Russian Blues are an ideal match for those who are looking for a gentle, quiet, and intelligent cat. This is a sweet cat who loves to follow its owner everywhere. Russian blues have a social and outgoing nature but they also enjoy alone-time. They don’t mind being left alone all day when you are away from home for work. However, they do require a lot of playtimes when you are home.
You might be thinking about what Russian Blues have to offer?
Well, this article will guide you about everything you need to know about Russian Blue cats.
Let’s get started!
Russian Blue Cat: Breed Characteristics
We have listed below some characteristics of Russian Blue cats. All cats are individuals whose temperament and personality can vary. This list is meant to be a general guideline for Russian Blue cats:
- Affectionate with Family: Russian Blues are gentle and loving cats. This sweet-tempered kitty demonstrates love with its family and demands it in return. Well, this sounds fair and justified!
- Amount of Shedding: Russian Blues doesn’t shed much and produces lower levels of dander and allergens. They are a good choice for allergy sufferer feline parents.
- General Health: Russian Blues are considered a hardy and healthy breed and are not susceptible to any major health problems.
- Potential for Playfulness: Russian Blues are easygoing and have a low potential for playfulness. They prefer games in which their favorite people are playing with them.
- Tendency to Vocalize: These cats have a polite and quiet voice. This kitty often uses its voice to communicate with feline parents when it wants to play or eat.
- Kid-Friendly: Russian Blues have a tolerant nature toward kids. Teach your kids to avoid rough treatment and deal respectfully with these cats.
- Friendly Toward Strangers: The Russian Blues are shy and reserved towards strangers. Your guests will not receive Russian’s immediate attention and usually hide during large gatherings.
- Easy to Groom: The Russian Blues does not require much grooming and is easy to groom.
- Intelligence: Russian Blues are intelligent and like to be challenged. They enjoy learning tricks and playing with puzzle toys.
- Pet Friendly: Russian Blues are very social cats. They thrive and get along well in households with other cats and dogs. Introduce your pets slowly and in controlled conditions.
Russian Blue Cat: Highlights and Fun Facts
Here are some highlights and interesting facts about Russian Blue cats:
- Russian Blues were nearly extinct during world war 2 but they were revived through crossbreeding with other cats.
- Many cat enthusiasts consider Russian Blues as hypoallergenic cat breeds. However, no cat breed is 100 percent hypoallergenic.
- Russian Blue cats are known as the “Doberman Pinscher of cats.”
- Russian Blues are loving cats with a pleasant disposition.
- They are shy around outsiders and strangers, but cheerful and affectionate with owners.
- According to legends, Russian Blue cats were kept in the rooms of newborns to chase away evil spirits.
- The blue-grey color in Russian Blues is due to a diluted gene.
- The all-time famous ‘Tom cat’ from the Tom and Jerry cartoon is believed to be a Russian Blue.
Vital Stats About Russian Blue Cat
Let’s have a look at some vital stats of Russian Blue cats:
| Stats | Description |
| Cat Association Recognition | CFA, ACFA, FIFe, TICA, WCF |
| Origin | Archangel Isles, Russia |
| Temperament | Gentle, Sweet, Affectionate, Curious |
| Length | 15 to 18 inches, not including tail |
| Weight Range | Male: 10-12 pounds Female: 7-10 pounds |
| Overall grooming needs | Low |
| Tendency to shed | Low |
| Social/Attention Needs | Low |
| Life Expectancy | 15-20 years |
Russian Blue Cat Appearance
The Russian Blue is a long and sleek cat with a triangular head. These kitties are very strong and muscular. They have striking green eyes and a luxurious blue and silvery coat. The Russian blue cat appears to be larger due to its extremely dense and soft double coat.
Let’s have a look at the physical attributes of the Russian Blue cat:
- Head: The Russian Blue has a smooth, medium triangular-shaped head. The cat has a broad forehead with a blunt muzzle.
- Ears: The ears are large and pointed and are wide at the base.
- Eyes: The eyes are round in shape and set wide apart. Color: Vivid green.
- Legs and paws: Legs are long and fine-boned. Paws are small and slightly rounded. Paw pads are lavender, pink, or mauve in color.
- Coat: The Russian Blue cat’s coat is short, dense, smooth, and plush. The double coat has a distinctly soft and silky look.
- Coat colors: Dark grey/blue tipped with silver.
- Pattern: Nil. Faint stripes may be present during kittenhood but disappear when grown up.
- Body: They have long, firm, and muscular bodies. The cat is fine-boned and graceful in appearance.
- Tail: This cat has a long tail but in proportion to the body.
History of Russian Blue Cat
The Russian Blues came to Britain in 1860 from Northern Russia. British sailors were fascinated by these cats and brought them from the White Sea port town of Archangel.
The Russian Blue is related to the three shorthaired blue breeds including Thailand’s Korat, France’s Chartreux, and the British Shorthair. The Russian has also been known as the Maltese Cat and the Spanish Cat.
Russian Blues were first brought to the United States in 1900. The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy recognized Russian Blues in 1912. The Russian Blues were registered with the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1949. A Russian Blue became the winner of the CFA Grand Championship in 1964.
Temperament and Personality of Russian Blue Cat
Russian Blues have a very loyal and friendly nature. These cats are curious but calm and gentle. They are loving and affectionate and want the same amount of affection in return. They enjoy jumping or climbing to high places like the refrigerator and observe things at their leisure.
Russian Blues can easily fit into any household. They are friendly towards children and other pets in the house. These kitties are inclined to form a close relationship with only one person in the family. It is a sensitive cat and demands playtime when you are home.
Russian Blues are known to be shy and slightly reserved in front of strangers. Once the Russians feel comfortable with someone, they become playful and affectionate.
Major Health Concerns of Russian Blue Cat
The Russian Blue cats are very healthy and hardy with no specific health concerns like other cats. However, there are a few conditions that you should be aware of:
- Bladder stones
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Obesity
- Hyperthyroidism
- Diabetes
How to Take Care of Russian Blue Cat
Russian Blues are low-maintenance cats and are easy to keep. These cats are quite easy to groom. Let’s get down to the diet, exercise, and grooming requirements of Russian Blue.
Diet
Russian Blues need a balance of nutrients in their daily diet. Their diet should be appropriate for their age, lifestyle, and activity level. Russian Blues dislike inconsistent routines and varying meal times. These cats love food and have a tendency to overeat. Try to stick to a regular feeding schedule and feed measured amounts of food.
Exercise
Russian Blue is a fairly active breed. They are smart and intelligent cats and need physical activity and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.
Russian Blues love learning new tricks and games. This cat loves to play fetch games. Russian Blue also enjoys playing with interactive and puzzle toys and can spend hours entertaining itself.
Grooming
Russian Blues are low shedders and are easy to groom.
- Brush your Russian Blue cat’s coat twice a week. This will help to remove dead hair and distribute natural oils throughout their coat.
- You need to clip your cat’s claws every couple of weeks.
- Brush your Russian Blue cat’s teeth once or twice a week to prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease.
- A bath when the Russian Blue is shedding will help to remove excess hair more quickly. Always use a high-quality feline shampoo.
- Check your Russian Blue’s ears every week for debris, or signs of infection.
- Keep the Russian Blue litter box clean and tidy.
- To clean their eyes and to remove any discharge, use a soft, damp cloth.
It’s best to keep your Russian Blue as an indoor-only cat. It will keep your cat clean and protect it from diseases spread by other outdoor cats. Keeping them indoors will also protect them from the dangers of being hit by a car.
Parting Shot on Russian Blue Cat
Russian Blue is a charming and dignified cat with a sweet personality. These cats make a perfect pet for families and single pet owners.
Hope you enjoyed reading the article! Have any questions about Russian Blue cats? Please do let us know.
Happy petting!