Russian Blue Cats: Breed Profile

History: The history of the Russian Blue breed of cats is clouded by time. It is believed that this is a natural breed that was native to the forests of Northern Russia. Some say that they were once trapped for their coats which are silky and dense reminiscent of seal fur.

It is known that this breed was brought to Europe in the nineteenth century where breeders in England and Scandinavia worked with it perfecting its type. A Russian Blue was shown in the Crystal Palace in England in the late 1800's as part of a class of generic blues. In the early 1900's, it was given its own class.

Russian Blue cats did not make their way to North American until the 1940's. Although this breed is still a minority breed, those who fell in love with it embraced it wholeheartedly. It achieved grand championship in the Cat Fanciers' Association in 1964, and many of this breed have gone on to achieve championship status since then.

Appearance: Russian Blue cats are truly unique. At first glance, they might just appear to be your typical gray cat but looking once again one notices how special they are. The first thing to catch your eye is the beautiful bright blue coat. It is composed of two short layers making it very dense so that it stands out from the cat's body. Each of the guard hairs is tipped with silver causing the coat to shimmer in natural light. The next thing to grab your attention is likely to be the Russian Blue's beautiful bright green eyes. These eyes are large, round, and wide set and provide a striking contrast to the cat's blue coat.

Russian Blue cats have long sleek bodies with long tails and legs. They are thin, well muscled, and graceful. Their wedge shaped heads have low set, pointed ears that are only sparsely covered with fur leaving some of the leather showing through.

Personality: Russian Blue cats are shy and slow to warm up in new situations. They dislike loud noises and do best when they are the only cat in the household. Once you take the time to bond with this breed, they will enjoy your company and make affectionate companions. They enjoy playing with toys throughout their lives and are excellent at entertaining themselves. This breed is a good pet for busy people because it does not need as much attention as many other breeds. They are intelligent and can learn to open doors. It is said that they often teach their owners tricks.

Care: Like all cats, Russian Blue cats need a continual supply of fresh water, high quality cat food, and a clean litter box. Adequate veterinary care, safe places to scratch, interesting toys, and quiet, cozy sleeping spots are also necessary to their health and well-being. Their short smooth coats do not usually need any grooming, but they enjoy being brushed anyways so use regular brushing to bond with your pet. The Russian Blue breed thrives on order and schedule so it is important to keep meal times regular and to disturb their things as little as possible. Be sure to give them plenty of time to adjust to any change.