Russian Blue Cat Complete Breed Info Cost Pics and Video

Previously known as the Foreign Blue, the Russian Blue is an exotic and beautiful breed of cats that is fast growing in popularity. They are predominantly liked because of their plush double-coat. They are also said to have the mysterious Mona Lisa smile. They were once known by other names too including the Spanish Blue or the Maltese Blue.

History of Russian Blue Cat

There are many stories as to the origin of the Russian Blue. Most reinforce the story that it was a naturally occurring breed of Archangel Isles in northern Russia 150 miles from the Arctic Circle. The fact that this breed sports a double-coat gives legitimacy to the fact that it was developed in extreme cold. Some sailors are reported to have brought it and introduced it to England and Northern Europe in 1860s. It is also believed by some that this breed is a descendant of the royal cat of the czars.

Initially the Russian Blue competed with other cats in the categories of blue cats. It was only in 1912 that the Russian Blue was recognized as an exclusive breed. After the second World War, the Russian Blue almost disappeared. To save the breed, some breeders combined the Russian Blue with Siamese. However, they were also brought to America where they were cross-bred with their Scandinavian counterparts which completely scraped them of their Siamese traits and produced the Russian Blue that is found today.

The standard breed is recognised by ACA, FIFe, CFA, CFF, TICA, GCCF, AACE, ACFA, UFO, ACF and CCA. Russian Blues in white and black are only recognized by ACF and GCCF.

Appearance of Russian Blue Cat

The striking feature of the Russian Blue is the rich, short, blue double-coat with hints of silver on each hair giving them a very shiny touch. They are only found in one color. The hair being of lesser density stand out so that a pattern can be made smoothed out. The inner coat is very soft, of the length of the guard hair and the tips of the hair being silver.

The Russian Blue is a medium sized cat with a long, muscular and graceful body. It has big, round, green eyes set in a wedge-shaped, flat face. It has big, pointed ears set wide apart from each other which are wide at the base and narrow as you move upwards. Its mouth is carved as if it is smiling and thus, the resemblance to Mona Lisa smile.

The Russian Blue must not be confused with the British Blue, the former being a separate breed while the latter merely a British shorthair with a blue coat.

Behavioral CharacteristicsÂ and Personality of Russian Blue Cat

Being reserved and generally quiet among strangers, the Russian Blue are active around family. They are also generally averse to change. They get along with other animals and children well and also like to play with a lot of toys. They are known to be very clean, loving and loyal pets. They are very intelligent but shy and hence, not very vocal. On the other hand they are also known to learn how to open doors and teach their owners how to play fetch. They are also sensitive to the mood of the owner and will quickly be able to recognize it.

Although the Russian Blues are affectionate, they are not very demanding and thus, will do just fine without a lot of attention. Because of this, they are the perfect pets for the modern-day households where everyone’s busy most of the time. They are also generally well-behaved and will stop from doing anything with a simple “no.” Due to their inherent shyness it is advised that you start the socialization process early in its life so it is less shy around strangers.

They have thick coats so the cat needs brushing at least once a week. However, during the seasonal shedding i.e. in autumn and spring, brushing 2 to 3 times a week will be necessary if you don’t want to see hair on every article of furniture.

They weigh around 8 to 12 lbs with the males being heavier and bigger in size than the females. They can live for upto 15 years and have no specific genetic problems that may cause illness in the future. They are also less hypoallergenic than most cat breeds but this does not completely eliminates the chances.

Cost and Price of Russian Blue Cat and Kittens

Generally, a Russian Blue kitten will cost around $400-$700. However, where show quality cats are concerned, they will cost from around $800 to as much as $2000. This depends on the lineage, coat quality and other such factors.

Russian Blue Cat and Kitten Pictures and Wallpapers