Russian Blue cats are typically lean and muscular, with vibrant emerald green eyes and a shimmering, silky silver-blue coat. Originally from the Archangel Isles (Arkhangelsk) in Russia, they are rumoured to have been the favoured cat of the Russian Czars.
Russian Blue Cat Personality
The Russian Blue is a gentle cat who is often shy around strangers but exceptionally affectionate and devoted to their family. They are dignified cats and often sensitive to the moods of their owner.
They are intelligent with a playful disposition – in fact, they love to ‘play fetch’ with their owners. Russian Blues aren’t the sort of cat who you’ll be able to pick up and cuddle constantly, or who will follow you from room to room but they will be happy sitting alongside you and relaxing each night.
They do best with older children or in adult households, rather than households with young children who may make lots of noise and scare them. They are likely to slip out of the room and seek quiet solitude if there is excessive noise in the household.
Did You Know?
Russian Blues are also known as the Archangel Cat due to their origins around the Russian Port of Archangel (Arkhangelsk). It is believed they were taken to Northern Europe and England by Russian sailors in the 1860s.
After World War Two, there were very few Russian Blue cats in existence and the breed almost died out. Scandinavian and British breeders revived the breed by cross-breeding them with British Blues and the Blue Point Siamese to develop the contemporary Russian Blue breed we know today.
They are considered a lucky cat in Russia, and pictures or symbols of Russian Blue cats are traditionally given to brides on their wedding day to encourage a happy union and the blessing of children.
Caring for Your Russian Blue Cat
Looking after this breed is relatively straight-forward and simple. Grooming requirements are minimal as their short hair requires very little brushing. A good diet, weekly brush and regular petting are all it takes to keep a Russian Blue in top shape.
Russian Blues love attention and as long as you shower them with regular love and affection you will have a loyal friend for life. Whilst they are better suited to grown-up households, if they are raised in a house with young children or cat-friendly dogs, the Russian Blue will get along just fine with them.
