Russian Blue Cat Breed Information

Group

Short Haired

Weight

3.6-6 kg

Length

20-25 cm

Lifespan

15-20 years

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About the Russian Blue Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

If you are looking for a new addition to the family that is sweet, friendly and oh-so-loving, a Russian Blue may be the very feline you’ve been waiting for!

What Is the History & Origin of the Russian Blue Cat?

The Russian Blue cat is a naturally occurring breed from the Archangel Isles in northern Russia. For this reason, they are often called “Archangel Blues”. Some even believe that the Russian Blue breed descended from cats kept by Russian Czars.

Whichever version is true, they first began to be imported to Britain in the 1800s and arrived in the United States during World War II. They quickly gained popularity and eventually began to be introduced throughout other countries worldwide.

What Is a Russian Blue Cat Breed?

Russian Blues are purebred cats, as opposed to being domestic or mixed breed cats. They have a pedigree history of their lineage and are categorised by the US-based Cat Fanciers’ Association, which recognise them as one of 45 distinct cat breeds.

Who Is a Russian Blue Cat Best For?

Russian blues are suited to just about anyone wishing to give a cat a loving home. Not only are they easy to please (provided you have the time to do so), they also give a lot of affection back to their owner.

Many different types of people successfully and happily own this type of cat, from single working-age people to couples, the elderly and those with large families. They are also suitable for first-time cat owners.

What Does a Russian Blue Cat Look Like?

It’s difficult to deny that the Russian Blue is a truly stunning and unique-looking cat, both graceful and athletic at the same time. They have a short double coat, and the fur is silver-blue in colour and has a wonderfully silky texture that lays flat against the body.

Russian Blue kittens are born with this silver-blue fur, which eventually turns into the darker silvery-grey coat before they are six months old.

Russian Blues are lean, fine-boned and also very muscular. They have a head that is triangular in shape with pointed ears. Their large set-apart bright green eyes give them a curious, warm expression that pet parents find irresistible!

Russian Blue Cat Grooming & Shedding

Russian Blue cats require very little maintenance on their short, dense coat. But, like any cat, they will be prone to shedding – this is an inevitable downside of owning any cat, particularly in the spring and fall. Although thankfully, provided that a Russian Blue is fed a nutritious and well-balanced diet, they should not shed heavily.

How Do Russian Blue Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

A Russian Blue is a loyal, even-tempered cat with a lot of a dog’s characteristics! For example, a Russian Blue will follow their owner about and greet them warmly and vocally when they arrive home. They tend to stick to one member of the family, although they are very affectionate to everyone in the household.

They are so affectionate, in fact, people often tell of their Russian Blues insisting on following them to the shower and toilet! Think of them as a little hairy bodyguard, always keen to know where you are and what you are up to. Privacy is usually not an option!

While the breed famously demands attention from loved ones, they aren’t overly keen on strangers and will slink away when you have a party or function at home.

Living Needs

With being such intelligent creatures, Russian Blues will need a lot of toys to feed their strong hunting instinct – and prepare to be constantly replacing these as these cats don’t shy away from exhibiting their finely-tuned hunting skills!

But, after a long, hard day of dispatching helpless toys, the Archangel cat loves something more than a long nap. While it’s recommended you provide them with ample cosy beds and soft throws to languish in, your bed will likely be the very place your Russian Blue wishes to chill out!

While they won’t be too upset when you are at work all day, they will insist on a lot of affection, as well as physical and mental stimulation when you are home.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of Russian Blue Cats?

For this cat breed to be in peak condition with a happy temperament, you must allow your feline’s primal instincts to unleash by giving them plenty to do. They need a lot of mental and physical stimulation, so it’s imperative to keep this in mind if you consider adopting this type of breed.

If it’s a lap cat you want, you might wish to consider other Blue cats or a different breed altogether.

As kittens, the breed is wonderfully boisterous, yet as they age, their activity levels begin to slow slightly, but they’ll never be known for being a lazy breed of cat at any age!

Vocalness

Russian Blues are similar to their Siamese cousins in that they do like to sound off vocally when they want something! A Russian Blue kitten will communicate vocally to its mum to feed or cuddle.

And, as they get older, nothing much changes! They will happily chirp when you come home to greet you, let you know in no uncertain terms when they want food, and some owners have even noted how their Blue will admonish strangers vocally who they are unsure of!

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of a Russian Blue Cat?

The Russian Blue is a medium-sized cat, with the males growing to more considerable heights and weights than females.

Height

The average height of this distinct breed is roughly 20-25 cm, although their large ears can make them look taller.

Weight

A fully-grown, healthy Blue will end up in the region of around 6kgs, considering their diet is carefully maintained.

Are Russian Blue Cats Easy to Train?

Speak to any Russian Blue owner, and they will tell you that they do not train their cat, instead their cat trains them, and it’s true! However, if you do want to give training a go, you’ll be happy to learn that the breed is one of the few breeds of cats that take relatively easy to train, with them responding well to simple commands such as fetch and sit.

Does the Russian Blue Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

In terms of health, Russian Blues are a hardy natural breed that is not prone to many major genetic illnesses. However, it’s always crucial that any cat you own is registered with a vet and has regular check-ups to ensure its health is in tip-top condition.

Some common health issues in this breed are:

Obesity: Russian Blues can be prone to obesity, which can lead to various health complications.
Urinary Tract Infections: This breed may experience urinary tract infections, necessitating prompt veterinary attention.
Bladder Stones: Russian Blues can develop bladder stones, which can cause pain and urinary issues.
Asthma: They are susceptible to asthma, which can affect their breathing and overall health.
Respiratory Infections: Russian Blues may experience respiratory infections, particularly in stressful or crowded environments.
Vision Problems: They can suffer from vision problems like conjunctivitis or cataracts, impacting their eyesight.

What Is the Lifespan of a Russian Blue Cat?

A well-cared-for Archangel cat can live for anywhere between 15-20 years, but the oldest lived to an impressive 24 years! Those kept indoors generally live longer than their outdoor counterparts because they are less likely to fall victim to other animals, viruses such as FIV and traffic.

How Much Does a Russian Blue Cat Need to Be Fed?

A Russian Blue’s diet should always be of the foremost importance for pet parents, given that they need a lot of nutrition. This breed is notorious for having a big appetite which can quickly lead to obesity if portion sizes are not carefully managed. It’s recommended that a mixture of high-quality wet and dry food should be given twice a day.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a Russian Blue Cat in Australia?

Russian Blue kittens do not come cheap. Expect to pay at least $1500 for one and always ensure you seek a reputable breeder.

Russian Blue Cat FAQs

Do Russian Blues get along well with kids and other household animals?

As with any breed of cat, it is imperative that any children around it are taught to behave in a thoughtful and respectful manner. Russian Blues, in general, seem to tolerate children well, provided they aren’t rough or overly boisterous.

Not a breed that is prone to lashing out, a Russian Blues will tend to walk away or hide when the atmosphere gets a bit too much for them.

Similarly, the breed is known to get along with other pets, as well as dogs and other cat breeds. However, this is highly dependent on the introduction process, which often can take time and should always be supervised by human adult supervision.

Are Russian Blues hypoallergenic?

No, while there is a widespread misconception that Russian Blues are hypoallergenic, they are not.

How often should you bathe a Russian Blue?

Many Russian Blues don’t mind having the odd bath, but the frequency in which you will need to give them one will probably depend on how dirty your cat gets. Most Russian Blue owners bathe their cats once a week.

Are Russian Blues prone to anxiety?

They are no more prone to anxiety than any other cat. With the correct care, lots of stimulation and a happy, there’s little reason why a Russian Blue would develop anxiety. If your cat does begin to display symptoms of being depressed, anxious or generally unwell, seek medical advice.