Brown British Shorthair Cats – Are They Chocolate or Cinnamon

When people ask me about brown British Shorthair cats they are usually talking about one of two British Shorthair colours. In the cat fancy we call them chocolate or cinnamon. To most people both colours simply look brown and I can see why.

Why “Brown” Is Not a Breed Colour

In British Shorthairs brown is not an official colour name. Chocolate is a rich warm shade like the colour of a good block of milk chocolate. Cinnamon is lighter and has a slightly warmer or even ginger tone. The genetics for each are different but they both create a beautiful warm brown look.

Chocolate British Shorthairs

Chocolate is a deep velvety brown that is even in colour from root to tip. In the show ring we look for a solid colour coat with no tabby markings in a solid cat. Copper or gold eyes stand out beautifully against the darker coat.  They do range from milk chocolate to a dark chocolate.  When it is a dark and bitter chocolate they can look similar to a black British Shorthair.  

Cinnamon British Shorthairs

Cinnamon is a lighter softer brown with a touch of red in the tone. In certain lighting or in photos it can look very much like chocolate. This is why so many people confuse the two colours. Cinnamon is less common than chocolate and tends to have a warmer glow.

How to Tell Them Apart 

Chocolate is a deeper darker brown similar to a high cocoa chocolate bar. Cinnamon is a paler warmer brown more like milk chocolate or cinnamon spice. Lighting and age can change the way they look so sometimes even breeders need to double check pedigrees and genetics to be sure.

Why It Matters

If you are looking for a pet the difference might not be important. You will love your cat no matter what shade of brown they are. For breeders it matters because colour is recorded on pedigrees and can influence breeding plans for future kittens.

Finding Chocolate or Cinnamon Kittens

Chocolate and cinnamon British Shorthairs are not very common in Australia.  I hear people say chocolate and cinnamon British Shorthairs are rare but I think that there are more around now so that is not necessarily true. 

If you have your heart set on one you may need to join a breeder’s waiting list. I sometimes breed these colours so if you are dreaming of a brown British Shorthair kitten whether chocolate or cinnamon you are welcome to contact me to find out about upcoming litters.