The Russian Blue cat has a combination of an eye-catching blue coat, dense velvety fur, and mesmerizing green eyes that will make you fall in love at first sight. But they are not just a pretty face. They also have a sweet-tempered, loyal, intelligent, and playful personality, making them a wonderful companion for life.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Russian Blue cat, such as its history, appearance, health, care, and suitability for different types of owners. Whether you already have a Russian Blue cat or are thinking of getting one, this guide will help you understand and appreciate this stunning breed better.
Breed Overview
Weight
3.2 – 6.8 kg (7 – 15 lbs)1
Length
25 – 35 cm (10 – 14 inches)
Coat length
Short
Coat colors
Solid blue-gray
Coat patterns
None
Eye colors
Green or yellow-green
Personality
Gentle, loyal, intelligent, shy, playful
Hypoallergenic
Yes, but not completely
Good with kids
Yes, if well-socialized and supervised
Good with pets
Yes, if well-socialized and compatible
Origin
Northern Russia or Scandinavia
History of the Russian Blue Cat
The Russian Blue cat is believed to be native to Russia, specifically the Archangel Isles in the north. Some legends say that this breed was related to the royal cats of the czars, and that they were favored by Queen Victoria and other members of the aristocracy. The Russian Blue cat was likely brought to Europe by sailors, via the port of Arkhangelsk in the 1860s, and was exhibited in cat shows as early as 1872, and admired for its beauty and elegance. Making it one of the earliest breeds of show cats.
Harrison Weir, the father of the Cat Fancy, made a claim in 1895 that cats being shown under the Russian Blue name were, in fact, British grey tabbies. However, in 1912 the Russian Blue was given its own competition class.
The breed was developed and refined in Britain and Scandinavia, where breeders selected for its distinctive blue coat and graceful body shape. The Russian Blue cat was recognized by various cat associations in the early 1900s, but its popularity declined after World War II due to the scarcity of breeding stock. The breed was revived in the 1960s with the help of imported cats from Scandinavia and Russia.
The Russian Blue cat has been known by different names throughout its history, such as Archangel Cat, Maltese Cat, Foreign Blue, and Nebelung. The latter name refers to a long-haired variety of the Russian Blue cat that was developed in the 1980s in America. However, most cat associations consider the Nebelung a separate breed from the Russian Blue cat.
Today the Russian Blue is a breed recognized by all significant fancier associations. There is currently a FIFe approved breeding program, RUS4OSH, aimed at using Russian Blues to improve the Oriental Shorthair breed.
Photo: Pixabay
Appearance of the Russian Blue Cat
The Russian Blue cat is a medium-sized cat that weighs between 7 and 12 pounds. It has a slender and muscular body with long legs and paws. Its head is wedge-shaped with large ears that are set wide apart. Its eyes are almond-shaped and bright green in color. Its nose is straight and dark gray or black. Its tail is long and tapering.
The most striking feature of the Russian Blue cat is its coat, which is uniformly steel blue with an almost silvery cast. The coat is short and dense with a plush texture that feels like velvet. The coat also has a double layer that helps the cat stay warm in cold climates. The coat sheds very little and does not mat easily.
Photo: Pixabay
There are some variations within the breed, such as different shades of blue or different eye colors. Some Russian Blue cats may have lighter or darker coats than others, or may have yellow or greenish-yellow eyes instead of green. These variations are not considered faults by most cat associations, but they may affect the cat’s show potential.
Common Health Issues In Russian Blue Cats
The Russian Blue cat is generally a healthy and long-lived breed that can live for 10 to 20 years or more. However, like any other breed, it may be prone to some health problems that may affect its quality of life or shorten its lifespan. Some of these health problems are:
Obesity
Bladder stones
Urinary tract infections
Dental issues
Genetic diseases
To prevent or treat these health problems, it is important to provide your Russian Blue cat with regular vet check-ups, proper diet and exercise, dental care, and screening tests. Additionally, you should keep your cat indoors or supervise it when outside to protect it from accidents, infections, parasites, predators, or other dangers.
Caring For A Russian Blue Cat
The Russian Blue cat is a low-maintenance breed that does not require much grooming or special care. However, it still needs some basic care to keep it healthy and happy. Here are some tips on how to care for your Russian Blue cat:
Grooming
The Russian Blue cat’s coat is easy to care for and does not need frequent bathing or brushing. However, you should still brush your cat once or twice a week to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils. You should also bathe your cat occasionally if it gets dirty or oily. You should trim your cat’s nails regularly to prevent them from growing too long or splitting. You should also clean your cat’s ears and eyes gently with a damp cloth or cotton ball to remove any dirt or discharge.
Diet and Nutrition
The Russian Blue cat needs a high-quality food that is appropriate for its age, weight, and activity level. You should avoid overfeeding or free feeding your cat, as this can lead to obesity and other health problems. You should also provide your cat with fresh water at all times and change it daily. You should avoid giving your cat human food, milk, or treats that are high in sugar, salt, fat, or artificial ingredients.
Photo: Pixabay
Environment
The Russian Blue cat needs a safe, clean, and comfortable indoor space where it can relax and play. You should enrich its surroundings with toys, scratching posts, and hiding places that stimulate its natural instincts and curiosity. You should also avoid loud noises or sudden changes that may stress it out or scare it away. You should provide your cat with a litter box that is large enough, clean, and filled with unscented litter. You should also keep your cat away from toxic plants, chemicals, or other hazards that may harm it.
Personality of the Russian Blue Cat
The Russian Blue cat is suitable for different types of owners, such as families, singles, seniors, or people with allergies. This breed is affectionate, intelligent, and easy to train, but also shy, sensitive, and prone to separation anxiety. Here are some of the pros and cons of owning a Russian Blue cat:
Pros
Russian Blue cats are loyal and devoted to their owner and family.
The Russian Blue cat is intelligent and can learn tricks, commands, or even fetch.
The Russian Blue cat is playful and enjoys interactive toys, games, or puzzles.
The Russian Blue cat is quiet and does not meow much or loudly.
Cons
The Russian Blue cat is shy and reserved around strangers and new situations.
The Russian Blue cat is sensitive and does not like loud noises or sudden changes.
The Russian Blue cat is prone to separation anxiety and does not like being left alone for long periods of time.
The Russian Blue cat is picky and may not adapt to different foods or environments.
The Russian Blue cat is expensive and may be hard to find from reputable breeders or rescue organizations.
Where to Buy a Russian Blue Cat
If you are interested in buying a Russian Blue cat, you should be prepared to pay a relatively high price for this breed. The average price of a Russian Blue kitten ranges from $800 to $1500, depending on the breeder, location, pedigree, and quality of the cat. However, some Russian Blue cats may cost more than $2000, especially if they are show-quality or have rare features.
This is not a very common breed, and finding a reputable breeder near you may be hard. You may have to wait for a long time or travel a long distance to get your desired kitten.
To find a breeder, search online for websites or directories of Russian Blue cat breeders. You can also contact local or national cat associations or clubs that are affiliated with the Russian Blue cat breed.
Conclusion
The Russian Blue cat is a stunning breed that has a lot to offer to its owners. It has a beautiful blue coat, velvety fur, and green eyes that will captivate you. It also has a sweet-tempered, loyal, intelligent, and playful personality that will make it a wonderful companion for life. However, it also has some special needs and preferences that you should be aware of and respect. If you can provide your Russian Blue cat with the care, attention, and love it deserves, you will have a friend for life.
We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about the Russian Blue cat. If you have any questions or comments about this breed, feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you. And if you have a Russian Blue cat or are thinking of getting one, please share your experiences with us. We would love to see some pictures of your beautiful cats.
Thank you for reading and have a great day! 😊
More Cat Breeds
If you’re interested in learning about similar cat breeds, check out:
Russian Blue cats are considered to be hypoallergenic, but that does not mean they will not trigger any allergic reactions. Cat allergies are caused by a protein called Fel d 1, which is found in cat saliva, skin and urine. Russian Blue cats produce less of this protein than other breeds, but they still have some of it.
How much is a Russian Blue cat?
The price of a Russian Blue cat can vary depending on the breeder, location, pedigree and demand. According to some sources, the average cost of a Russian Blue kitten is between $400 and $600, but it can go up to $3000 for a show-quality cat.
How long do Russian Blue cats live?
Russian Blue cats are generally healthy and have a long lifespan. They can live up to 15 to 20 years or even longer with proper care and nutrition.
Are Russian Blue cats rare?
Russian Blue cats are not very common, but they are not extremely rare either. They are one of the oldest natural breeds of cats, originating from northern Russia. They are recognized by most major cat associations and have a loyal fan base around the world.
Do Russian Blue cats shed?
Russian Blue cats do shed, although minimally and less compared to other breeds of cats. This is despite having relatively thick coats. However, they do go through periods of increased shedding, known as seasonal shedding, where they prepare their coats for the upcoming changes of weather.
