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The Russian blue is one of the oldest cat breeds in the world. A naturally occurring breed, it originated on Russia's Archangel Island near the Arctic Circle. For this reason, they are sometimes called Archangel cats. Reputed to be a favorite of the czars, Russian blues only became popular in the United States around the 1960s. Because they are fairly rare, Russian blue kittens can be very expensive and hard to locate.
Appearance
The Russian blue gets its name from the color of its coat. Among animal experts, the word "blue" is used to describe a color that most laypeople would identify as gray. Russian blues have steely gray fur with silvery tips. According to the breed standard, Russian blues aren't supposed to have any other colors or coat patterns, though kittens may have tabby stripes that disappear as they age.
Russian blues have been progenitors of many other cat breeds, so while gray cats are fairly common, they are not all Russian blues. You can tell a Russian blue by the following traits:
• Short, thick coat of solid gray
• Wedge-shaped head
• Mouth corners that turn up in a pseudo-smiling expression
• Large, flared ears
Another distinctive characteristic of Russian blues is their eyes. As the cats mature, their eyes turn from blue as kittens to yellow to a vivid green as adults. Ranging in size from medium to large, Russian blues have lean, muscular bodies and move with sinuous grace.
Personality
Russian blues are loving cats but not particularly outgoing. Upon first meeting strangers, they can be aloof. They wait to bestow their affections on those they deem worthy. Once he feels comfortable in a home, a Russian blue may choose one member of the family as his particular favorite. Upon choosing a favorite, a Russian blue becomes a Velcro cat, following that person around the house and seeking him or her out especially for pets and cuddles.
Nevertheless, while Russian blues seek lots of affection, they also have an independent streak. They don't mind being left alone for a long time, but you can expect a Russian blue to be waiting by the door for you when you get home, ready to cuddle or play, especially if you're her favorite.
Russian blues may not be particularly vocal at baseline, but if encouraged to speak, they'll happily comply. When they do meow, they tend to have soft, quiet voices that shouldn't be too disruptive. Russian blues tend to get along well with other animals in the house although, as with human family members, they may choose favorites.
Intelligence
Russian blues are highly intelligent cats. They have been known to play fetch like a dog. Because they are so intelligent, they need mental stimulation to keep from channeling their boredom into destructive outlets. Russian blues may enjoy interactive toys such as food puzzles that challenge their problem-solving skills. They also tend to enjoy cat wands with feathers on a string that look like a bird in flight.
If you want to try to teach your Russian blue cat to fetch, small balls that he can carry easily in his mouth may be a good idea.
Home Life
Russian blues are calm, quiet cats, and they like a home environment that reflects these traits. They also value consistency, so if you move often or your home tends to be noisy and chaotic, a Russian blue probably won't be happy. By the same token, Russian blues are usually recommended for homes with older children who know how to respect a cat's boundaries and are less rambunctious.
Russian blues are comfortable spending some of their time outdoors. However, some people are not comfortable letting them go outside for fear that they could get lost or stolen. A Russian blue might appreciate looking out the window at what is going on outside. A cat tree with multiple perches and hidey-holes may satisfy her desire for outdoor adventures and, of course, her need to scratch.
Grooming
Russian blues have a thick coat to keep them warm during Arctic winters. However, their coat is not very long, and they don't shed much. They also do not secrete as much of the protein that can trigger allergies in certain people. Therefore, a Russian blue may be a good pet for a home in which one or more members have allergies. Nevertheless, there is no such thing as a non-allergenic cat, so if you or a family member has allergies, you should spend some time with a Russian blue first to see if it triggers symptoms before adding one to your household. Brushing a Russian blue once a week helps get rid of loose hairs but is optional.
Russian blue coats are low maintenance, but the cats still need to have their teeth brushed and their nails trimmed regularly. Their big ears can also collect dirt and debris and need to be inspected and cleaned from time to time.
Health
Because Russian blues are a naturally occurring breed, they have few hereditary health problems. Perhaps the biggest concern is a tendency to put on excess weight, which can put them at risk for medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. In addition to regular exercise, you can prevent your Russian blue from putting on weight by feeding him a cat food appropriate to his age and habits. Establish regular mealtimes and serve measured quantities per instructions on the package. This can help prevent weight gain, and your Russian blue will probably appreciate the predictable routine.
If you are ready to make a lifelong commitment to a cat, a Russian blue makes a devoted feline companion.
