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

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.

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