Russian Blue cat breed: facts, temperament and care

About the Russian Blue

The Russian Blue is a natural breed that is believed to come from the port of Arkhangelsk in northern Russia, which is why it was once called the Archangel Blue. Sailors are thought to have brought the cats to Britain and Northern Europe in the 1860s. They were shown in England in 1872 and given their own class in 1912. After the Second World War, breeders crossed them with Siamese cats, and later American breeders combined Scandinavian and British lines. The CFA began registering the breed in 1949.

The Russian Blue is a medium-sized, fine-boned cat with a long body and a wedge head. The coat is the signature: short, dense and plush, in an even blue-grey, with silver-tipped guard hairs that give a shimmer. The eyes are a vivid green and the paw pads are a mauve-pink. Most registries accept blue only, though some in Britain and Australia also allow white and black.

Temperament and living with one

Russian Blues are quiet, gentle and observant. They are often shy with strangers and visitors, then affectionate once they know a person, and they are sensitive to their owner's moods. They tend to choose a few favourite people. They do not like upsets in their routine, and a calm home suits them well.

They are intelligent, with good memories, and they can entertain themselves with toys. They are athletic and enjoy a game of chase and a high perch. Many are good with older children and get on with other pets, or are content alone. Kittens can be mischievous and the breed matures slowly, often keeping adolescent habits until three or four years of age.

Care: coat, food and play

The plush coat is simple to keep. Combing once or twice a week is enough, with a little more help during shedding. Check the ears, trim the nails and brush the teeth if your vet advises.

Russian Blues have good appetites and can become overweight if fed without limits. Feed measured meals of a complete adult diet and use puzzle feeders and daily play to keep the cat active. Provide a tall tree, a window perch and a quiet place to retreat when visitors come.

Health

The Russian Blue is generally healthy and no breed-specific disease is well established. The gene pool is fairly small, which may make some diseases more likely. Weight is the main concern, so keep the cat lean. Ask the breeder about the parents' health, and ask your vet about routine care, dental checks and a feeding plan that suits your cat.

Is it right for you?

Choose a Russian Blue if you want a quiet, devoted and clever cat and can keep to a steady routine. It suits a calm household or a single owner. It is less suited to a noisy home with frequent guests. For the same colour with a longer coat, look at the Nebelung; for a rounder blue shorthair, the British Shorthair or the Chartreux.