Russian Blue Cat

Beautiful Russian Blue cats are renowned for their sophisticated looks and endearing dispositions. These cats are noticeable in any environment thanks to their eye-catching blue-gray coat and vibrant green eyes. Russian Blues are recognized for their kind and loving disposition in addition to their unique appearance.

This breed, which originated in Russia, has a lengthy and fascinating history that stretches back to the 1800s. Nobles in Russia loved them, and word of them spread quickly to other parts of the world. Russian blues are popular today because of their calm and playful nature, which makes them excellent companions for both individuals and families.

In addition to their endearing appearance and gentle disposition, Russian Blues are renowned for being smart and simple to train. They are the ideal option for anyone looking for a devoted feline friend because they love engaging in interactive play and thriving in company. The Russian Blue cat will make everyone in your house happy, regardless of your level of experience with pets.

The origin and development of the Russian Blue Cat breed

The oldest native breed is descended from by Russian Blue Cats. There are multiple origin stories.

According to the first legend, Peter I brought a Dutch representative of the breed. Vasya was the cat’s uncomplicated nickname, and it was left in the St. Petersburg royal palace.

Fascinating! Circulars with stringent guidelines were followed when caring for palace cats. Lamb was not permitted; only pricey veal was permitted.

Cats were almost extinct in St. Petersburg by the time the city was established. This posed a rat invasion threat to the city. Peter I ordered the return of cats to the city. They were transported to St. Petersburg after being captured in unique bags.

According to the second legend, Catherine II had a deep affection for dogs. On the other hand, she at that time gave charming blue-furred kittens to visitors from overseas. The first Russian people to appear outside of Russia looked like this.

There is more truth to the third legend. Blue-furred cats were brought aboard English ships in the 1800s. The beauty of their fur enchanted them when they discovered them in Arkhangelsk. The cats were dubbed "blue archangels" as a result. Since they were skilled mousers, the ship welcomed them to guard grain against rodents.

In the UK, targeted selection first appeared. Early in the 20th century, Mrs. Carew-Cox of Essex County began breeding. The breed known as "Arkhangelsk blue" saw the establishment of a rigorous standard for the first time. Later, in 1939, the contemporary name "Russian blue cat" was registered.

All breeding plans, however, were disrupted by World War II. The shorthaired Russian blue cat was in danger of going extinct. The breed was crossed with the British for a considerable amount of time, which nearly caused it to go extinct.

The aim of foreign breeders was to revive the breed in the 1950s of the 20th century. The endeavors culminated in triumph. The breed had fully recovered by the 1970s. It started to wander the streets of the USA, Russia, and Great Britain once more in the 1990s.

Fascinating! There is evidence to suggest that the Russian Blue cat brings happiness into the home.

Pros and cons of the breed

Even the perfect breed has advantages and disadvantages. Russian Blue has very little drawbacks. The breed description makes the selection process a lot easier.

The breed’s overall benefits and drawbacks only point to the pet’s developmental trajectory. Every person has a unique identity. The kitten may exhibit traits of boldness and gregariousness, or calmness and melancholy. Thus, pay attention to your instincts and feelings when you first see the baby.

Pros of the breed

• stylish and strict appearance;
• loyal attitude to loneliness, independence;
• cleanliness;
• developed intelligence;
• easy care;
• short-haired individuals shed less often than long-haired ones;
• cats live without problems with other cat breeds, with dogs;
• they are very calm and give their owners peace of mind;
• if you have an allergy, it will manifest itself to a lesser extent;
• the pet has a quiet voice.

Cons of the breed

• do not like guests;
• do not tolerate noise and loud sounds;
• do not get along with ill-mannered children;
• it is difficult to change the place of residence, they need a certain household order;
• a characteristic feature of many cats is that they do not live with small animals, because.. they begin to hunt them.

Breed standard

The appearance of a Russian blue cat is well remembered by many. Families in the Commonwealth of Independent States frequently acquired this breed. American, English, Scandinavian, and European blues are the four varieties of Russian blues that exist today.

Height and weight

This breed is of medium size. At the withers, the height is 25 cm. Females weigh no more than 3–4 kg, while males weigh 5–7 kg. Reducing the food’s calorie content or serving size is a good idea if the owner notices that the owner is overweight.

Length and shape of the limbs

The paws are long, graceful, and straight. Legs in back are marginally longer than those in front. They have an oval-shaped ending. The tail is long and taperates to a point that is rounded. The tail has the same amount of fluff as the body.

Head shape

Shape is like the head of a cobra. The chin is well-developed and powerful. In profile, the forehead’s flatness is evident. The nose is erect. Huge whiskers are noticeable. elevated cheekbones. The muzzle has a wedge-like form.

The ears are big, widely spaced, and somewhat pubescent. The carriage is oriented vertically. They have a broad base that tapers to the tip.

Eyes

The eyes are big, oval, and spaced widely apart. The color of the Russian Blue cat’s eyes is one of its characteristics. The iris has a deep emerald green color; a grayish-green tint is not preferred. It is evident even in photos that there are no other eye colors.

Gray to blue eye color changes can occur up to a year of age. The iris’s color will still turn emerald green after a year.

Wool

The fur of a sea cat is frequently likened to that of the Russian Blue cat. It’s thick, silky, and luxurious. Because the guard hair and undercoat are the same length, the dense, thick undercoat creates this effect.

Wool has a short length. There is always a silvery tint to the color, which can be either light or dark gray. In contrast to people with long hair, these animals essentially do not shed. Shedding happens in July, once a year. For those with short hair, fur loss is nearly invisible.

Crucial! There are neither long-haired nor lop-eared Russian Blue cats. Nibelungs are recognized as a distinct breed. The breeder is lying to you if they offer you a kitten with long hair or lop ears. Furthermore, it is forbidden to cross lop-eared kittens with straight-eared people.

Constitution

The long limbs support the elongated, flexible body. The neck is flexible, elegant, and thin. The term "skinny Britons" refers to cats. The figure is muscular, despite their grace. They don’t tend to get fat.

Voice

The breed of Russian Blue cat is quiet. The only time the pet will purr is when she needs her owner’s assistance.

Fascinating! It is thought that the breed is hypoallergenic. This is untrue; rather, there is a lower concentration of allergen in the saliva of Russian Blue cats.

Possible defects

Not everyone is aware of appearance defects and the importance of identifying them. They identify the breed’s level of purity and categorization. The animal loses its ability to breed and is ineligible for exhibitions if they are present.

There are numerous flaws:

• white or colored spots, patterns on the coat;
• eye color other than green;
• stocky body and dense paws;
• lack of silver on the ends of the hair in individuals over 1 year old;
• knots and kinks on the tail;
• squint or deafness;
• round head, this shape is more typical for the British.

British and Russian Blue – differences

The Russian and British Blue breeds appear to be similar at first glance. There are distinctions between them, though:

1. The British shorthaired breed can have any color, except blue.
2. The Russian Blue has a more elongated wedge-shaped muzzle. The British breed has a more rounded one. Many note that this difference makes the appearance of the Russian Blue cat less purebred.
3. Also, the British have a stockier and denser body, while the Russian breed has a refined figure.
4. Another difference lies in the eye color. The British have yellow, blue, emerald eyes. The Russian breed can only have green eyes.

These two breeds are distinct due to their differences. The color and personality of blue is the only thing that unites them.

Life expectancy

One can expect to live for 14–20 years. In order to prolong the life of your pet, you should feed them high-quality food, treat illnesses as soon as they arise, have preventive exams done by a specialist, and consider their particular health needs.

If a pet has a genetic propensity for longevity, it may live even longer. The owner is responsible for maintaining the pet’s health for the duration of its life, regardless of how long it lives.

Colors

Silver ticking, which takes the form of iridescent white marks on the tips of hair, adorns the blue color consistently. This effect is beautifully captured in the photo of the Russian Blue cat’s fur.

When the child reaches one year old, ticking is apparent. While some kittens may be born with stripes on their head and tail, these should eventually fade.

Uniform hue. Every part of the body is the same shade—gray-blue, just like pigeon feathers—all over. Any variation in color that occurs on the fur is regarded as a flaw.

The color of paw pads is lilac or lilac-pink. The nose is painted in a cooler gray-blue hue or uses the same color scheme.

Fascinating! The only fur color that is recognized worldwide is blue. Nonetheless, black and white Russian cat specimens are permitted to take part in exhibitions in England and Australia. By mating the Russian Blue cat with other breeds, these hues were created.

Characteristics and habits

The owners only feel good when they are around the character. Typically, the cat selects one leader and bestows particular honor upon them. acts in a cordial way with other people.

Intelligence

The three primary characteristics that set the Russian Blue apart from other characters are intellect, grace, and intelligence. These are not vengeful animals. If there’s a fight, the cat will get upset and walk away, but it won’t let go of its claws.

The breed can be trained and educated because of its positive traits related to intelligence. They know how to act around kids, pets, and other people. You don’t have to worry about conflicts between your two pets. Even in videos, the Russian Blue cat’s characteristics are apparent.

Crucial! The owner has a major influence on the behavior of the animal. Preventing inappropriate behavior is always simpler than correcting it. For instance, the owner must refrain from responding angrily to the cat’s tricks. If not, the animal will start to manipulate the owner with them. It is already challenging to correct such behavior.

Independence

Calm is the primary quality of the character. Cats will stay by a lonely person. They can be described as amiable and upbeat at the same time. These are great companions for senior citizens. Their good nature with different breeds is frequently documented by their owners on camera.

A busy person who frequently vanishes from work would make a wonderful friend in a cat. A Russian blue cat will gladly visit you in the evening rather than being bored on her own.

But for all their benefits, Russian blues are incredibly independent and obstinate animals. They act hesitantly and covertly around visitors because they dislike them.

Love of silence and cleanliness

A Russian blue cat is not likely to live with energetic kids. The breed is extremely sensitive to improper treatment and adores quiet times.

The cleanliness of the Russian blue cat is one of its distinctive qualities. It maintains clean fur and a pleasant scent all the time. Unclean litter boxes are not tolerated by them. They can simply climb onto freshly laundered and ironed linens to spend the night.

Crucial! Cats enjoy leaping, climbing shelves, and scaling heights. It is therefore preferable to conceal priceless items inside the boxes. It is important to protect the windows, t.To. Hunters can alert themselves to birds.

Hunting instinct

Cats possess a strong innate hunting instinct. They will therefore be very helpful in a country home. Russian blue cat breed representatives are adept at catching mice, keeping rodents out of the house. Enclosing the cat’s territory is crucial if it lives in a private home to prevent it from escaping.

The stunning blue-gray coat, vivid green eyes, and mild disposition of the Russian Blue Cat make it an endearing breed. This breed makes wonderful companions for both individuals and families because they are not only attractive but also intelligent and loving. Their low-shedding coat and playful yet serene disposition make them the perfect option for anyone looking for a devoted companion that is also reasonably easy to care for.

Care and content

The departure is so slight that even a child or novice could manage. Particular attention should be given to wool and claws. The fur will then sparkle exquisitely, just like in the picture.

Settlement to a new house

The Russian Blue Cat’s characteristic suggests that the Petomits require cozy surroundings. There are many video instructions on how to make your own furniture for animals, toys, etc.d.

Make a list of the following before bringing a kitten inside:

1. Tray and filler. It is better to choose a container with high sides, so there will be less dirt around. However, it will be difficult for a kitten to overcome such an obstacle, the dimensions should still correspond to the size of the ward. The filler should have good characteristics for moisture absorption, odor absorption.
2. Scratching post. You can combine several types of scratching posts – from corrugated cardboard, poles wrapped in jute or entire play complexes.
3. Bed bench. Must be made of natural materials. It is better to put it on an elevation so that the pet does not catch a cold.
4. Play complex. If your cat likes to spend time actively, buy her a whole play complex. This is the best option that will allow the animal to conquer heights without damaging the interior.
5. Bowls. It is better to choose ceramic products. They are easy to wash, they do not absorb odors.
6. Toys. They cheer up the cat, develop hunting instincts. However, no matter how many toys an animal has, it will eventually get bored with them. To avoid this, hide some toys for a while.
7. Carrying case. It is needed for visiting a veterinarian, moving. It is not so important what it looks like, but its level of comfort and warmth.
8. Harness. You will need it if you plan to walk with the animal and live in an apartment.
9. Claw clipper, slicker brush and shampoo for cats. They are necessary for caring for your pet. The shampoo should have a good composition and characteristics so that the pet does not feel discomfort, itching, and the coat looks luxurious.

Fascinating! This breed enjoys playing games that involve hunting. A teaser, a rope with a mouse, a candy wrapper, or a treat will be their perfect toy.

Hygiene procedures

Cats require consistent attention and care. It’s critical to comb the pet and trim its claws; these tasks cannot be overlooked.

A list of good practices for hygiene

1. Claw trimming. The procedure protects people and furniture from scratches, and makes life easier for pets. It is enough to do a manicure once every 3-4 weeks. For the procedure, you need to use a claw cutter. The cut is made at a distance from the vessels. Before you trim the claws yourself, read the step-by-step description of the procedure.
2. Combing. The procedure is carried out once a week. Use a slicker brush or a brush with rare teeth. The fur of the Russian blue cat actively sheds only in hot weather. Therefore, in the summer, combing is carried out twice as often.
3. Hair removal. Cats have papillae on their tongues that catch hairs. Because of this feature, they constantly swallow hair. To remove it, animals are given a paste for removing hair, which, judging by the reviews of veterinarians, gives a good result. Otherwise, the pet will vomit hair, which looks unpleasant.
4. Bathing. Animals are bathed no more than 1-2 times a year. Frequent washing is contraindicated for them. The exception is pets participating in exhibitions. Use shampoo designed for cats.
5. Eyes and ears. Examine your pet daily. It is important to know what its ears and eyes look like. If dirt appears, remove it. Use cotton pads that are soaked in boiled water or chamomile decoction.
6. Teeth. At least once a month, cats are recommended to brush their teeth. Especially when they are on natural food. Otherwise, pets will develop tartar, inflammation, so why not prevent the problem. Use a silicone brush and special toothpaste.

Diet

Young kittens require four to five times a day feedings and high-quality, nutrient-rich food. Children develop and become stronger. Adults can be fed two or three times a day; they require more vitamin supplements.

The primary characteristic of the Russian blue cat breed that warrants emphasis in their description is their inclination to keep a trim physique. The breed always consumes as much food as it requires and is not prone to overeating.

It is worthwhile to give super-premium class or holistic feeds preference among them. Here are a few well-known brand names:

• Brooksfield;
• Crave;
• Blitz Holistic;
• Leonardo;
• Nutro;
• Sanabelle;
• Jaguar;
• Wellness CORE;
• Canagan;
• Farmina N&D.

Always read the ingredients yourself, read reviews, and consider your pet’s unique needs. Meat should take the top spot instead of bone meal or grains because these are the foods that predators eat, not hens. Because different feeds have varying calorie contents, you must feed the animal according to the directions on the package to avoid causing weight gain.

Certain animals have allergies to grains and chicken meat, while others have urolithiasis predispositions. Food is chosen based on what is needed.

Changing out dry food too frequently is not advised as this can cause indigestion. It is advised to include prebiotics in the diet before introducing a new food.

Should the proprietor opt for a natural menu, you ought to be ready to cook every day and purchase fresh ingredients.

The following should be part of the Russian blue’s diet:

1. Frozen lean meat. This is chicken, turkey, beef, veal, rabbit meat. Not all owners know why cats are prohibited from eating fatty meat. Pork extremely quickly worsens health and is poorly digested.
2. Offal. They contain important microelements and vitamins that are not found in other products. These are hearts, lungs, chicken necks, etc.d.
3. Fermented milk products. They improve digestion. These are cottage cheese, sour cream, kefir, fermented baked milk. It is advisable to choose products with a low percentage of fat.
4. Boiled quail eggs. They replenish important microelements and vitamins, improve the quality of wool.
5. Vegetables. They help form stool, promote digestion. Animals can be given only some vegetables – these are beets, zucchini, pumpkin, cucumbers, broccoli, greens.
6. Clean drinking water. Boiled or filtered water will do. It should be in the permanent access. It is changed every day.

A lot of breeders and owners put together week’s worth of meals and preparations, which they then post on their video blogs.

Crucial! Carrots, pumpkin, and other yellow veggies are not suitable for feeding to cats. The coat’s chilly shade is adversely affected by the yellow pigment, which makes it ugly. Algae and shellfish are also prohibited because they darken the coat. Any type of fatty meat, bones, sweets, raw fish, tea, coffee, soda, and spicy foods are all off limits to cats.

Common diseases

The breed is free of hereditary illnesses. 99 percent of people are in excellent health. Even so, the pet might exhibit some abnormalities if it is not properly cared for.

Allergy

Like any other purebred cat, the Russian blue cat frequently reacts negatively to common household chemicals, cosmetics, and foods.

When cleaning, avoid using household chemistry and make sure to thoroughly wash it off with water to lower the risk of allergic reactions. Eat well-balanced or super-premium food and pay attention to the ingredients. A lot of cats have personal allergies to chicken or chicken fat.

Crucial! It is not permitted to wash cat cups with soap or detergent. For washing, only clean water is utilized.

Kidney disease

Those who have been castrated and sterilized typically have kidney issues. People who are overweight and do not exercise much are also at risk. Conditions like urolithiasis and nephritis are prevalent.

Kidney inflammation, or nephritis, can be brought on by injuries, stress, or hypothermia.

Symptoms that make the disease easy to diagnose:

• thirst;
• lack of appetite;
• apathy;
• high body temperature;
• shortness of breath;
• the pet begins to go to the toilet frequently;
• urine becomes cloudy, sometimes with blood.

Antibiotics, a low-protein diet, and avoiding salty foods are the mainstays of treatment. When the body is heavily contaminated, detoxification must happen right away.

Metabolic disorders are the cause of the chronic disease urolithiasis. Urine flow is disrupted by the formation of stones and sand in the urinary tract.

Symptoms that help differentiate urolithiasis:

• drowsiness;
• depressed state;
• decreased appetite;
• blood in the urine;
• painful urination;
• frequent urination;
• sometimes urinary obstruction.

The course of treatment entails recommending a particular diet to keep urine’s pH between 6-6.5. The best diet to stop new formations from forming is this one. The veterinarian can place a catheter in the urethra to allow for regular urination. If there’s a big stone, it gets removed with an operation.

Inflammation of the ears, eyes

Pets may get infectious lesions if you do not keep an eye on their eye and ear health. It’s critical to practice good hygiene and to wipe your ears and eyes frequently.

Depending on what is causing the inflammation, the symptoms will have varying descriptions. Nonetheless, redness of mucous membranes, inflammation, purulent secretions, itching, and palpable pain are the hallmarks of all diseases. Most often, this is an infection; allergies or issues brought on by trauma occur less frequently.

Following diagnosis, a course of treatment is recommended. It always entails washing with specific solutions, drops, or ointments and getting rid of any symptoms brought on by anti-inflammatory medications.

Choice of a kitten, cost

The best Russian blue cats can be found at reputable breeders or on the official nursery’s website. St. Petersburg and Moscow have the biggest nurseries. Various advertisements on billboards frequently feature foreign people or cats with severe abnormalities.

Consider the following factors when selecting a kitten:

1. The state of the documents. The breeder must provide you with a genealogy, health certificates, vaccination passports.
2. Eye color. It is desirable that the color of the iris has a rich green color, or a green tint. However, kittens have blue, gray, yellow eyes, which change color by 1 year. From the photo above, it is noticeable that the green tint has not yet appeared.
3. Coat condition. The fur should be uniform without light spots or bald spots. There may be barely noticeable dark stripes, which will disappear by 1 year. It is desirable to have silver ticking, although it can also appear later.
4. External condition. The belly should be soft, not swollen. Eyes and ears are clean.
5. Baby"s mood. Russian blue kittens are distinguished by their curiosity, they love to play. It is bad if a kitten timidly hides in a corner or hisses at guests.

Similar-looking kittens as children can develop into very different people. Examining the parents is worthwhile in this case. On the other hand, it happens frequently that babies inherit their grandparents’ genes.

A kitten can be purchased for anywhere between 5,000 and 30,000 rubles. The cost is mostly determined by the litter’s purity, pedigree, standard compliance, etc.

1. The cheapest pets belong to the pet class. They are not allowed to breed, do not participate in exhibitions, are often sold without documents.
2. Breed class – these are good pets with a minor defect that does not allow them to take prize places. They can participate in breeding.
3. Show class – this is an impeccable representative of the breed with an ideal pedigree and appearance that 100% meets the standard. They are the most expensive.

Keep in mind that the premium kittens in the litter are invariably more costly. On the other hand, you can safely select cats from the pet class if you live in an apartment. The pet will feel fine and enjoy its best days with you in spite of minor outward flaws.

Breeding the breed

It is not permitted to cross with other breeds. Maintaining the Russian Blue’s characteristics and bolstering its health is the primary objective of breeders and breeders. Thus, the only cats that can form a healthy pair are male Russian blue cats and female cats of the same breed.

After assessing the male’s health, immunization history, and pedigree, mating takes place on his territory. For a few days, the male and female are left together.

A woman can only give birth once a year. In this manner, she stays healthy, gives birth to children who are healthy, and endures the least amount of stress. A litter of two to four babies is born after a 64-day pregnancy. Because a healthy cat’s appearance isn’t always reliable, it’s critical to get tested frequently.

Feature	Description
Origin	Russia
Coat Color	Short, dense, blue-gray fur
Eye Color	Bright green
Temperament	Affectionate, intelligent, and reserved
Grooming	Low maintenance
Size	Medium build
Life Expectancy	12-15 years

In addition to its remarkable looks, the Russian Blue cat is distinguished by its endearing nature. Many cat lovers all over the world are enthralled with them due to their bright green eyes and soft, silvery-blue coats. These cats are well-liked by feline enthusiasts due to their grace and elegance.

Russian Blues are renowned for their kind and loving disposition in addition to their beauty. They develop close relationships with their families and frequently take pleasure in socializing. This breed is peaceful and playful, which makes them the ideal family and single companion.

Selecting a Russian Blue implies letting a devoted companion live in your house. Many pet owners find them to be a practical choice due to their relatively healthy disposition and low-maintenance grooming requirements. All things considered, they are a highly adored breed because they perfectly capture the qualities of affection, beauty, and adaptability.

Video on the topic

How a cat show is held. Video about the Russian Blue breed

My cat is three years old – My review of a Russian Blue cat

The Russian Blue cat conquers with its fur