Cat Breeds: Russian Blue

The Russian Blue is a natural breed and not the result of selective matings with other breeds as are many other newer breeds of cat. Originally known as the Archangel Cat because it arrived in Europe aboard ships from the Russian port of Archangel. However, there is some confusion regarding the origins of the Russian Blue. Large numbers of cats with similar coat colours are found in Scandinavia and their dense coat is indicative of living in a northern climate. During World War II the breed declined and breeders tried to boost the numbers by crossing it with the British Blue and the Blue Point Siamese which resulted in a Siamese pattern subsequently found in litters of Russian Blues.

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The Russian Blue is a medium-sized cat and combines sturdiness with grace. The head between the ears is flat. They have a vivid green eye colour. Although named the Russian Blue, black and white Russians do appear but these are rare and have not attracted a great following. In the most popular blue variety the coat colour is a clear even blue with a silver sheen. They have a double coat with a very dense undercoat and feels fine, short and soft. In texture the coat of the Russian Blue is very different from any other breed and is the truest measure of the breed.

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They may be cautious of strangers and take time to develop a friendship with humans but it is often worthwhile as Russian Blues can become devoted pets. However there are those Russians which will take to most people straight away. Once settled in a loving environment they love to play with toys and enjoy jumping, climbing and racing around and are extremely agile and light footed. They love human attention and can appear to be quite hurt when rejected. Russian Blues are quite content to be house cats as long as they have the company of their human friends.

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The facts presented in this Blog Post were retrieved from ‘The Ultimate encyclopedia of cat breeds and cat care‘ by Alan Edwards, and also from the Purina website.