The Russian Blue is immediately recognizable by its ephemeral silver-blue coat and large, round, bright green eyes. Its hair is short, soft, silky, and dense. The guard hairs look like they were dipped in silver, giving the coat a shimmering sheen. This breed is of medium size with a long, slender torso and well-defined muscles.
They are affectionate but not clingy, and they are not generally lap cats.
These cats are known for their independence and intelligence. They are mild-mannered and loyal, but it takes them a while to bond. Russian Blues aren't antisocial, but they spend a good deal of time on their own, valuing routine and a serene environment. In the home, older children that are calm and respectful are a good match for these cats, as are more docile companion animals.
Russian Blues also come in a longhair variety called the Nebelung. This Germanic name translates to "creature of the mist," which seems quite suitable when looking at one.
Russian Blues are reserved cats and quiet observers, often watching the activity of the household from a shelf or staring out the window. They are affectionate but not clingy, and they are not generally lap cats. They appreciate their independence, but they also expect humans to adhere to their established routines and stay on top of pet care duties.
These cats are shy at first, taking some time to become comfortable with their families. Once they do, they become loyal but intermittent companions. They flee from strangers, choosing to inspect them from afar and deliberating about whether or not to approach them. Russian Blues don't get along well with young children or other animals that rush at them, make a lot of noise, or play roughly. They do much better with children and pets they are raised with.
Russian Blues are moderately active and certainly have playful moods. They love interactive games but also entertain themselves a good deal. Like many other types of cats, they like to perch up high, and they have a knack for getting into cabinets.
Russian Blues are generally healthy and often live for about 15 years. The breed is not associated with any significant genetic predispositions to particular diseases. These cats do, however, have a tendency to develop bladder stones.
These cats are likely to overeat when allowed. Developing kittens should have free access to nutritious food, but mature Russian Blues should not. It is essential to provide only what the cat needs, as determined by a veterinarian, and to make sure treats are only an occasional indulgence. Overweight cats can have difficulty with mobility and breathing and are at increased risk of developing certain health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and some cancers.
Russian Blues should only be purchased from a reputable breeder who provides references and a written guarantee of good health. A responsible breeder properly socializes kittens, screens parents for genetic problems, runs appropriate tests on offspring, and provides vaccinations on schedule.
Russian Blues can be easily trained. They play fetch and learn to stay off counters, but they also quickly train their humans to do their bidding. They want their meals, naps, and playtime at the same time every day, and they have a particular interest in the cleanliness of their litter box. In fact, they are known to relieve themselves in inappropriate places if the litter box isn't to their liking.
These intelligent cats have a fondness for puzzle and feather toys, and they are content when left on their own. However, these are not highly adaptable cats. They value familiarity and become stressed by environmental changes.
Socialization from early on is essential to the emotional development of Russian Blues. It makes them better able to move beyond initial shyness to bond with family members and to eventually meet visitors. In addition, it better prepares them to handle the disruptions to routine and environmental changes that are bound to occur in life. It's important to acquire these cats from a reputable, responsible breeder who properly socializes kittens.
The plush, dense, silky, short coat of the Russian Blue is easy to care for. These cats don't shed continuously like some breeds; they shed minimally during the spring. Regular petting takes care of much of their grooming and works to remove loose hair and redistribute natural oils. Other than that, a weekly brushing or combing is sufficient. Longhaired Nebelungs should be brushed two or three times per week.
Russian Blues need their claws clipped as needed, which is generally once every two weeks or so. A sharp blade works well to cut off the curved tip without severing the quick. Ear care is also important, and an appropriate feline product should be used to remove any wax or dirt from the ears. Additionally, the ears should be checked periodically for signs of infection, such as a bad odor, discharge, redness, or swelling.
Russian Blues may be a bit reluctant to be groomed. Starting grooming from a young age will encourage these cats to accept the process. Russian Blues should be introduced to having their paws, toes, ears, and mouths handled from a young age, too.
The history of the Russian Blue is shrouded in mystery and rife with legends. It's commonly held that they hail from Russia's port city Archangel. These cats straddled class divisions, said to have been working cats on Cossack ships, keeping them free of rodents, and to have basked in luxury as pets of the Czars.
It is generally accepted that these cats first arrived in Great Britain in the 1860s with British sailors returning from Russia. Russian Blues, which where then called Archangels, were first shown in 1875, at London's Crystal Palace, where famous cat lover Queen Victoria is said to have first been charmed by them.
Russian Blues arrived in America in the early 20th century in small numbers, but the breed was almost lost in Europe by the end of World War II. After the war, an international effort began to revive the breed using other solid blue cats. It worked, but the Russian Blue body type was sacrificed to some extent. In the 1960s, British breeders worked to restore the breed to its original look.
It wasn't until 1947 that serious breeding and promotion of Russian Blues took hold in the United States. The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) started registering the breed in 1949.
