A little history

 

As with most cat breeds, little is known about the origins of the Russian Blue. It probably comes from Russia: its thick coat is surely that of a cat from colder climates and it is considered to be a natural breed.

However, the development of the Russian Blue as a breed took place mainly in Great Britain and Scandinavia. During the end of the XIXth century, the breeding of cats became a popular activity.

 

Personality

 

The Russian Blue has the reputation of a gentle and silent cat, a little shy. This cat may have a reserved nature, but he likes to play, jump or climb to high places where he can observe certain people or situations before deciding whether or not he wants to get involved. Guests will not receive his immediate attention and may never see him unless he decides they are worthy of his attention. But to family members, especially his privileged person, he is always loyal and will follow them through the house. The Russian Blue is a sensitive cat that does not like to be ignored and hurt if it does not receive the same affection it gives. Lack of attention can cause them to become anxious or fearful.

He is able to entertain himself during the day while you work. Unlike some other active and intelligent races, the Russian Blue is not destructive but moves around the house with the grace of a russian ballerina. When you are at home, his subtle sense of humor and dexterity will never fail to entertain you. Make sure you have fun with him. It is a cat that appreciates being in a calm and stable environment. He does not like change, and it is especially important for him that meals arrive on time. If you take the time to develop a relationship with a Russian Blue, your reward will be a deep bond with this loving cat.

 

 

Characteristics

 

The elegant and muscular body of the Russian Blue led a judge to proclaim him the "Doberman Pinscher of cats". It has what is called a semi-foreign body type, which means that it is of moderate shape, falling somewhere between short and compact races such as the Persians and the smooth angles of oriental races such as the Siamese. The large ears are wide at the base with pointed tips and it has bright green eyes. A finely bony body that is firm and muscular, covered with a short, thick double coat with a plush texture. The body is supported by long, slender legs on a small, slightly rounded paw with lavender, pink or purple pads. The tail is long but proportional to its body. The Russian Blue is distinguished by the color of its coat. To the uninformed, it might look gray, but in cat terms, it is blue with silver-tipped hairs that make it appear to shine. Some Russian kittens are born with "ghost stripes", a reminder of the tabby gene that all cats wear, even if it is not expressed in their coat, but these marks generally fade very quickly, leaving the cat with the solid adult blue coat. You might think that a Russian Blue always stays blue, but other cat associations have more liberal breed standards. In Australia and New Zealand, cats are called "Russians" and are white or black. FIFe does not allow them.

 

Children and other pets

 

The Russian Blues have a tolerant nature towards children who treat them with kindness and respect. They will even support the awkward strokes offered by toddlers. That said, the patient and gentle Russian Blue should always be protected from brutal treatment, so always supervise very young children who could mistake the cat for a toy.

The Russian Blue also accepts other animals, including dogs, but only if it doesn't feel threatened by them. Introduce pets slowly and under controlled circumstances to ensure that they will get along well.