Russian Blue: Cat Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care

The Russian blue cat is a loyal and intelligent breed with a striking coat that inspired the name. Its short, dense hair is uniformly steel blue with a silvery sheen, making it one of the most distinctive and beautiful cat breeds.

While Russian blues enjoy interacting and playing with their owners, they can appear aloof, making them less suited for homes with energetic children or pets. They prefer calm dogs and gentle children due to their independent nature.

Read on to discover more about the captivating Russian blue cat breed.

Russian Blue Cat Characteristics

The Russian blue is a medium-sized cat breed that matures around one year of age. They are usually friendly and enjoy being near familiar people in calm environments. However, if strangers, noisy dogs, or overly affectionate children come near, the Russian blue is likely to retreat to a hiding spot until the surroundings become calm again.

Though not particularly vocal, they usually respond when spoken to and will "talk" back if encouraged.

Affection Level	High
Friendliness	Medium
Kid-Friendly	Medium
Pet-Friendly	Medium
Exercise Needs	Medium
Playfulness	Medium
Energy Level	Medium
Intelligence	High
Tendency to Vocalize	Low
Amount of Shedding	Low

History of the Russian Blue Cat

Although the complete history of the Russian blue breed is unknown, these cats are believed to have originated on Archangel Island (Arkhangelsk) in northern Russia where they were known as Archangel cats. They were favored by Russian czars and gained popularity among royalty, leading to their export to various parts of Europe.

Russian blues participated in some of the first cat shows in England during the 1880s.

In the United States, the Russian blue is recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association and The International Cat Association.

Russian Blue Cat Care

The Russian blue cat is relatively easy to care for. These cats don’t have complicated grooming requirements, and can keep themselves occupied when their family isn’t free to play with them. Like all cats, though, they thrive when given a lot of love, attention, and interaction.

Exercise

Russian blues are intelligent cats. They are entertaining, playful, and can be trained to play fetch.

Ensure your cat has access to a few scratching posts for some necessary stretching and claw maintenance, along with a variety of toys. This cat enjoys playing with family, but can keep busy and exercise on their own, which is great for families who maintain a busy lifestyle.

Shedding

Because Russian blue cats shed less than other cats, occasional brushing is optional.

As they shed less than other cats, brushing occasionally suffices. The Russian blue often features on lists of hypoallergenic cat breeds. While no cat breed is completely non-allergenic, some allergy sufferers find they can live comfortably with breeds like the Russian blue.

Grooming

The Russian blue's distinct coat is easy to maintain and requires minimal grooming.

Trim your Russian blue’s nails regularly and check inside the ears weekly for dirt and debris. If you find debris, gently clean the ears with a pet ear cleaner and a cotton ball or soft gauze (avoid using a cotton swab). Brushing their teeth regularly is also a good way to help prevent dental and gum issues.

Common Health Problems

While some purebred cats are susceptible to specific genetic diseases, the Russian blue is generally healthy with no known hereditary disorders. This breed typically enjoys a long lifespan, often reaching the upper teens or older. Collaborate with your veterinarian to ensure your Russian blue is current on vaccinations, annual exams, routine testing, and dental care.

Like all cats, Russian blues can develop health issues that are common to all cats or related to age, such as:

• Diabetes: This occurs when the body can’t regulate blood sugar properly. Insulin injections and dietary changes may be necessary.
• Kidney disease: This general term refers to conditions that adversely affect kidney function. Symptoms include frequent urination, increased thirst, bad breath, weight loss, and more.
• Hyperthyroidism: This occurs when the thyroid produces excessive hormones. Increased thirst, urination, and hunger are common signs, along with weight loss.
• Periodontal disease: Cats can develop gum problems and dental issues like tooth resorption. In addition to brushing their teeth at home, your vet can examine their mouth to let you know if any issues are present.
  

Appearance

The Russian blue's distinctive coat is a shimmering blue with a silvery sheen. This short, dense, and plush coat is easy to maintain and requires minimal grooming. It sheds very little naturally, and occasional brushing will keep it soft and silky.

Even more striking perhaps than the Russian blue’s coat are their large, wide-set, emerald-green eyes. The wedged shape of the head and face gives the Russian blue a charming expression that makes them look like they're perpetually smiling.

The medium-sized Russian blue cat is fine-boned and elegant, but ideally lean and muscular as well.

Diet and Nutrition

Consult your veterinarian about the best food options for your Russian blue.

Feed your Russian blue measured food portions at regular mealtimes, two to three times daily. Although leaving food out all day might be convenient, it could lead to excessive snacking and weight gain. Ensure fresh water is always available.

The Russian blue is known to love eating, so one thing to watch out for is overfeeding. Keeping your cat lean is the best way to avoid weight-related health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. Regulate weight by controlling the portions of cat food. If your cat starts to get pudgy, reduce the food given and talk to your veterinarian about their diet.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Russian Blue Cat

Russian blue cats can be found in shelters and rescues, and they are available from breeders. Be sure to carefully research breeders to find one that’s reputable and treats their cats well.

If you're interested in the Russian blue cat and want more information, check the International Cat Association's list of Russian blue breeders near you to ask questions and meet the cats in person. You can also try to find a cat show in your area. Cat shows are great fun and a wonderful way to learn about many different cat breeds from breeders and owners.

You may be able to find a purebred Russian blue cat through a breeder in your area, but if you'd rather adopt from a rescue facility, there are many resources worth looking into. Whether you want to buy or adopt, check out these organizations:

• The International Cat Association Breeder Listing
• The Cat Fanciers’ Association Breeder Listing
• Rescue Me
• Petfinder
• Adopt a Pet

Russian Blue Cat Overview

These graceful cats are gentle and sweet. Although Russian blues may be shy around strangers, they adore their owners. If you're looking for a cat that will greet you at the door, follow you around the house, and sit by you on the couch, the Russian blue fits the bill. Moreover, they are among the most beautiful purebred cats, with their shimmering blue-gray coats and emerald eyes.

Pros of Russian Blue Cats

• Tolerated by some people with cat allergies
• Gentle and kind
• Typically healthy and long-lived
  

Cons of Russian Blue Cats

• Shy around strangers or in noisy environments
• Less cuddly than some other cats
• Can become overweight if overfed
  

More Cat Breeds and Further Research

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Egyptian Mau
• Siberian
• Sphynx
• Nebelung

Otherwise, check out all of our other cat breed profiles.