The Russian Blue is an elegant cat with a graceful build and uniquely soft double coat. Loved for their gentle nature and intelligence, they make wonderful companions across Europe.
The Russian Blue
The Russian Blue has a slender build and a plush double coat — a stunning cat to behold. But it’s not just the looks that make this breed special. Their personality makes them ideal companions. The breed includes three distinct lines, which we’ll explain later on.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of the Russian Blue, as well as their appearance and temperament.
History of the Russian Blue
The Russian Blue originates from Russia — quite fitting. The exact date of origin is unclear, but the breed was brought to the United Kingdom around 1860. In 1865, the first Russian Blue was exhibited at the Crystal Palace.
The breed quickly gained popularity in both England and Russia. However, the Russian Blue was only officially recognized in 1937, just before World War II. During the war, the breed declined in Europe, and was crossed with European Shorthairs, Siamese cats, and British Shorthairs. These influences shaped the appearance we see today.
The character of the Russian Blue
Looking for a people-oriented cat that enjoys mental stimulation? Then the Russian Blue is perfect for you. They are affectionate with people and highly intelligent. As kittens, they’re energetic — but they mellow with age. Adult Russian Blues are moderately active and very gentle in nature.
They enjoy playing with people. Games like clicker training or food puzzles provide valuable stimulation, as boredom can lead to mischief. If you’re considering getting a Russian Blue, keep in mind that they don’t like being left alone. If you’re often away, consider getting a companion cat.
The appearance of the Russian Blue
With bright green eyes and an elegant build, the Russian Blue is truly stunning. They have long legs and a medium size. Their ears and eyes are spaced far apart. One unique facial feature is their prominent whisker pads — a distinguishing trait of the breed.
The Russian Blue has a double coat — the only known breed with this trait. The undercoat and topcoat are the same length, giving them a soft, plush feel. The name says it all: their coat is blue-grey with a silvery sheen. No other colors are permitted in this breed.
Three Russian Blue types
There are three known lines of the Russian Blue. In the Netherlands, these are often mixed, which is beneficial for genetic diversity within the breed.
The American line is elegant, light in color, and has widely spaced ears. These cats are very social, even with strangers.
The Siberian line is darker in color and smaller in size. These cats tend to be shy and less sociable, which is why they’re less popular.
The British line combines traits from the other two. Its ears are very close together and nearly vertical — a distinct characteristic.
Health of the Russian Blue
Looking for a robust breed? The Russian Blue is known for having few genetic issues, making them a healthy choice. With proper care, you’ll enjoy their company for many years. A yearly vet check-up is recommended.
Their double coat sheds very little, which is good news for allergy sufferers. Russian Blues also produce minimal glycoprotein — a common allergen. However, they are not considered hypoallergenic.
Buying a Russian Blue kitten — what’s the cost?
If you’re planning to get a Russian Blue kitten, expect to pay between €500 and €700 from a certified breeder. A responsible breeder ensures good health, socialization, and all necessary veterinary care for the kittens.
Although they enjoy having a playmate, it doesn’t have to be another Russian Blue. They generally get along well with other breeds and even dogs — provided those animals are well-socialized too.
