Compare
Oriental Shorthair vs Russian Blue
A slender, very talkative, clingy cat against a quiet, reserved, independent one; the pair differ most in voice and time alone.
Verdict
Both are intelligent, short-coated, easy-care cats, so the thing that decides it is voice and company. The Oriental Shorthair talks constantly, plays hard and scores 1 for independence, so it needs someone home. The Russian Blue is quiet, reserved with strangers and scores 4 for independence, so it copes with a workday alone and suits a calm, regular household. Choose the Oriental Shorthair for a chatty, athletic companion. Choose the Russian Blue for a gentle, loyal cat that keeps its own counsel.
Choose the Oriental Shorthair if
- You are home much of the day and want a cat that follows you.
- You want a playful, athletic cat, scoring 5 for playfulness and 4 for energy.
- You enjoy a very talkative cat, scoring 5 for voice.
- You want hundreds of colour and pattern combinations to choose from.
Choose the Russian Blue if
- You are out for a workday; it scores 4 for independence against 1.
- You want a quiet cat, scoring 1 for voice.
- You live in a small flat; it scores 5 for apartments against 3.
- You prefer a solid blue-grey plush coat with silver-tipped hairs.
Where they are alike
Both score 5 for intelligence and both keep grooming light, with scores of 1 and 2. Each is loyal to its own household and does well indoors.
Side by side
| Oriental Shorthair | Russian Blue | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | United States and Europe, from Siamese stock | Arkhangelsk region, Russia |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | Males about 8-12 lb (3.6-5.4 kg); females under about 8 lb (3.6 kg) | About 5-12 lb (2.3-5.4 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | Often reported as 12-15 years; few studies | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Short, fine, close-lying coat on a long, tubular body | Short, dense, plush double coat; the guard hairs have silver tips |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1977 | — |
| How common | Uncommon | Uncommon |
| Affection | 5 | 4 |
| Energy | 4 | 3 |
| Playfulness | 5 | 3 |
| Talkativeness | 5 | 1 |
| Grooming needed | 1 | 2 |
| Shedding | 2 | 3 |
| Good with children | 4 | 3 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 3 |
| Happy alone | 1 | 4 |
| Trainability | 5 | 5 |
| Suits a small home | 3 | 5 |
| Suits | A person who is home much of the day and wants a talkative, athletic, affectionate cat and will play with it daily. | A quiet household or a single person who wants a gentle, loyal, clever cat and keeps to a regular routine. |
| Less suited to | A quiet home, or anyone who is away for long hours, since this cat dislikes being alone. | A noisy house with many visitors, or anyone who wants a cat that greets every guest. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026