All About Russian Blue Cats With 5 Interesting Facts

Recently updated on October 20th, 2022

In this article, we will discuss one of the most popular elegant and the rarest member of the feline family. Yes, we are talking about the majestic “Russian Blue Cat.” These cats are sometimes referred to as the Blue Russian, the Archangel Cat, and the Archangel Blue.

The Russian Blue cats are impressive, dignified, and rare short-haired felines that are appreciated for their beautiful glittering blue coat and their emerald green eyes. In addition, these cats are cute, faithful, and shrewd creatures who enjoy following a strict routine.

If you’re looking for a pet that is polite, calm, well-mannered, and affectionate, then the Russian blue is the ideal choice for your family. Their unique and graceful appearance can enthrall anyone; however, it is their charming and adorable personality that will capture you and will make you simply fall in love with them.

So let’s learn more about regal “Russian Blue Cats” and the exciting “Russian Blue Cat Facts.”.

Origin/History

The history of Russian Blue is mysterious, and many theories exist about its origin. However, the most widely accepted theories suggest that these cats originate from the northern Archangel Islands of Northern Russia.

According to Cat historians, these cats are royal blood. Similar to how the ancient Egyptians revered tuxedo cats, they believed that the Russian blue were favorites of Russian Czars. The Russian Blue breed descended from those royal cats of the past.

Some suggest that the breed would have been the primary and precious target for hunters due to its robust and gorgeous coat. Whatever the case may be, the thick coat definitely supports the notion that the breed’s origins were in a colder climate, similar to Russia’s.

For the first time, the Russian Blue appeared (with the name The Archangel Cat London) in a show held at The Crystal Palace in England in 1872. In those early days, Russian Blues were short-haired cats with solid blue color and foreign-looking bodies. According to photos and published sources from the time, it is evident that the original coat was heavy, compact, shiny, and a light silver-blue color.

The Russian Blues contested in the same category as all other blues with short hairs despite the significant distinctions from those cats. The thin Russian Blues were rarely victorious because the round-headed British Blues were given preference in the show halls. Credit goes to English as well as Scandinavian breeders, who worked together to develop the bloodline of today’s Russian Blues.

Finally, the GCCF (Governing Council of the Cat Fancy) recognized the breed, and the Russian Blues were given their own class in 1912. However, the breeding program was disrupted by World War II, and this breed nearly went extinct! And breeders started cross-breeding with other short-haired cats (like Siamese and British Shorthairs).

In the early 1900s, the Russian Blue made its way to America, but it did not get any fame in the years following World War II; at this point, serious efforts were made, and Americans began the breeding program. They utilized European bloodlines to improve further the breed standard, particularly their huge ears with a plush blue coat and stunning green eyes. Although they were recognized as a separate breed by CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) in 1949, the popularity of Russian Blue skyrocketed in America during the 1960s. Today Russian Blues are among the most loved (and gorgeous) feline breeds!

Are Russian Blues And Other Cat Breeds of Shorthairs the Same?

There are some other blue cats, three more famous short-haired cat breeds with solid blue color (i.e., France’s Chartreux, Thailand’s Korat, Britain’s British Blue or British Shorthair), and Russian Blue cats are not related to any of these breeds.

Despite the fact that the Korat, Chartreux, and Russian Blue have a similar silver-blue sheen, the four breeds differ significantly in terms of coat type, conformation, and personality characteristics. However, because all four breeds have existed for such a long time and their ancestral roots remain obscured by legends and speculation, it is possible that they may have common ancestors.

Physical Parameters

Appearance

The Russian Blues looks very impressive as a whole and are also renowned for their elegant, calm, and firm demeanor. Despite their slender appearance, the breed has a remarkably strong, firm, and muscular body and has long legs that permit them to run swiftly and gracefully. These cats have a short but dense hair coat that protrudes from their bodies, making them look bigger than they actually are. The mouth is slightly turned upward from the corners, which gives a permanent smiley look on their face.

Size And Coat color

Russian Blues are medium-sized cats with soft, silky coats that can be bluish-grey, silver, or slate in color and tipped with light, glittering silver. Experts believe that the blue color is actually the diluted black color of the feline world.

Eyes

The stunning color of their eyes is one of their most distinguishing features. Russian Blues have bright green eyes that are round and set wide apart.

Ears

The ears are relatively large, broad from the bottom, and tips are pointed.

Legs & Paws

Legs are long and well-boned. Paws are small, rounded, and have Five toes in front and four in back.

Tail

The tail is long but proportionate to body size, has a thick base, and tapers toward the tip.

Height

Russian Blue range in height from 9 to 11 inches.

Weight

The weight of the male cast ranges from 4.5 to 5.5 kilograms, while females weigh between 3 to 4.5 kilograms.

Life Expectancy

Russian Blue cats can live for 15–20 years or even more with proper care and management.

Intelligence

These cats are highly intelligent pets and also very sensitive. If you ignore them, they get hurt very quickly.

Playfulness and Activity Level

Generally, intelligent breeds are more active, but Russian Blues are very calm and quiet and not destructive when left alone. On the other hand, they love to interact and play with their pet parents when they are at home.

Good With

These cats have very calm personalities and need less maintenance, so these are the best choice to adopt for families with children, older persons, other dogs, and cats.

Temperament and Personality

The Russian Blue cats are sweet-tempered, well-behaved, affectionate, and loving cats that are loyal companions to their pet parents and will follow you everywhere in the house and not be surprised if they run to welcome you every time you come home from outside. They are renowned for their intelligence and friendliness. Russian Blues are known to be a bit shy and cautious around guests and might hide away during large gatherings, but once they become acquainted with a new person, they turn into playful and loving pets.

These cats are creatures of routine who are accustomed to familiar routines and clean environments and do not like frequent changes in the surrounding environment and feeding schedule. It is believed that Russian Blues teach their owners, not their owners who train them, a myth that has proven true time and time again.

Living Requirements

Need Physical And Mental Stimulation

Russian blue cat breeds are extremely intelligent and require both mental and physical stimulation. Therefore, it is vital to provide them with a variety of toys that will help them get all that brain and body energy. In addition, Russian blues are keen hunting cats. So don’t be too surprised when your cat spends the majority of the time looking out the window and chatting with passers-by birds and squirrels.

Follow a strict routine

Russian blues are adamantly drawn to the familiar routine and could not be able to cope with new circumstances. A quiet, steady home with no frequent guests is ideal for these timid, shy cats.

They Love to Eat

The most important thing to know about Russian Blue loves eating, so ensure that they don’t overeat. They may ask for food many times a day; however, it is crucial to stick to a recommended feeding schedule and not give too many treats.

Love Cleanliness

Prospective pet parents must also be aware Russian blues can be sensitive to hygiene, particularly in their litter boxes. Therefore, be sure to clean their litter bins on a regular basis so that they can feel comfortable.

Grooming

Russian Blues sheds much less than other cats, so if you maintain a neat and clean environment and clean the litter box regularly, then the grooming requirements will be pretty low. Brushing the coat once a week is enough to keep the coat healthy. They don’t need frequent baths; however, regular cleaning of eyes, ears, and nail trimming is necessary.

Happy to Live Alone

Their independence is a sign that they can be left on their own for a time, and owners who work for long hours or lead an active social life outside the home do not have to fret. However, be aware that although Russian blues are acceptable to be left alone for a while, they will be happy to welcome you to the front door when you return and require plenty of attention to be content and happy.

Feeding And Nutrition

Each cat is different and has its own distinct preferences and dislikes. Cats are carnivores, so they need 41 different types of nutritional elements from the food they eat. The amount of these nutrients can vary in relation to lifestyle, age, and general health. So an active and growing kitten or more playful cat will require an entirely different mix of nutrients than a more restful older cat. Other factors to keep in mind are feeding the proper amount of food to ensure health and maintain an ideal weight.

Popularity and Cost of Russian Blue Kittens

Although Russian Blue kittens are very popular, they are not very easily accessible, so their prices are on the higher side. Generally, they cost $500 to $800; however, cats that are show-quality can cost more, depending on the particulars of their genetic lineage.

Organizations Who Recognized The Russian Blue

The following organizations have officially accepted the Russian Blue as a distinct breed.

• World Cat Federation (WCF)

• The International Cat Association (TICA)

• Federation International Feline (FIFe)

• Cat Fanciers Association (CFA)

• Cat Fanciers Association (CFA)

• American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA)

• American Cat Association (ACA)

Are Russian Blue Cats Hypoallergenic?

No, actually, But this widespread misconception has a valid reason. Cats trigger allergic reactions such as running noses and sneezing in affected people due to a protein known as “Fel d 1” that is found in the saliva of the majority of cat breeds. Russian Blue cats, however, produce very low levels of glycoprotein Fel d 1. Therefore many pet owners may feel comfortable with them and consider them hypoallergenic.

Health Concerns

As a cat’s owner, you will try to ensure the well-being of your feline friend to make them enjoy a long and happy life. The Russian Blue kittens are generally healthy; however, their fervent appetite could cause weight gain if not controlled. And obesity can further lead to diabetes, arthritis, and other joint-related issues. So, in addition to giving them ample exercise during playing, look into a weight-management plan for their diet. In addition, here is a list of a few other diseases that your cat may develop.

• Glaucoma

• Cataracts

• feline leukemia virus,

• cat flu

• FIP (feline infectious peritonitis)

• upper respiratory tract infection

• kidney infection

• cystitis

General Care And Management Tips

• Include your pet’s routine into your daily routine to assist you and your Blue Cat to live longer remain healthier and more content throughout her life.

• It is imperative to stress the importance of having a healthy nutrition and exercise schedule for your cat.

• Be sure to supervise your pet just as you would with a small child. Close doors, clean up your own waste, and block off areas as needed. This will keep her from getting into trouble as well as off the surfaces she shouldn’t use to jump on and from things she shouldn’t put in her mouth.

• Brush at least once a week to keep her coat healthy and shiny.

• Brush teeth twice a week.

• Clean the eyes and ears when required.

• Provide a variety of toys.

• She requires daily playtime and should be involved in daily activities that stimulate her to explore and hunt. Make sure that her body and mind are engaged, or she might have behavioral issues.

• Cats (especially Russian Blue) are extremely sophisticated and like to be cleaned. So they need a tidy litter box. You should provide at least one litter box for every cat. Also, clean the waste daily.

• Check to see if your cat is drinking sufficient water. Provide hot or cold water according to season. • Feed a well-balanced, high-quality diet according to age, sex, and activity level.

Russian Blue Cat Fun Facts

• Have you ever seen the all-time famous “Tom And Jerry” cartoon, The Tom (having a blue coat and green eyes) is actually a Russian Blue cat.

• Due to their specific, faint but lovely smile (because of the slight upward tilt of lips from corners), The Russian Blue cats are named the “Mona Lisa” of the feline community.

• Due to their strong muscular body, they are also called “Doberman Pinschers of cats.”

• During world war II, The Russian Blue Cats almost became extinct. Then from continuous efforts of cat lovers and breeders, their genes were restored.

• Some people consider them a sign of good fortune.

Conclusion

Russian Blues are mysterious cats that captivate people with their gorgeous appearance and personality. The story of these magnificent cats is not ordinary either. If you are looking for a loyal, affectionate, and well-mannered pet with a gentle temperament and cool personality, we suggest you adopt a Russian Blue cat. You’ll surely love the company of the feline Mona Lisa.