The Russian Blue is one of the oldest breeds in the world. These cats are extremely popular as a result of their affectionate, playful and smart personalities; which has made them become a part of thousands of households worldwide. If you are looking for a loyal and caring partner, this cat will not let you down. Keep on reading and get to know the most important characteristics of the Russian Blue.
Weight and size
The Russian Blue is a medium sized cat. On average he is 10 inches tall, and his weight varies between 7 to 15 pounds.
Looks
This cat has a very elegant look, with narrow bones and elongated limbs. Its sticking green eyes are the true stars, being its most characteristic feature.
Its name comes from its impressive fur, given that in some cats it can be shimmery blue. Its double-layered coat makes them seem much larger than they actually are.
Origin and history
As stated by its name, this cat comes all the way from Russia and is one of the oldest registered breeds. This is why there is no exact record of its history, but it is believed that these cats sailed to England in merchant ships from the city of Arkhangelsk.
In 1865 this breed was officially presented in the Crystal Palace with the name Archangel Cat. They became one of the most popular cats in England and Russia during the XIX century. Since 1937 they have been recognized as an individual breed with the name Russian Blue.
Temperament
This cat is really sweet and overall has a good temper. It’s very sociable and loves to hang out with the family, constantly looking for attention. In spite of having an extroverted personality, it appreciates alone time, therefore it will look for a private space to sleep.
These cats are really smart, which makes them very sneaky. They can easily open doors and drawers, so they need to be stimulated and motivated with constant physical activity.
Care
Having a short coat means you do not have to worry too much with brushing, but being sociable cats they will definitely enjoy it. Russian Blue cats are very active, so they will need an environment that is entertaining; with a lot of space to climb, play, hide and rest.
As any other breed, it is very important to visit the veterinarian at least once a year for a general revision.
Health and eating habits
The Russian Blue is a cat with a big appetite, which makes them prone to obesity. It is really important that you keep an eye on its diet, which needs to include high quality animal protein. Canned food with high meat and low vegetable content is ideal.
Diabetes mellitus is more common in Russian Blues because of their genetics, this is why you need to monitor if your cat suddenly gains weight it starts drinking too much water, these are signals that something may not be right.
Now that you know some of the characteristics of this breed, you can be sure that in the Russian Blue you will find a loyal pal. Tell us in the comments if you know any other fun facts about this cat.
