Are Brown Cats Rare? Meet The Rarest Cat Breeds

You probably can’t go a day without seeing a dog with brown fur or a human with brown hair — but when was the last time you crossed paths with a brown cat? While cats boast a broad spectrum of colors and patterns, spotting a solid brown cat is a rarity. From deep chocolate hues to warm caramel tones, solid brown coats in cats are less common compared to other colors — particularly for everyday mixed-breed cats.

Whether you’re considering adopting a brown cat or simply interested in the spectrum of cat variations, let’s take a closer look at these uncommon brown cats. Already adopted a brown cat? See our guide to naming brown cats.

Why are brown cats rare?

The rarity of brown cats can be traced back to a distinct genetic characteristic. In simple terms, these cats possess a mutated gene variant within the gene responsible for producing black pigmentation. This genetic trait reduces the black coloration in the coat, and depending on their recessive genes, results in a coat color that may be a hue of brown or shade of cinnamon. 

Explained another way, when the normal gene (B) has a variation (b or b1), it creates a brown color, rather than black. Cats with bb or bb1 generally have a chocolate or chestnut color, while those with b1b1 have a cinnamon or red color coat. This gene variant is not common among cats, making the rich chocolate brown hues found in Havana Browns and Oriental Shorthairs all the more fascinating. Now that we know why brown cats are so rare, let’s dig into the coat patterns and markings for this coat color.

Typical brown cat patterns

Brown cats exhibit a diverse array of captivating coat patterns, each contributing to their one-of-a-kind charm. From the distinctive stripes of the Tabby pattern to sleek solid coats, these patterns showcase the diversity of tawny kitties.

• Tabby: Known for its signature stripes, spots, and the iconic “M” on the forehead, Tabby patterns come in various forms, including classic, mackerel, spotted, and ticked.

• Solid: A coat with a uniform color, solid brown cats showcase a rich, unbroken hue, emphasizing the beauty of a single, luscious shade.

• Bi-color: Featuring two distinct colors, bi-color cats typically have one color covering most of the body and another on the face and paws, creating a charming and contrasting appearance.

• Point: Point-patterned cats boast a lighter body color with darker points on the ears, face, paws, and tail, creating a striking contrast that adds to their allure.

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What’s the most common brown cat?

The brown tabby cat is one of the most common cats you’ll find in today’s households. However, it’s intriguing to note that “tabby” refers not to a specific breed, but to a distinctive pattern seen across many different breeds. A defining trait of Tabbies is the distinctive “M” on their forehead, which you’ll notice on brown Tabbies, too. 

8 Cat breeds with brown coats

While tabbies are the most common and easily recognizable brown color pattern, on the other end of the rarity spectrum, we have solid brown cats such as the Havana Brown, a breed distinguished by their exclusive, uniform brown coat, making them a pretty rare cat.

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Havana Brown

Often referred to as the “Chocolate Delight,” Havana Browns are known for their striking dark brown coat. In fact, nearly every aspect of this breed embodies the rich chocolate hue, from their fur and distinctive nose to their paw pads and even their whiskers. This interesting feature distinguishes the Havana Brown as the only cat to showcase a uniform brown palette across every inch of their body. These cats have a sleek physique and are known for their expressive, vivid green eyes. Intelligent, affectionate, and playful, Havana Browns form strong bonds with their human companions.

Weight: 8 to 12 pounds

Best trait: One-of-a-kind

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Oriental Shorthair

The Oriental Shorthair, a sibling to the Siamese, is celebrated for its diverse range of coat colors — including the rich chocolate brown. These slender felines have big almond-shaped eyes and distinctively large ears. Oriental Shorthairs are best known for their outgoing, social personalities and make agile and playful companions. These dark brown cats have a spirited energy and do best with an active household.

Weight: 6 to 12 pounds

Best trait: Super social

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Abyssinian

The Abyssinian is unlike your typical lap-cat — these dog-like cats are all action. Their roots trace back to ancient times, and are believed to have originated in ancient Egypt. These curious cats are very social and boast an even temper and friendly disposition. Pet parents of these cinnamon-colored kitties can expect a lot of snuggles, making them a charming addition to any cat-loving family

Weight: 7 to 15 pounds

Best trait: Adventure cat Browse adoptable Abyssinian cats.

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British Shorthair

The British Shorthair has a compact stature and a short, dense coat. The chocolate-colored British Shorthairs will typically have copper or orange eyes. With a calm and low-maintenance nature, these cute cats are perfect companions for apartment living. Known for their independence and a notable lack of inclination to topple household items (seriously), British Shorthairs strike a balance between playful and reserved. Despite their self-sufficiency, they eagerly seek out the affection of their human counterparts. Weight: 8 to 18 pounds

Best trait: Compact

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Burmese

Brought to the United States from Burma in 1930, Burmese cats have a captivating history. The breed’s distinct “sable” color emerged through intentional crossbreeding with Siamese cats. These kitties have a very social nature, a knack for performing tricks, and other endearing dog-like tendencies. Their muscular bodies and bright gold eyes add to their striking appearance. Beyond looks, Burmese cats are extraordinarily friendly making them great for families with kids.

Weight: 6 to 12 pounds

Best trait: Dog-like

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Persian

The chocolate Persian cat has a fascinating genetic history. While genetically tabbies, these cats exhibit intriguing tabby markings during kittenhood, which gradually fade away as they mature into adults. Persians have a seriously luxurious fluffy fur coat, so expect chocolate Persians to demand meticulous grooming and maintenance to maintain their regal appearance. These relaxed kitty companions are often found lounging on windowsills rather than engaging in the high-energy antics of some of these other breeds.

Weight: 8 to 12 pounds

Best trait: Super chill

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Ragamuffin

The brown Ragamuffin cat — one of the many hues within this large cat breed — is particularly adorable. With their large, long bodies and plush, medium-long coats, these cats exude pure floof. These cuddly lap cats are affectionately termed “gentle giants” for their easygoing nature. This makes them ideal companions for families with children; their amiable personalities and loving dispositions are super inviting.

Weight: 8 to 20 pounds

Best trait: Lap cat

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Where can I get a brown cat?

If you’re eager to welcome a brown cat into your home, there are a few options to explore to find a cat. Shelters, committed to providing loving homes for cats of all colors and patterns, often have a great selection of brown cats waiting to be adopted. You can also leverage websites like Adopt A Pet, which offers a convenient and accessible way to browse through a wide variety of brown cats available for adoption. Whether you choose to visit a local shelter or peruse online adoption sites, these avenues provide the perfect opportunity to connect with your future family member.

Commonly asked questions:

What breeds of cats are solid brown?

Of the 45 pedigreed cat breeds in the Cat Fanciers’ Association, only a small number of cat breeds have solid chocolate or cinnamon brown coats. Some all-brown cat breeds include the Abyssinian, Havana Brown, Devon Rex, Oriental Shorthair, La Perm, Exotic, Burmese, Selkirk Rex, Persian, and Cornish Rex.

Are black cats actually brown?

No, black cats are not actually brown. The term “black” refers to the primary color of their fur. While lighting conditions and genetics can sometimes create an appearance of brownish tints, true black cats maintain a solid black hue. It is true, however, that solid brown cats are a result of a gene mutation within the gene responsible for producing black cats.

How many brown cats are there?

Solid brown cats are rare. It is believed that there are only about 1,000 Havana Browns left, which is one of the more uncommon brown cat breeds.

Are brown cats expensive?

Yes, purebred solid brown cats can be expensive. Adoption from shelters and rescue organizations can be more budget-friendly (between $50 and $300 dollars). Pedigreed breeds come with a higher price tag based on factors such as breed, pedigree, and where you get them.

References

An Introduction to color and pattern in the pedigreed cat.