These beautiful, endearing cats are thought to be a naturally occurring breed that first appeared in Arkhangelsk in Russia. Sometimes referred to as Archangel Blues, Russian Blues were often favored by royalty and are still famed today for their unusual shimmering coats and elegant appearance. Are you thinking about adopting one of these royal kitties? Here’s what you need to know!
Russian Blue
Russian Blues are incredibly graceful medium to large cats, with muscular lean bodies and long, fine-boned legs. They can reach lengths of 18 inches, with males being typically heavier and more muscular than females but still with the elegant gait these cats are famed for. Their heads are typically wedge-shaped with big wide-set ears and large green almond-shaped eyes. These cats look as though they have permanent smiles on their faces, which just adds to their physical appeal!
Coat
Russian Blues have dense, short, double-layered coats with a very soft and thick undercoat, which is perfectly suited to the cold climate they evolved in. The unique silvery fur of this breed is thought to be caused by a diluted version of the gene responsible for creating black cats. Although the trademark silver-blue is the most common color of these cats, they can also come in white and black varieties.
Eyes
The stunning emerald green eyes of Russian Blue cats are another distinct physical characteristic of this breed. Although the eyes are almond-shaped, the slender build of the neck and head of these cats can often make the eyes appear much larger and rounder than they are. Unlike most other cat breeds, Russian Blue kittens are born with yellow eyes which slowly begin to turn green at around four months old.
Russian Blues are very active and intelligent cats that love to learn new tricks! Fetch is a game that seems to be favored by this breed. If you are considering keeping a Russian Blue as an indoor cat then you will need to ensure you offer plenty of opportunities to climb, as they love to view the world from a high vantage point. With this breed, you will also need to ensure they have plenty of cozy sleeping spots as they love to curl up for a snooze throughout the day.
Personality
Russian Blues are known for their gentle natures and relatively quiet voices compared to some other breeds, which is perhaps why they have become a popular breed for elderly people and care homes. At first glance, many people assume these cats are aloof and independent creatures as they can be shy around strangers. However, once they get to know you, they can become incredibly affectionate and love to receive fussing from their owners. Like most cat breeds, Russian Blues dislike change in their environment so they appreciate a relatively calm household and being fed at regular intervals throughout the day.
With their naturally calm and affectionate demeanors, Russian Blues have become a popular choice for families with children. They are generally very tolerant of young children but it is still very important to supervise any interactions between your cat and child to ensure it doesn’t get too rough.
Russian Blues are also known to get along with dogs, especially if they have grown up together. They can be tolerant of small pets too but you will need to be careful as these cats do have a strong hunting instinct. Regular playtime is essential for this breed to burn off some of that energy and provide mental stimulation.
On the grooming front, these cats are relatively easy to care for. Saying that, it is a good idea to get into a routine of grooming your cat regularly to ensure the coat remains in good condition. Compared to other breeds, the Russian Blue does not shed much so it is considered to be one of the most hypoallergenic cat breeds. However, it is important to note that no cat is 100% hypoallergenic and they will still shed more in the Spring and Summer months like other cats.
Russian Blues are incredibly popular pets due to their loving natures and calm dispositions. Looking to adopt one of these elegant cats? Here are a few pros and cons to consider:
Pros
The short coat and minimal shedding of this breed make them the perfect choice for people with allergies. Their playful natures mean they get along well with children and other pets and will revel in the chance to learn new tricks or play games with the family (when they are in the mood of course!).
Cons
This breed does love a good routine so you will need to ensure you have the time and commitment to stick to a schedule that will keep your kitty happy. They may also not be the best breed choice if you have a very busy household with people coming and going regularly, as these cats can be nervous around new people.
In Short
If you are looking for an affectionate, easy-going feline then the Russian Blue could be the cat for you! Although they may seem a little reserved at first, once you gain a Russian Blues’ trust you will have a friend for life!
As a naturally occurring breed, Russian Blues are considered to be one of the healthiest breeds with no known hereditary or genetic issues. If fed a proper diet, you can expect these cats to live for 15 to 20 years, which is quite impressive compared to many other breeds! Still, you should take your cat for regular vet check-ups and keep vaccines up to date.
Another thing to bear in mind is that this breed does love its' food and tends to eat way more than it should! So ensure you stick to a strict feeding schedule to prevent obesity.
