All About Russian Blue Cats
Russian Blue cats are known for their coloring. So chances are if you find a cat like this, you have a decent idea as to what cat breed it is.
If you are questioning in, look for a triangular-shaped head. They are a long and slender cat.
They are a very interesting looking cat. Fine boned, larger than average ears, and a straight nose are some of the common features that make Russian blues really stand out.
They just look like a regal animal!
Russian blues are known for a natural “smile.” In addition to their luxurious silvery coat, the most distinct features are her brilliant green eyes.
So silver to blue coating, green eyes and a slim build and chances are you have a Russian Blue.
They are also known for a having a dense double coat which helps keep them warm in cold temperatures.
Despite being slender, the Russian blue is very strong and muscular, although the thick fur can sometimes hide their muscular neck and shoulders.
This gives them the impression that their frame is more robust. Normally, they tend to have long legs that allow them to run at high speeds.
History Behind Russian Blue Cats
So let’s start with the not so fun stuff…the Russian Blue Cat’s history.
It still shocks me whenever I learn that there is not much known history to how a breed started. Although, I know it shouldn’t…maybe one day.
Russian Blue’s unfortunately fall into this category. There is a myth that the Russian Blue’s originated from Russia from the Cat Fancier Society.
Cat rumor has it that “the Russian blue breed descended from the cats kept by the Russian Czars.
The CFA explains their ‘rumors’ by also saying that the Russian blue cat made its first public appearance in 1875 as the “Archangel Cat” at London’s Crystal Palace.
And while this breed was extremely popular in norther Europe in the 1800s, they really grew in popularity in the United States after World War II, and it has been continuing to gain fame steadily since the 1960s.
They even began appearing in in cat shows shortly thereafter.
How Long Do Russian Blue Cats Live?
The average lifespan of Russian Blue Cats ranges from 15-20 years.
This is average for most cat breeds. One big factor that will keep your cats healthy and living a long and happy life is to keep them at a healthy weight and a good diet.
While none of us have any control over the underlying health conditions of our pets, we can keep them healthy for as long as possible.
Are Russian Blue Cats Cuddly?
The Russian blue is known for being a sweet-tempered, loyal cat who will follow their owner everywhere!
This cat breed is one that is often compared to dogs and some will even say their cat will greet them at the front door.
(Granted, mine sometimes do that, so that only partially has to do with breed).
This cuddly creature has a tendency to attach to one pet parent in particular. It’s said that Russian blues train their owners rather than the owners training them, a legend that’s been proven true time and again.
So if you are a family member who wants a cat to attach to them, Russian Blues are a great choice.
They are very social creatures but also enjoy alone time and will actively seek a quiet, private nook in which to sleep. This is a perfect breed for pet parents who have to go into the office during the day, but still want a companion in the evenings.
Just be prepared to give them plenty of playtime when you are home.
Are Russian Blue Cats Rare?
While finding a completely true cat breed is rare, this cat breed is still fairly rare in general.
This is because a lot of cats end up being mixed with other breeds, and their beautiful coat can get lost in the breeding.
So while this breed is considered rare, they are still able to adopted even at shelters.
Are Russian Blue Cats Hypoallergenic?
A fun fact that I want to mention about hypoallergenic cats before I answer this question.
No cats are actually considered completely hypoallergenic if they have hair. This is because they have cat dander which is what contains the cat allergen.
However, there are certain proteins that cats contain that are what humans have cat allergies with.
The Russian Blues actually contain less of that protein that most of the cat breeds. Which means some people will consider Russian Blue Cats hypoallergenic! Yay!
So if you have cat allergies, a Russian Blue cat should not affect your allergies as badly as most other breeds.
They also tend to shed less than others which helps with cat allergies as well!
Should I Get A Russian Blue Cat?
This cat breed is a great addition to any family! Especially those who have mild cat allergies!
The biggest thing to be aware of that they do tend to attach onto one person.
So if you are in a big family, there could be a member of the family that feels left out if the kitten does not “attach” to them right away.
This does not mean that this breed is by any way mean to the people it does not attach to. So it will still be an extremely sweet and cuddly pet no matter who it chooses.
Wow, I like this article, beautifully presented with a good flow of information.
I like this Russian blue cat and I have one.
Russian blue cat is a really cute and cool friend of mine.
But there is something you should know about Russian blue cats, so if you are planning to get a Russian blue home you should know about the Russian blue cat.
Know about Russian Blue Cat Before buying .
Thank You.
How can I get a rushin blue cat to take their d worning meds
After our American short hair, Pilgrim, passed, we waited four years to get another cat. Since my wife is a bit sensitive to dander, we decided on a Russian Blue.
I visited the HALO shelter in Sebastian, FL, and let them know what I was interested in. About a week later, I got a TM with a photo. I immediately drove to the shelter and just as immediately, decided this was my new boy. I paid the fee and let them know I would be back a short time later with a carrier. As my wife and I drove back to HALO, we started talking about a name. The shelter had named him Edgar Allen, as in Poe. We decided on Kushka, an appropriate Russian name since in means “cat”. He’s been with us for three years now and really was a wonderful housemate during the C-19 lockdown. Don’t know how we would have made it without him. He’s typical of the breed, talky, active, and social. He has, uncharacteristically, bonded to both of us. If we are in different rooms, he will find a place in between and park himself. Other than when he’s napping under a bed, he’s with us. Since we’re both retired, that means he’s with us a lot. Can’t say enough good things about the breed and would highly recommend it to the right environment.
Wow, that was a fantastic article; you make a lot of valid points and I’d love to read more by you.
I have a russian blue, and I love cats alot
We rescued our little Russian Blue “Lily” from a private rescue. She had bonded with a gorgeous boy “Joey- a Lynx point Siamese. We adopted both of them. Lily is a wonderful cat & helped us deal with the loss of of our 2, 16 yr old cats that passed. This article was very spot on!!! Lily is extremely affectionate. She follows us around the house and we affectionately call her a cat/dog. A few other characteristics of R. Blues that have been spot on is their love to ride on the shoulder of their owners & they enjoy a very high vantage point. Lily gently jumps up to my shoulder in a single bound. She is the most inquisitive cat we have ever had and I’ve owned cats for over 50 yrs since I was a toddler. She has beautiful mauve ” beans” her feet pads. We sometimes call her Lily Beans or just Beans. She loves to play and has several favorite games she loves to play. She loves playing behind the shower curtain and has you touch the curtain and she bops you fingers. She comes when she is called by name. They loved balled up paper as well. Read this in a diff article and she absolutely loves balls of paper and paper in general. She plays fetch with us every day and taught her bro Joey as well. She loves her Mylar crinkle balls. She was with older cats, kittens, and dogs at the rescue and was affectionately referred to as the “Social Director” of the house. She does run to the door when we come home. She does fine when we leave for hours at a time and usually greets us. She cuddles more with me and lays on my chest and marks me daily and makes her ownership of me quite well know. She nibbles my nose gently and the vet said it’s marking for ownership and affection. She is very playful but not needy & loves her toys and comes out to meet our daughters if they come over. She barely sheds. Best of all she gives hugs/ kisses when she greets me. She will lean up, put one arm on my shoulders and touch my face with hers. She has been a great sibling/ mama for Joey as he was lost after losing his mama at 2 weeks & needed company & socialization. I can’t say enough about Russian Blues & Highly recommend them.
I am fortunate in being owned by CoCo Chanel and Louis Armstrong. AKA as Princess and Moose. They are siblings, 5 years old and clowns. Pure love. All of the foregoing comments are accurate. If you wish to be loved almost unconditionally ( NB: they will be unhappy with you for a day or so if you go away overnight) the Russian Blue is for you. If you are really lucky, as I was, you may find siblings. J