Last Updated on April 25, 2024 by themubbi63
The Russian Blue cat, commonly just referred to as Russian Blues, is a short-haired cat breed that stands out because of the striking colors of its coat. They often appear to look larger than they actually are because of the dense double coat. An intelligent and sweet breed, they aren’t especially clingy but can be very loyal to their family if you manage to bond with them properly. They’re quite independent by nature and they prefer homes without noisy, rambunctious children or dogs.
History of Russian Blue Cat
Thought to be a naturally occurring breed, not much is known about the origins of the Russian Blue. They’re believed to have originated in Russia, in the Archangel Isles. Thus, they’re also often called Archangel Blues. Sailors may have taken them from the Archangel Isles to Britain and other parts of Northern Europe in the 1860s since there are mentions of them in British texts in 1862.
The first actual recorded appearance of one was in 1872, at the Crystal Palace in England. It was called the Archangel Blue at the time. They were primarily show cats and they competed under a category with all other blue cats. Now, they have their own category. Despite the name, it’s believed that the breed was properly developed in England and Scandinavia only after World War II.
Rumor has it that the Russian Blue is descended from cats kept by the Russian Czars. However, there is no concrete evidence of this. The breed as we know it today was developed in the mid-twentieth century.
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Appearance
The Russian Blue gets part of its name from the color of its fur, which is a shimmering grey-blue. The fur coats of this breed are both soft, dense and short, which leads to its plush appearance. The tips are silver which gives the coat a shine that isn’t easily replicated. The Russian Blue has striking green eyes. If it has yellow eyes, then it’s considered a flaw in a show cat.
They’re a double-coated breed which doesn’t shed much. Thus, they’re a good breed for people with allergies and they don’t require much care and upkeep. While two Russian Blues will always produce a fully blue cat, some mixed breeds might have patches of white. Even a purebred Russian Blue often has stripes (sometimes barely noticeable) on the tail.
These cats are small or medium in size, weighing between 3.6 and 6.8 kg (8 – 15 lb) as adults. Males are larger than females.
Personality and Behavior
These cats are considered to be intelligent and quiet. They don’t often warm up to strangers and aren’t an outwardly affectionate breed. They like spending time on their own and they will interact with their family members as and when they wish. If you want a clingy cat that will wish to be around you all the time, this isn’t the breed for you.
They like high places and climbing up on higher surfaces. It isn’t unheard of for a Russian Blue to leap onto your shoulder for a ride once in a while. If they’re brought up in an active household and socialized well, they may learn to be open with strangers. They do well with quieter and gentler children. And they don’t mind other pets for the most part.
They’re also an energetic species and very observant. They pick up tricks easily and have excellent memories. They can be quite playful when they’re in the mood and want to engage with you. They have a strong hunting instinct as well.
Training
These cats are easily trained because of their intelligence and can be taught to play all kinds of games – fetch, chasing small balls and batting feathers or teaser wand toys. In fact, they can remember the hiding places of their toys and will actually lead you to them if they want you to play with them.
However, because of their independent nature, they can also be quite willful. You need patience and great willpower to train a Russian Blue because it’s quite likely to ignore orders that it doesn’t want to obey. They can definitely be taught to use the litter box and to come when called. But the best way to go about training them is with treats. Even then, you might be ignored.
Don’t be surprised if you find your Russian Blue trying to train you by waiting around near its treats and toys. They’re trying to tell you exactly what they want.
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Russian Blue Cat Diet
These cats should be fed commercially available and approved cat food that has all the required vitamins and minerals. A combination of wet and dry food is the best option. Kittens need to be fed three or four times a day but an adult cat needs only to be fed twice. If you feed them more times than that, it can lead to obesity and other health problems.
Consult your vet about the amount that you should feed your cat and always consult the labels on the cat food for the recommended amount. Body weight, age and activity levels all play a part in determining the quantity of food that your cat should be consuming.
Grooming
Grooming Russian Blues isn’t a hassle generally. It’s a low-maintenance breed and the coat doesn’t require too much washing or brushing. If you wash and brush them too much, you might actually cause damage to the double coat.
During spring and fall, the Russian Blue does shed. At such times, you can wipe down your kitty with a damp washcloth to catch all the hair.
Health Issues of Russian Blue Cat
The main problem faced by Russian Blues is obesity. They really love to eat. Thus, it’s up to you to maintain your cat’s weight and make sure that it isn’t overeating. Obesity can lead to a variety of other problems, like diabetes or heart disease.
Dental care is also useful for your Russian Blue so you should make sure to brush your cat’s teeth regularly. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and kidney disease are other possible health problems your cat might face. It’s always important to keep a careful eye on your pet and talk to your vet at the first signs of something being wrong.
Conclusion
The Russian Blue cat, with its mesmerizing blue coat and intelligent personality, is a captivating feline companion. While not overly affectionate, they bond deeply with their families and enjoy playful interactions. Their low-maintenance coat and independent nature make them suitable for owners who appreciate a unique and elegant cat breed. However, their quiet demeanor might not be ideal for noisy households. Responsible pet ownership includes providing proper diet, grooming, and veterinary care to ensure your Russian Blue thrives for many years.
FAQs
Do Russian Blue cats get along with children and other pets?
They can do well with gentle children and other calm pets when properly socialized. However, their independent nature might not suit boisterous households.
How much exercise does a Russian Blue cat need?
These energetic cats benefit from playtime and exercise. Provide climbing structures and toys to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
Are Russian Blue cats hypoallergenic?
While no cat is truly hypoallergenic, Russian Blues are a good choice for allergy sufferers due to their minimal shedding and double coat.