts. Kapalua Cattery has been a registered cattery since 1983 and has bred 13 Grand Champions as well as CFA's 20th Best Cat in 1989-90: GC NW Kapalua Lady In Brown of Heirbourne. She was the first one- show grand champion for the breed. Kapalua Cattery is the breeder of GC Kapalua Touch of Class, DM (9 years old as of May 18, 1993) sire of 18 grand champions and Grand Premiers including CFA's 23rd Best Cat 1991-92: GC Heirbourne's Winds Aloft. "Classy" has sired two Distinguished Merit duaghters (with another in the wings) including GC Bundash's Classy Lady of Kapalua, DM (6 grands), the dam of Lady in Brown. Males must produce 15 grands for a DM and females 5. "Lady" is the only Havana Brown DM that achieved her DM title with whole cats and no neuters or spays. Kapalua Cattery has either bred or bred the parents of 3 one-show grands. The cat must defeat 200 other champions in show to become a Grand champion. Kapalua Cattery has also bred either the Best or Second Best Havana Brown nationally from 1984-90. Kapalua Cattery bred the parents of the Best Havana Brown for 1990-91, GC/GP Heirbourne's Flight Plan and CFA's 23rd Best Cat 1991-92, GC NW Heirbourne's Winds Aloft. Kapalua Cattery produces kittens that are feline leukemia negative and kitten shots are given at ages 6, 10, and 14 weeks by a licensed veterinarian. CFA has a video available entitled "American Pedigreed Cats" showing all 31 CFA recognized breeds. The Havana Brown in this video is GC Kapalua Touch of Class, DM. The video was made in November 1988 using the highest qualifying Havana Brown in the 1988 Regional Qualifiers. Kapalua Cattery is a charter member of a breed club devoted to the Havana Brown - The Havana Brown Fanciers. ___________________________________________________________________ Wow! Sounds like a who's who of HB's. I'll tell you about the HBF in another note later in the week. If you are looking for an HB to get, the Ullmann's (Sheila supplied the text for the above, BTW) are the people to get it from. Carl
616.6	Kapalua Cats	EASI::GEENEN	Cogito, ergo doleo!	`Tue Oct 12 1993 11:06`	63
	Here is a little more info about Kapalua Cattery: a directory of champion kitties owned or bred by Larry and Sheila Ullmann: GC Kapalua Touch of Class, DM GC Bundash's Classic Lady of Kapalua, DM GC Kapalua's Brown Velvet Knight GC Kapalua's Ruby Slippers CH/GP Kapalua's Classic Winning Colors GC Kapalua's Class Act of Kovanna GC Kapalua's Classic Lines GP Kapalua's Classic Example GC/NW Kapalua Lady In Brown of Heirbourne GC Kapalua's Knight Rider GP Kapalua's Super Joe GC Kapalua's Macadamia of Darkvictory GC/GP Kapalua Surf's Up! GC Kapalua Baron Von Ullmann GC Kapalua Coconut Wireless I'm pleased to say that I have met all of the above kitties and can attest to their championship qualities, but then I've never met a kitty, Havana Brown or not, that wasn't a champion at something, like stealing hearts. BTW, Kapalua Touch of Class (Classy) is my Mocha kitty's daddy and is he a real sweetheart! Last year when our club (Havana Brown Fanciers) co-hosted a cat show in Pasadena, CA with the Tokinese Breed Society, my wife and I had the pleasure of having Classy as our hotel roommate. Classy had to be touching skin the whole time we were in the room. At night in bed, he tried to wrap himself around my head. Once, I woke up not being able to hear because he was fast asleep with his nose in my ear plugging it up! When we were making ribboned decorations for the judges tables for the show, Classy was right in the middle of the operation. We let him choose (and chews) the ribbons. Whichever ribbon he would bite next, that's the ribbon we would use next in the decorations. His choice of ribbon colors was unique, to say the least. When we were done making decorations, Classy picked a ribbon and rolled around wrapping himself up in it looking at us every so often. So we cut off a hunk and tied it (loosely of course) around his neck. He got up on the table and struck a pose as if to say "Here I am! I'm the top cat!" My wife and I conjecture that Classy's friendly behavior is due to the fact that for most of his life, Classy is kept in an enclosure, away from other cats and also away from loving laps and stroking hands. I understand why breeders/owners of champion show cats keep cats segregated like this (to keep control of their breeding programs and keep the peace between unaltered kitties), but it makes me sad that every kitty can't enjoy a loving person whenever they want it. Don't get me wrong. The Ullmann's love their cats and they get plenty of food and a clean environment and none of their cats are abused in any way. Sheila and Larry give each cat personal love and attention every day, but it's still not the same as letting the kitties roam the house freely at will and hopping up in a lap when they're ready to be loved. For these reasons, I could never be a breeder of show cats. I could never be a farmer either. All the cows, pigs, and chickens would die of old age after a pet's pampered life! More later, Carl
616.7	Havana Brown Fanciers	EASI::GEENEN	Cogito, ergo doleo!	`Fri Oct 15 1993 17:45`	62
	My wife and I are charter members of a breed club devoted to spreading the news about the Havana Brown breed, oddly enough called The Havana Brown Fanciers. The following is the text of our club brochure. HAVANA BROWN FANCIERS Formed in the spring of 1990 and was approved by The Cat Fanciers Association board at their June 1990 meeting in Nashville, TN. There were 16 charter Members. At this printing, our membership numbers 50 worldwide - from Alaska to Florida to France. HBF is a Southern Region breed club. But since many of our members live in the San Francisco Bay Area, bimonthly meetings are held here in Northern California. Attendance is not mandatory but is certainly encouraged. Friendship and a love of the Havana Brown is our foundation. England is the coutry of origin of this people-oriented, man-made breed, with Russian Blue, Seal Point Siamese and Chocolate Point Siamese comprising the breed's background. For chocolate lovers, this is one chocolate you can enjoy without the added calories. The chocolate gene is a live and well in the Havana Brown. There are two types of membership available in HBF: Active - a voting membership reserved for persons who own one or more Havana Browns. Associate - a non-voting membership for admirers who do not own a Havana Brown and for those under age 18. Membership includes a subscription to our bimonthly newsletter "Greenwithenvy", which derives its name from two sources, one, a store in Tucson, Arizona of the same name which always brought a smile to the face of one of our charter members, Marion Carter, and two, a Thoroughbred mare named Greene Envy, owned by charter members Larry & Sheila Ullmann. For membership information, please write to: Julie Wendt HBF Secretary/Treasurer 16 Via Las Cruces Orinda, CA 94563 or Sheila A. Ullmann 52 Mainprice Court San Ramon, CA 94583-2529 The above text was supplied by Sheila Ullmann. But really, anyone interested enough about the Havana Brown or in HBF can just contact me here in this note and I'll be glad to have info sent to you or to tell you about HB breeders in your area. Kittyfully yours, Carl