Russian Blue

Weight: 7 - 13 pounds
Life span: 12 - 15 years
CFA rank: 19

Breed History | Background:

Despite its name, it is not certain that this breed truly came from Russia.
Pinpointing the precise origins of the Russian Blue has proven elusive. Three theories prevail: the breed came from the Archangel Isles in northern Russia, or it is the direct descendant of the Royal Cat of the Russian Czars, or finally, this breed bravely clung to the shoulders of Cossacks as they rode into war.
It is touted as one the oldest natural cat breeds in existence and among the first breeds displayed at the Crystal Palace in England in 1875.
A few Russian Blues arrived in the United States in 1900, but the true popularity push for this breed did not begin until after World War II.
When the numbers of this breed became low in the early 1940s, some breeders cross bred it with the Siamese. Today, the Siamese traits have been bred completely out.
The Cat Fanciers Association accepted the Russian Blue for registration in 1949.

Cat Look:

This breed sports a lean, medium-sized body and its signature plush, blue-grey coat.
This double coat feels like silk and each hair is dipped in silver accent to give off a shimmering look.
Russian Blue features vivid green eyes, prominent whisker pads that make it look like it bears a perpetual smile and a fine-boned body medium in size.

Behavioral concerns:

Far from the life of the party, the Russian Blue prefers a quiet household and adapts nicely to being home alone while you are at work.
Gentle and affectionate, this breed is not pushy or overly demonstrative, but is happily devoted to its favorite people.
This breed is bright and able to entertain himself with toys when you are not available to join in playtime.
Don’t mistake shyness for aloofness in the breed, especially with strangers or houseguests.
The Russian Blue can co-exist nicely with other family pets or contently be the one and only pet.
This breed is exceptionally tuned in to a person’s mood and has been known to clown around to shake the blues from people.

Grooming:

Daily petting goes a long way in keeping the sleek look of the Russian Blue. No need to bring out a brush. However, your Blue will never turn down a good petting.
You will rarely see a Russian Blue with a bad hair day. That’s because this breed takes pride in keeping its short, dense blue coat well groomed.
Not prone to developing matted fur.

Suggested Nutritional Needs:

Serve high quality commercial food to keep its coat healthy and reduce shedding.

Fun Facts:

The Russian Blue bears four popular nicknames: “Maltese,” “Archangel Blues,” “Spanish Blue” and “Foreign Blue.”
Easily mistaken for a British Shorthair, Chartreux or Korat breeds.

Glossary