The Russian Blue cat is undoubtedly one of the most popular and beautiful cats. If you are considering adopting a cat of this breed, it will be useful for you to inform yourself beforehand about its character or the characteristics it has. We at PlanèteAnimal will explain everything you need to know about the Russian Blue cat, including its photos and interesting information about its care. Keep reading and find out more about this amazing cat breed!
Origin
- Asia
- Russia
FIFe Rating
- Category IV
Physical Characteristics
- Thin tail
- Big ears
- Strong
- End
Size
- Average
Average Weight
- 3-5
Character
- Affectionate
- Smart
- Curious
- Calm
Climate
- Cold
Hair type
- Short
Origin of the Russian Blue Cat
There are various theories about the origin of the Russian Blue cat, but perhaps the most popular is that of the Archangel cat.The first mentions of this Russian Blue breed were found in the port cities of northern Russia, in the Archangel Islands, hence its nickname. Another story suggests that the breed was kept secret for generations as it was considered unique, which was only to accompany the tsars.
" As soon as they appeared, Russian Blue cats became popular and the British decided to export them to the United Kingdom. To avoid excessive inbreeding which involved breeding cats with a high degree of relatedness, it was decided to cross the Russian Blue cat with the British Shorthair and the Siamese. The fruit of this union gave a spectacular Russian Blue cat with striking green eyes. Later the interbreeding stopped because it gave rise to improper forms in the Russian Blue."
In the United States, some breeders have imported Russian Blue and have dedicated themselves to obtaining more stylish cats. Due to the different crosses that have been made today, we have several types by which to distinguish Russian Blue cats.
Physical characteristics of the Russian Blue cat
The main feature that makes the Russian Blue cat unmistakable is its short, silky, dense, plush-like coat. It is a uniform, bright blue color. He has large rounded eyes of an intense green color which contrasts with his impeccable coat. The head shape is broad and medium, with a flat top and a straight nose. The ears are wide at the base and slightly turned outwards. He is of medium height, has thin bones and is muscular.
Types of Russian Blue Cat:
- English: the English type is more corpulent and the head seems more rounded. The base of the ears is wider and the eyes are slightly smaller.
- Continental: it is finer and more stylized than English. The ends stick out, long and thin, and the eye size is slightly larger.
- Scandinavian: the Scandinavian type is muscular, like the English, but more stylized.
- American: The American is undoubtedly the longest, thinnest and most stylish type of Russian Blue cat.
Russian Blue Cat Character
Russian Blue cats often have very close ties with their family and especially with one of the members. They are calm and affectionate, however, they are usually reserved with strangers, as happens with virtually all cats. You must be aware that this is a very tolerant cat with children, but you must be firm in explaining to your children that they should not pull its tail or hair.
He adapts perfectly to life in an apartment, provided he receives constant affection and hours of exclusive play. Loneliness is not a good ally for this breed, which will undoubtedly need a loving and caring family.
They stand out for their intelligence. They will learn very quickly to identify their name and to use the different elements, such as the scraper or the litter box, but they can go further, learn to sit, pick up toys, etc. For this, you need to start their education from an early age.
Russian Blue cat care
To ensure that your Russian Blue cat is well cared for, you won't need a lot: regular brushing of the coat will be enough to keep it clean and you won't need to wash it, at unless it's really dirty. Remember that cats clean themselves and don't need regular bathing like we do with dogs.
If you taught him how to use the scraper correctly, you won't need to cut his nails. You'll only need to check his ears once in a while to make sure he's not suffering from mite infestation, as well as his mouth and body in general.
Choose quality food and the corresponding range (junior, adult or senior) or also choose to prepare homemade recipes. Remember that the food provided to your cat will directly reflect on its coat, which will look much brighter and more beautiful, and will directly affect its he alth.
Remember to place the litter box, the food and its bed in well separated places, because cats generally do not accept that these elements are too close.
Russian Blue Cat Diseases
In general, the breed is often said to have a high he alth status. However, purebred Russian Blue cats can suffer from many congenital diseases, especially if inbreeding has been practiced. The diseases that most affect this breed are:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Polydactyly
- Genetic mutations
It should also be noted that the Russian Blue cat is more easily exposed to infectious or parasitic diseases, such as:
- AIDS
- Giardiasis
- Chlamydia
- Bordetella
- Ringworm
To maintain an optimal state of he alth in your feline, it is always advisable to scrupulously follow the cat's vaccination schedule, as well as internal and external deworming, especially if your cat has access to the outside. By following these tips, the Russian Blue can live between 10 and 15 years, although the record for this breed stands at 21.