These beautiful cats belong to British Blue cat family, along with the proud Charteux of France, and the ever-gorgeous Korat of Thailand. However, Russian Blue cats stand out from the rest because they are a distinct breed with unique characteristics.
These stunning cuties have tantalizing, bright green eyes. Russian Blues are more slender than their blue cousins, who tend to be rounder and built, especially in the face. You can easily spot Russian Blue cats due to their unique physical and behavioral characteristics, and of course, their origin, and their genetic background.
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History of Russian Blue cats
Russian Blue cats were formerly ignored in one of the world’s first cat shows held at London’s Crystal Palace in 1875, where they didn’t win any prizes. Yet, these delicate Blue cuties left such an impression that turned the cat world upside down when they made their way to the US in 1912, and they were recognized as an official cat breed.
Sadly, Russian Blue cats began declining after World War II. Thanks to cat enthusiasts, the Russian Blue cat heroes managed to save their bloodline by crossbreeding them with bluepoint Siamese. Their decreasing numbers have increased as a result of these efforts.
Russian Blue cats were then crossbred with Siamese cats in Sweden, Finland, and Denmark to produce slightly longer and more angular kitties. Then they were crossbred with Blue Point Siamese and British Blue to make a thicker and stockier cat. However, the Russian Blue cats that we adore and pet today mostly resemble the original Russian Blue breed.
Genetic background
Russian blue cats are the real deal. These cats aren’t made by mixing other colored cats, but are a natural breed.
Breeders have refined and redefined the Russian Blue’s distinguishing characteristics by breeding known Russian Blues only. By this selectiveness, this breed has a really consistent and distinguished characteristic look. An exception to this statement is the occasional “pointed” Russian Blue, which is the result of a recessive gene that we can trace from the brief cross with a Siamese cat over 50 years ago.
Physical characteristics of Russian Blues
Below are the physical characteristics of the Russian Blue cats:
Silvery coat
Russian Blue cats have soft, silky coats that are dark, charcoal gray shade, tipped with light that looks like shimmering silver. Russian Blue cats are shorthaired, but they have a dense double-layered coat.
Striking green eyes
One of the unique features of Russian Blue cats is their eye color. They have a set of striking green eyes. However, their eyes are yellow when they are born and gradually change the color to green over time. The kitten’s yellow eyes will start to get green rings around them when the cats are four months old.
Wedge-shaped head
Russian Blue cats’ heads are triangular or wedge-shaped. Their heads are often described as cobra-shaped with seven unique planes. This type of head shape sets them apart from the typical round or apple-shaped heads of other domestic cats.
Long and slender cats
Russian Blue cats are long and slender cats. They have long and graceful necks, which are not noticeable because of their thick plush coat.
They have a lean body and well-defined muscles. These cats are fine-boned. They measure around 10 inches in height from their paws to their shoulders. Russian Blue cats’ average weight is about 12 pounds. This may vary depending on the cat’s lifestyle.
Personality of Russian Blues
Playful
Russian Blues are well-mannered cats and are easy to train. They love to be involved in interactive games such as playing fetch and chasing balls or sunbeams, and they won’t stop unless you do.
Russian Blue cats can be left alone for hours and don’t feel lonely. However, they’ll very much appreciate seeing their family members arrive. They are quite sensitive and will feel hurt if ignored.
Good companions
They are great cat companions. They will get along well with almost all of the family members, including children. They also have a sensitive soul, which can sense when someone is feeling down. They’ll show sympathy by patting the face of that person.
Intelligent and good memory
These cats are intelligent felines. They are cautious when they’re trying to do something for the first time but tend to be stubborn when they really want to do something. Russian Blue cats have an excellent memory. They’ll remember where you hide their toys or food, and you’ll find them opening cabinets or cupboards once they decide they want to do it.
Easily startled
These cats are sensitive to strange and loud noises. They tend to be easily startled when they hear strange loud sounds. This may have something to do with their roots because they were once believed to be a target of furriers for their elegant coats.
They may have developed their cautious behavior and quick footedness because of this, for they have to hide and run fast even from the slightest sound to save themselves from the fur hunters.
Cautious cats
They are also shy in nature. Russian Blue cats may show nervousness around strangers or strange environment.
Common questions about Russian Blues
Do Russian Blue cats get along with other cats?
Russian Blue cats can get along well with their furry friends. But there might be some challenges at the beginning of the process. There could be a fight between the Russian blues and your other cats, but that’s normal for felines. Early introduction with each other is essential if you want to avoid these cat fights from happening.
Are Russian Blue cats high maintenance?
Unlike domestic long-haired cats, such as British Longhairs, Russian Blues are low maintenance. They aren’t susceptible to fur matting and don’t need a lot of brushing. These cats like to stay clean, and they can manage to clean themselves. Russian Blue cats are generally healthy and clean.
Are Russian blue cats rare?
With their elegant silvery-blue coat and striking green eyes, it’s surprising that the Russian Blue cats are not a rare cat breed worldwide. This is because of their growing and overwhelming popularity that almost all reputable breeders manage to breed these cats.
Lovely Russian Blues
The unique characteristic of this cat breed is what makes a cat a Russian Blue cat. They’re separated by their plush, silvery gray coat, wedge-shaped head, long and lean body, and bright green eyes from any other Blue cats. They have a conservative personality and sensitive soul. Russian Blues are affectionate and friendly, but cautious. Their intelligence is also a signature of Russian Blue cats.
