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Animal-World > Cats > Natural Cat Breeds > Russian Blue Cats

Russian Blue CatsBlue Maltese Archangel Blue, Chartreuse Blue, Foreign Blue, Russo-American Blue, Spanish Blue, Russian Shorthair

Family: FelidaeRussian Blue Cat Picture Felis domesticusPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Justin Brough
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I lost my very friendly cat Fletcher with name tag and all to an "evil" man (a tenant), who stole him and maybe killed him. Thank God that man is... (more)  Renata, Trinidad, W.I.

     The Russian Blue is known for its affection and serene disposition. It is well-loved for its elegant, yet simplistic appearance. This breed requires little grooming, yet remains stunning at all times.

    This is an extremely affectionate breed that loves being around people, including strangers, and other cats. The Russian Blue is also known for being quite gentle and serene. However, some have described it as a temperamental cat. It enjoys staying inside and can be either playful or sedentary, depending on its particular personality. The Russian Blue is also known for being less destructive than other breeds. This breed has a very soft, sweet voice and requires little maintenance.

    This breed may have originated from Russia, Archangel, or Norway. It is now very prominent around the world.


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Common Name(s)     Russian Blue, Blue, Maltese, Blue Maltese, Archangel Blue, Chartreuse Blue, Foreign Blue, Russo-American Blue, Spanish Blue, Blue Russian, and Russian Shorthair.

Background     Several theories exist explaining the origins of the Russian Blue. The first states that this breed originated in the northern parts of Russia. The theory further states that the breed adapted to the cold climate by developing a short, thick, double coat. The breed was kept by the Vikings, and eventually brought to Britain. This theory is responsible for the first part of the breed's name. The second theory suggests that the cats were taken from the port of Archangel (now known as Archangel'sk), on the White Sea, as ships' cats, to Sweden and then to Britain. The third theory states that they may have come from northern Norway to Britain. The fourth theory envisions them as being taken from Archangel by visiting British sailors. An interesting Russian fairy tale that also attempts to explain the breed's origin is as follows: Seven fairies gathered around a baby princess's cradle to give her seven gifts. One gave her a fearless spirit, another a loyal heart, the third said she would be slim and beautiful all her life, the fourth that her every movement would be graceful, the fifth said she would always wear silver, silk, and velvet, the sixth brought her two huge emeralds, and the seventh said she would find friends wherever she went in the world. However, these fairies were rather young and inexperienced at bestowing gifts and they could not believe this tiny red screaming baby would ever grow into a beautiful princess. So they gently placed their gifts in another crib where there was only quiet purring. And that is how the Russian Blue came to be such a particularly beautiful and gifted cat!
No matter what its exact origins were, the Russian Blue became a popular breed by the late 1800's. However, it was shown as the same breed as the British Blue in its early years. The combining of the breeds stirred controversy, since Russian Blues were sure to fall short of British Blue standards, even if they met every standard of a model Russian Blue. In 1912 they were awarded a separate category, though it was under the less desirable name of "Foreign Blue". Finally, in 1939 the breed's name was reinstated as "Russian Blue". After World War II, when the breed was nearly lost, breeders introduced Siamese lines into the breed. But around 1965 British breeders attempted to reverse the trend so that the British Blue no longer looked like an all-blue Siamese. The Russian Blue arrived in America around 1890.

Description     The Russian Blue has a medium-size, slender, elongated, and well-muscled body. The legs are long and slender with round paws. The tail is long, thin, and tapering. The head is wedge-shaped and of medium size. In Britain, the head is rounder than in America. The eyes are large, almond-shaped, and green. The nose is medium length and the ears are large, wide-set, and moderately pointed. The Russian Blue's weight ranges from 7 to 12 pounds, though it is slightly heavier in Britain. They live to be approximately 13 to 15 years old.
    Obviously, this breed is known for its blue coat, which can range from light to dark gray with a silvery sheen. However, White, Black, and Red variations are accepted in some countries. They are referred to as Russian Whites, Russian Blacks, and Russian Reds. The coat is short and dense, due to the double coat, consisting of an outer coat of strong guard hairs and an inner coat of water-resistant down hairs.

Care and Feeding     No special diet is needed, unless the cat becomes overweight, which is not unheard of with this breed.

Housing Your Cat     This breed can survive indoors or outdoors, though many individuals enjoy spending most of their time indoors. This is an ideal apartment cat. However, it can also withstand the harsh, cold weather of northern regions, due to its thick double coat.

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Maintenance     The Russian Blue requires minimal grooming. Some owners even claim that the longer one waits to brush it, the more radiant the coat becomes.

Social Behaviors     This cat loves being around people and other animals. It is especially affectionate with its mate. It may be happiest in a quiet home, where it can relax and observe silently. However, its tranquil nature also suits it well for family life, since it will not be greatly aroused by others.

Activities     This breed can be playful or lack the need for activity. However, if it becomes overweight, it should be encouraged to play and exercise.

Breeding/Reproduction     Since Russian Blues are especially affectionate cats, they are well suited for mating and parenting. Litters generally contain four kittens.

Common Health Problems     This is an especially hardy cat with few ailments. However, some may overeat, especially when presented with dry food, which can cause vomiting.

Availability     Russian Blues are available from breeders on the internet and found locally. Prices range from $375 to over $1000.

Author: Ruth Bratcher


Comments
Latest Comments

I lost my very friendly cat Fletcher with name tag and all to an "evil" man (a tenant), who stole him and maybe killed him. Thank God that man is gone now. I was very afraid to get another pet, as I am very protective of them - that's why I don't have dogs anymore (my first love) - because of tenants downstairs. But I visited my local animal shelter and cried over my missing cat. Then a woman directed me to this little shiny grey quiet cat, who turned out to be the best behaved cat ever! She does not go to strangers, she does not eat scraps nor eat from your plate nor interfere with the garbage - she will drink your water though, she does not go where I don't- she has never yet ventured into any of the other apartments open doors or windows even if she is bribed. She loves to stay inside even though she is free to go out. She communicates with me in sound - she calls to find out where I am in the apartment. She is very serious about being fed to her leisure. Once I'm home, she stays close to where I am approx. 80% of the time. And if I'm out, she stays inside approx. 95% of the time. If I'm out she waits until I come home to go outside to hunt and do her 'business'. The point is, she's safe from dangerous people. And for this I am so grateful. When I get up in the morning she walks beside me and guides me to her bowl to feed her first. You can't help but develop a very close and instinctive bond with this cat. She helped me in dealing with the grief of losing my previous cat. I was afraid of the man, but I am not afraid anymore. God gave me victory over him - I smile and wave hello whenever I see him - he is so confused when I do that. But you see because he killed my cat (which belongs to God) for whatever reason, I now know what a dangerous person he was. He broke my water line on purpose during the early hours of the morning then called me @2:30am then again @3:30am to come downstairs - the plumber confirmed it was tampered with (twice). So while I still grieve for my cat Fletcher I am grateful to have overcome this dangerous threat to my life in the likes of this man- because I lived alone at the time. But now peace has come and my new lovely cat Smokey is my new room-mate - she has her own identity/ demands privacy, etc. In fact, she's a lot like me!
Reply
Renata, Trinidad, W.I.
2010-04-20

I recently rescued a russian blue/domestic mix and she is the sweetest and most well behaved kitty I have ever encountered! She is very affectionate and smart - she can entertain herself very well! She does seem to be wary of strangers but will warm up eventually. Her coat is the most beautiful and soft fur! I highly reccommend this breed! We couldn't afford a purebred but I am so very happy with my halfsie!
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Anonymous
2008-12-09
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My cat of 18 years died from kidney failure and I was so grief stricken my husband rescued a half Russian blue/ tabby mix from the local animal shelter. He is the most delightful, affectionate and handsome cat I have ever had. He is very popular at the Vet's office(Recently had him neutered). And everyone wants to hold him and kiss him. I too would recommend this breed or half breed to any cat lover. I love this cat so much. I am thankful to God for this cat's companionship and I pray he will live to be atleast 30 years old.... Anonymous

I had two of these marvelous cats. But just today (10-29-08) sombody broke Little Mans nose and left him bleed to death on the side of the rode. Meanwhile I was at school. He was so young (5 monnths of age) too, and I loved him So So So So much.
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Anonymous
2008-10-29
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So very sorry to hear of the death of your beloved cat.... tara golden
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Questions - Answers

Hi!

I did not find any Estonian Russian Blue breeders on Your site.
Please kindly add my cattery and link to my site on Your page.

Thank You in advance,

Eduard Maandi
Enchanting Deity Cattery



Heki tee 6-21
Haabneeme, Viimsi v.
74001 Harjumaa
ESTONIA

GSM: +372 5333 8000
E-mail: ed@ed.ee
Skype: PotsdamEd
MSN: ed@ed.ee
Homepage: www.ed.ee
Reply
Eduard Maandi
2009-10-19
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