Russian Blue Traits
Russian Blue Height
Females: 20 to 25 cm
Males: 36 to 46 cm
Russian Blue Weight
On average between 3-6 Kg
Russian Blue Life Expectancy
15-20 years
Russian Blue Appearance
- Dark Gray - Blue Fur Color
- Shiny - Dense Short Fur
- Blue - Golden Eye Color
- Straight and Flat Nose
- Strong and Muscular Body Structure
Russian Blue General Character
Compassion towards the family
X
Communication with children
X
Communication with other cats
X
Russian Blues, with a mythical past and enchanting appearance, exhibit calm and gentle character traits. Alongside their calm nature, they have an affection for playing and an energetic side. As intelligent cats, Russian Blues form a deep bond with their owners. They are friendly and affectionate towards the people they love. They love games of catch, climbing, and exploring new areas. Due to their curious nature, it is recommended to take necessary precautions when they are left alone at home.
In general, this breed is an excellent companion for all types of pet parents, including first-time pet owners, working professionals, and families with older children. Their reproduction rates are generally lower compared to other cat breeds.
Russian Blue History
There are many theories about the origin of Russian Blue cats. The most widely accepted theory is that this breed originated in Northern Russia and was brought to Europe by sailors.
In any case, it is believed that Russian sailors befriended cats in the 1860s, and they brought these cats to ships as companions in the port city of Arkhangelsk. This provides a strong argument explaining how the breed made its way to Great Britain and Northern Europe.
Russian Blue cats quickly captured the interest of cat lovers when they arrived in Great Britain. Although they didn't win any awards at one of the first cat shows held at Crystal Palace in London in 1875, Russian Blue cats left a lasting impression on the audience. They were officially recognized as a cat breed when they arrived in America in 1912.
After the Second World War, the popularity of Russian Blue cats declined, but thanks to the fans of this breed, their lineage was preserved. In Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, crossbreeding with Siamese cats resulted in kittens with a longer and more angular structure, while in Great Britain, crossbreeding was made with Bluepoint Siamese and British Blue cats to achieve a fuller and more curved structure.
Russian Blue Personality and Character Traits
Russian Blue cats have a calm, affectionate, and loyal nature. They may be a bit reserved with strangers, but they are extremely devoted to their families. Thanks to their intelligence, they can be easily trained.
Russian Blue cats are curious but composed. Despite their affectionate nature, they don't bother people too much. They may be shy at first, but once they feel comfortable, they become playful and loving.
While they are happy to live with their families and even other pets, Russian Blue cats form a deep bond with only one person. Once they establish a connection with someone, they become very sensitive to that person and express their love in a tactile manner.
They have their own order and routine, and they do not like changes. They prefer to eat their meals at the same time and dislike it when the arrangement of things in the house is altered.
Russian Blue Appearance
When Russian Blues are kittens, their eyes have green edges and are yellow, but as they approach adulthood, their eyes take on a green color. They are long and slim with large ears, a broad forehead, and a straight nose, giving them a very noble appearance. In addition to this, Russian Blue cats are known for their natural "smile.”
Despite their slender build, Russian Blues are very strong and muscular. Their thick fur often gives them a more majestic appearance by concealing their necks and shoulders. They are small to medium-sized cats, and when fully grown, they typically reach an average weight of 3.6 to 6.8 kg. Males are generally larger than females. The gestation period is approximately 64 days.
Russian Blue Appearance
When Russian Blues are kittens, their eyes have green edges and are yellow, but as they approach adulthood, their eyes take on a green color. They are long and slim with large ears, a broad forehead, and a straight nose, giving them a very noble appearance. In addition to this, Russian Blue cats are known for their natural "smile.”
Despite their slender build, Russian Blues are very strong and muscular. Their thick fur often gives them a more majestic appearance by concealing their necks and shoulders. They are small to medium-sized cats, and when fully grown, they typically reach an average weight of 3.6 to 6.8 kg. Males are generally larger than females. The gestation period is approximately 64 days.
Russian Blue General Care
Russian Blue Feather Care
Due to the dense and short fur of Russian Blue cats, brushing them a few times a week is sufficient. This helps keep their fur healthy and maintain its shine. Despite having a dense fur structure, this breed sheds very little. Therefore, weekly brushing helps remove excess fur and distribute natural skin oils. The shedding period is most prominent in spring.
Russian Blue Exercise
The Russian Blue cat is an energetic and playful cat. Daily play sessions and opportunities to play with toys are important to maintain the physical and mental health of this cat. Russian Blue cats are highly intelligent animals, so they need both physical and mental stimulation.
They enjoy showcasing their skills with the toys they use. Due to their strong hunting ability, toys with fishing rods or fetch games will delight them.
Russian Blue Health
Generally a healthy cat breed, Russian Blue cats may be prone to some genetic diseases. Continuous monitoring is necessary for Russian Blue cats, who have a high risk of developing bladder stones and urinary tract problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and vaccination programs can help these cats lead a healthy life.
Russian Blue Nutrition
The Russian Blue cat should be fed with a balanced and high-quality diet. The breed's love for food can lead to overeating, naturally resulting in obesity. Therefore, it is important to stick to a nutrition plan that includes high-quality, minimally processed cat food, appropriately portioned. A diet with a high protein content and quality is suitable for meeting the needs of Russian Blue cats. Like many cats, it is advisable to choose cat food containing Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for the coat health of Russian Blue cats.
Did you know?
- The fur of Russian Blue cats contains fewer allergens compared to other cat furs. Therefore, they are more suitable for allergic individuals.
- The lineage of Russian Blues faced the risk of extinction during World War I and II.
- Russian Blue cats have blue skin underneath their fur.
- These cats have mouths that gently curve sideways, giving them a slight smile reminiscent of the famous Mona Lisa smile.
- According to folklore, Russian Blue cats were believed to ward off evil spirits.
- In the hit Warner Bros film "Cats & Dogs," a Russian Blue cat portrayed a trained assassin.
- The cats of this breed are blue due to a reduced gene. The gene responsible for the blue-gray colors is actually a form of the black hair gene.
- Fans of the famous "Tom and Jerry" cartoon believe that Tom's Russian Blue cat with bright green eyes and a blue-gray color tone is of this breed.
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