Russain Blue
The precise origins of the Russian Blue cat breed are unknown, but many believe they hail from Russia which is backed up by their double coat which means they can withstand cooler temperatures than most other cats. It's believed that their arrival in England and Europe was likely to have been in the mid-1800s.
Like some other breeds, World War 2 nearly wiped Russian Blues out entirely, but they were revitalized using other breeds like the Siamese and the British Blue cats. This crossbreeding means they took on some traits of the other breeds including a shorter coat. Thankfully, determined breeders have managed to get the breed back to what we know today thanks to some clever breeding with cats with plush, silvery coats, and Scandinavian bloodlines.
Their appearance can be described as a medium-sized smart, elegant and slender cat with a velvety soft blue coat and incredible green eyes. Their wedge-shaped head is often described as cobra-like, and they have pointed ears, prominent whisker pads, and a slightly upturned mouth, giving them the impression of smiling.
The Russian Blue is a gentle, quiet cat who may seem shy thanks to their reserved nature, but they love to play and enjoy jumping or climbing to high places where it can study people and situations and contemplate whether to join in.
This highly intelligent breed is more sensitive than most, so they do not like to be ignored, and not showing them the same attention that they’re showing you will genuinely hurt them. This isn't a breed that will get out of their hiding place to welcome your guests as visitors will only get attention, or even see them if the cat decides it’s what they want. Despite their indifference towards strangers, once they’ve bonded with someone, they are very loyal and affectionate.
They love routine almost as much as they love food, so you can expect a feline alarm clock every morning, so they don’t miss breakfast. Unlike some other intelligent breeds or those that are more active, they aren’t usually destructive and move with the grace of a ballerina.
Russian Blues are a good choice for elderly people and families, thanks to their gentle and quiet nature, but one thing they do need is a stable and calm environment that doesn’t change too much. Unlike many breeds, they are happy to be left at home during the day as they will happily entertain themselves and otherwise sleep through the day and won’t be destructive like other more active and intelligent cats. So, if you know you will leave the house for long periods each day, a Russian Blue is a good choice. To own a Russian Blue you don't necessarily need a large house, but they do need plenty of places to climb to or hide.
The Russian Blue's thick fur doesn’t shed constantly, so they only need combing once or twice a week to keep their coat soft and shiny, making them a good choice for someone who doesn't want to commit to daily grooming.
Trim the nails as needed, which is usually weekly to prevent them from painfully breaking if/when they get caught in carpet or furniture. Make this job easier for both you and your cat by getting them used to having their nails clipped when they're a kitten.
Check their ears weekly for infection which will show itself as unusual redness, bad odor, and sometimes discharge, among other symptoms. To avoid infection, clean them with a cotton ball dampened with a gentle cleanser recommended by your vet.
Finally, to reduce the risk of trips to the veterinary clinic for costly dental treatment, brush their teeth frequently to avoid tartar buildup and gum disease.
They’re a generally healthy breed, though their hearty appetite can lead to obesity if left unchecked, so in addition to providing them with plenty of exercise through playtime, you should consider selecting a weight-management formula for their food.
