| Type |
The Standard calls for a self-coloured cat, fine in bone, lithe and sinuous and of graceful proportions. The colour should be even throughout, the texture short, close-lying and glossy. The head long and wedge-shaped with a straight profile and a strong chin. The ears should be large, pricked and wide at the base with a good width between them. Eyes should be oriental in shape, a bright and vivid green, whilst the tail should be long and tapering. |
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| Colour |
The coat should be a rich, warm, chestnut brown to the roots for the Havana, and a frosty-grey with a distinct pinkish tone (an overall appearance of lilac) for the Oriental Lilac. |
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| Character |
The Havana is a people-orientated cat that is usually a complete extrovert, because of their natural 'showmanship' they make ideal exhibits. They can be cuddly, lively, playful yet sensitive and they always love to be the centre of attraction. Havana's are notorious retrievers and follow their owners around, wanting to be in the midst of household chores. Some are thieves, stealing favourite objects like pencils, matchboxes and keys, they may strike characteristic poses that seem to be passed on genetically. Perhaps the most famous posture is the 'wounded paw' syndrome. If a Havana is not getting enough attention it will raise one paw pathetically until it gets some sympathy. If sympathy is not forthcoming and the cat gets tired it will switch its pretended ailment to the other paw.
Oriental Lilacs show very similar characteristics to the Havana but are generally quieter, more placid cats. It is a very soft and loving cat which quickly becomes attached to its owner.
The Havana is the oldest of the Oriental Shorthairs, being developed in the early 1950's, the first champion being made up in the early 1960's.The Foreign Lilac was also bred in the late 1950's, but was not developed until the late 1960's, and Championship status was not granted until 1977. |
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| Care and condition |
Not only are Havana's and Oriental Lilacs beautiful and entertaining, they are easy to care for; grooming is very simple - normal procedure being a once a week brushing with a rubber brush, followed by a quick groom with a chamois or silk cloth to remove loose hair and leave the coat glossy. Regular hand grooming is also useful and claws should be clipped and ears cleaned regularly. If routine grooming is started at an early age the cat will learn to look forward to this extra measure of attention. They are easy cats to feed, usually having versatile and voracious appetites. They like most food and a small addition of oil helps give sheen to their coats. Like all pedigree cats they like to drink water and a fresh bowl should be left for them each day. Given a correctly balanced diet and plenty of exercise there should be no problem in keeping your cat in peak condition |
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