Russian Blue Cat Size, Price, Personality, And Special Information

The Russian Blue Cat, commonly known simply as the Russian Blue, is a cat breed with colors that vary from light shimmering silver to a deep, slate grey. The short, dense coat, which stands out from the body, has been a hallmark of the breed for more than a century.

Russian Blue Cat Breed Overview

HEIGHT	9–11 inches
WEIGHT	7–12 pounds
LIFE SPAN	15–20 years
GOOD WITH	Children, Seniors, Dogs, Cats, Families
TEMPERAMENT	Affectionate Neurotic Shy
INTELLIGENCE	High
SHEDDING AMOUNT	Infrequent
PLAYFULNESS	Medium
ACTIVITY LEVEL	Calm
VOCALNESS	Frequent
COAT LENGTH	Short
COLORS	Blue / Gray
PATTERNS	Solid

History

Once Russian blue cats made it to Great Britain, the breed took the cat world by storm. In 1875, Russian blues were shown at one of the world’s first cat shows, held at the Crystal Palace in London.

He didn’t win any awards but made quite an impression – mainly because he was incredibly handsome.

In 1912, at about the same time Russian blues was in the U.S. They were officially recognized as a breed.

After World War II, Russian blues were in decline, but enthusiasts managed to save the bloodline. In Sweden, Finland and Denmark, they crossed Russian Blues with Siamese cats to produce slightly longer and more angular kittens.

In Great Britain, they crossbred with Bluepoint Siamese and British Blues for thicker, stockier cats. However, the Russian Blues we know and love today bear more resemblance to the parent breed.

Characteristics

Affection Level – High

Friendliness – Medium

Pet-Friendly – Medium

Exercise Needs – Medium

Kid-Friendly – Medium

Energy Level – Medium

Playfulness – Medium

Tendency to Vocalize – Low

Amount of Shedding – Low

Intelligence – High

Origin Of Russian Blue Cat

The Russian Blue Cat is a naturally occurring breed, which means we will never know its true origins. However, they probably originated somewhere in northwestern Russia. One theory is that these sleek kittens are descendants of the Russian Jar’s respected pets.

Sadly, others speculate that the first Russian Blues lived in the wild and were hunted for their prized pelts – such thick, dense fur with unique coloring may have brought in big roubles.

In any case, it is believed that Russian sailors befriended sometime around the 1860s and brought them as companions on their ships, particularly in the bustling port city of Arkhangelsk.

This may explain how the breed came to Great Britain and Northern Europe. The translation of Arkhangelsk is “archangel”, which is why Russian blue cats are sometimes called archangel blues.

Temperament

Russian Blues are lovely and loyal cats that love to follow their owners and greet them at the door when they arrive. These pets can be alert and shy, but they are incredibly affectionate once they are introduced to a new human.

When Russian Blues feel confident and comfortable in their new homes, they become playful, loving pets.
They generally get on with children and other animals, including other cats and family dogs; and despite their affectionate nature, they are calm and not clingy at all.

That said, while these sensitive lapcats enjoy being with their people, they can be uncomfortable or withdrawn around strangers.

Russian Blues can be very vocal, but are generally soft-spoken and will talk in calm meows to let you know when they need food, water, or attention.

This breed is super smart, independent, active, and energetic. Russians like to play the blues but they tend to calm down with age.

Personality

Russian blue cats are curious but calm, affectionate but not clingy, and very smart. They can be shy at first, but they are playful and loving when they feel comfortable.

While they tend to be happy with families and even with other pets, Russian blue cats form a deep bond with only one person. Once they bond with someone, they will be very sensitive to the feelings of their pet parent – if you’re sad, don’t be surprised if your Russian Blue pats your face just to cheer you up!

Appearance

Russian Blues are medium-sized cats with thick, thick short coats of hair that stand out from their bodies and make them appear larger than they actually are. Their soft, silky coat is a deep, charcoal gray shade that is tipped with light, shimmering silver.

Because these cats shed lightly and have low levels of known feline allergies, some pet owners consider them to be “hypoallergenic.”

DVM, CVJ, a veterinarian at Blum Animal Hospital in Chicago, Natalie L. “These cats produce very low levels of glycoprotein Fel d1, which is a protein in cats that causes allergies in people,” says Marks.

So while there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic cat, certain breeds, including the Russian blue, maybe a better fit for some people with allergies.

Before bringing home a Russian blue kitten, spend time with the breed to see how your allergies react.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Russian blue’s appearance is its eyes, which change from yellow to green over time. Like all kittens, Russian Blue kittens are born with blue eyes.

The blue turns pale yellow or golden, then turns yellow with a green ring around four months old, and, finally, completely bright green in adulthood. These cats usually weigh 7-12 pounds and stand about 10 inches high.

Growth and maturity

The life expectancy of the Russian Blues is about 10-20 years, but some have lived as long as 25 years. They usually have few health problems because they have very few genetic problems and are not prone to disease.

They are small to medium-sized cats with an average weight of 3.6 to 6.8 kg (8 to 15 lb) when they are fully grown. Males will usually be larger than females. Their gestation period is about 64 days.

About Health

Russian Blues have a lifespan of 15-20 years. These cats are generally healthy animals thanks to the fact that they are a naturally occurring breed.

“This breed loves to eat and can struggle with obesity,” says Marks. “They may develop progressive retinal atrophy (or PRA), which is a degenerative deterioration of the retina or the eye’s vision center.

Additionally, they may develop polycystic kidney disease (or PKD), in which the kidneys become filled with fluid. There are spaces, preventing them from working.”

Reputable Russian Blue breeders will screen for health problems in kittens, but it is important to have your cat checked frequently into adulthood. Prioritize regular veterinarian visits for your Russian blue and seek the advice of your cat’s veterinarian.

Common Health Issues

As a naturally occurring breed, Russian blue cats are also naturally very healthy. Other than a slight increase in the risk of bladder stones and urinary tract issues, the only real concern is obesity. Russian blues love to eat – and they will always ask for more.

If you have a Russian blue cat, you may want to measure its food portions and talk to your vet about the right nutrition plan for your kitty.

The ASPCA pet health insurance plan can help cover the cost of diagnosis and treatment of all kinds of health conditions like this one. If you have a Russian Blue or are thinking about adopting it, you should consider coverage for your furry family member. Learn more by getting a quote now.

Allergies

Anecdotal evidence suggests that Russian Blue may be better tolerated by individuals with mild to moderate allergies.

There is speculation that the Russian Blue produces low glycoprotein Fel d1, a source of cat allergies. Thicker coats can cause more allergies closer to the cat’s skin.

Glycoproteins are a source of cat allergies, but that doesn’t mean that all allergies will stop. You can still get allergies, just nowhere near extreme, and for a much shorter period of time than in other cat breeds. Because of this, Russian blues are very popular among people with allergies around the world.

Diet and Nutrition

It is always recommended that you talk to your vet about the best food to feed your Russian Blue. The Russian blue is known to love eating, so one thing to keep in mind is that she is breastfeeding.

Keeping your Russian blue lean is one of the best ways to avoid weight-related health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.

Feed your Russian Blue cat food in measured amounts two to three times a day at regular feeding times. While it may be convenient to skip meals throughout the day, this can lead to frequent snacking, which can contribute to an overweight cat. Always have fresh water available 24 hours a day.

Care

The grooming requirement for the Russian blue is very low maintenance. These cats require a few baths and only weekly brushing to help get rid of loose hair and keep shedding to a minimum. Regular nail trimming, and eye, and ear cleaning is also essential.

These pets do not require any special exercise – like most cats, they will work up a lot of energy by playing and running around the house. You can help by leaving some toys for your Russian blue to play with.

“The Russian Blue has a very strong innate drive to hunt, so a feather toy or fishing pole toy is perfect for encouraging physical and mental exercise,” says Marks.

The Russian Blue is a smart breed, and they are receptive to training. Teaching your cat to use the litter box and scratching post should be fairly easy, although lots of praise and petting are always helpful training tools.

“This breed is very vocal, likes to interact with household members or pet parents, but really thrives on a regular basis and is not very adaptable to change,” says Marks. “Try to keep meal times and play times scheduled.”

Feed your Russian blue high-quality cat food and monitor food intake to help prevent obesity, which the breed is particularly prone to. Check with your vet to find out how much and how often to feed your cat.

Living With

Russian blue cats are highly intelligent animals and require physical and mental stimulation, so it is important to give them access to toys at all times. They maintain a strong hunting instinct, so a finned fishing pole toy is the perfect game.

Consider keeping these types of toys in a cat-proof location because: (a) your kitty will tear it to pieces, and (b) she may eat feathers and/or string, any of which are bad for her digestive system Not good for overall health.

If you maintain a good hygiene routine, your Russian blue will require minimal grooming and health care. There are several essentials to keep a cat comfortable after adoption, such as investing in a toothbrush and cat-safe toothpaste to keep her teeth clean and white. for, and a medium-toothed comb to keep his double coat sleek and luxurious.

An important piece of Russian blue cat breed information is that these kittens love mealtimes, so make sure she doesn’t overeat. She will probably ask for food several times a day, but persevere and stick to a regularly scheduled meal, using measured amounts of cat food, and avoiding too many cats treats.

Like its Siamese relative, the Russian blue is very vocal and will use its voice to communicate with its pet parent when it wants to play, eat or take a nap. She is both attentive and persistent, always making sure that her needs are met.

He doesn’t adapt well to change, such as different meal times or unknown visitors, so expect to hear about it! If you interact back and forth with her on a regular basis, she’ll respond positively, which means you’re never really alone when you have a Russian blue baby.

Adopt or Buy a Russian Blue Cat

If you like the Russian Blue cat and want to learn more, check out the Cat Fanciers Association’s list of Russian Blue Breeders near you so you can ask more questions and meet Russian Blues in person.

You can also try to find a cat show in your area. Cat shows are a lot of fun and a great way to learn about many different cat breeds from breeders and owners.

You can find a purebred Russian blue cat through a breeder in your area, but if you want to adopt from a rescue facility, check out these organizations:

• Rescue Me
• Adopt a Pet

Overview

These beautiful cats are gentle and sweet. Although Russian Blues can be shy around strangers, they absolutely love their owners. If you are looking for a cat that will welcome you at the door, follow you around the house, and sit on the couch next to you, the Russian blue meets these criteria.

What’s more, they are some of the most beautiful cats among pure breeds because of their bright bluish-gray coats and emerald-colored eyes.

Pros: 1. Often tolerated by people with cat allergies 2. Gentle and kind 3. Generally healthy and long-lived

Cons: 1. Can be shy and reclusive around strangers or commotion 2. Not as cuddly as some cats 3. Can become obese if overfed

More Cat Breed And Further Research

CORNISH REX

NORWEGIAN FOREST CAT

SAVANNAH CAT

Russian Blue Fun Facts

• Russian blue cats have slightly inverted mouths, which gives them a subtle smile similar to the famous Mona Lisa smile.
• According to folklore, Russian blues were placed in the chambers of newborn babies to ward off evil spirits.
• In the Warner Bros. hit film Cats and Dogs, a Russian Blue Cat is featured as a trained assassin.
• Russian Blues are blue in color due to a dilute gene. The gene responsible for their bluish-brown coloration is actually a variant of the black-haired gene.
• Internet sensation Nyan Cat, a half-cat, the half-pop-tart animated meme based on illustrator Russian Blue, Marty.
• Fans of the famous Tom and Jerry cartoon speculate that Tom, with his bright green eyes and bluish-gray complexion, is a Russian blue.
• Some Russian blues are born with “ghost stripes”. These are faded tabby markings that disappear as the kitten matures.

Russian Blue Cat Breed Review

Russian Blue Cat FAQs

Are Russian Blues Friendly Cats?

These cats are very affectionate with the people they love, but they can be wary and aloof from strangers.

How much does a Russian blue cat cost?

A pure Russian blue usually costs between $400 and $600.

Do Russian blue cats shed a lot?

Russian blue cats shed less than most other cat breeds and are generally well tolerated by people with cat allergies.

Most Related Searches

Russian blue	Blue Russian
Russian blue kittens	Russian blue kitten
Blue cats	blue cat
Patronus quiz	Patronus quiz Pottermore