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Most likely, if you are considering bringing home a Russian Blue, it is because Russian Blue’s are stunningly beautiful cats. But there is more to owning a cat than just looks and it’s important to determine whether or not your life style will meet the needs of this particular breed of cat.

History:

The history of the Russian Blue comes mostly from legend and myth. It is thought that they were brought to Great Britain from the Archangel Isles in Northern Russia by British sailors in the 1860’s.

Some even say that the Russian Blue is a descendant of the royal cats owned by Russian Czars. Although the history of the Russian Blue is a matter of speculation, the cat’s thick coat suggests that the Russian Blue originated in a cold climate.

It is known that the Russian Blue attended it’s first cat show at London’s Crystal Palace in 1875 as the Archangel Cat. Other names that the Russian Blue has been known by include the Spanish blue, the  foreign blue, and the Maltese blue. The Russian Blue was shown with other blue cats until it was granted a breed class of it’s own in 1912 by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy.

This beautiful breed of cats was almost wiped out after World War II but English and Scandinavian breeders saved the breed by developing foundation bloodlines. The Russian Blue arrived in US in 1900 but didn’t gain in popularity until 1960’s when the modern American bloodline was created.

Appearance:

By far the most spectacular feature of the Russian Blue breed is it’s thick silky coat and vibrant green eyes. The Russian Blue’s coat comes in one color, blue, and the eyes always green. The outer tips of the Russian Blue’s coat have silver tipping which is what gives the Russian Blue it’s silvery color.

The Russian Blue has a long, muscular, and slender body. The Russian Blue is extremely agile and is easily able to jump to to their preferred perches on top of book cases. They have even been known to learn to open doors and play fetch. The head is wedge shaped with the eyes set wide apart and large ears. Another endearing feature of the Russian Blue are the upturned corners of the make which makes the cat look as if she is smiling.

Now that you’ve learned a bit about the Russian Blue the question becomes: Is the Russian Blue the right cat for you?

Russian Blues are:

• Gentle and reserved
• Quiet
• Shy around strangers
• They dislike change
• Require a very clean litterbox
• Affectionate and develop strong bonds with their owners
• Get along well with people and animals they know
• Intelligent and easy to train
• Playful as kittens and adults

The Russian Blue may be the right cat for you if:

• You are able to provide a consistent and stable environment and schedule
• You keep the litterbox very clean
• Provide her with places to hide
• Provide her with high places from which she can watch her surroundings
• Play with her and give her toys to play with on her own and with you
• Socialize her as a kitten to a variety of people, places, and stimuli

Are you bringing a Russian Blue into your home? Why not get her started of right with a problem prevention session for new cats? Contact us today to set up your complimentary 15 minute telephone consultation.