This graceful, friendly but self-sufficient cat does not demand too much attention and can be shy around strangers.
The most widely accepted version of this breed’s ancestry suggests that it originated around the Russian port of Archangel, just below the Arctic Circle. Supposedly brought to western Europe by sailors, the Russian Blue was attracting interest in the UK well before the end of the 19th century, featuring in the first cat shows, and it had also appeared in North America by the early 20th century.
British, American, and Scandinavian breeders developed the bloodlines for the modern Russian Blue. With its gracious air, green eyes, and lustrous, silvery-blue coat, it is not surprising that the Russian Blue is now highly popular.
Reserved with strangers, this cat has a soft voice, a gentle nature, and an abundance of quiet affection to give its owners. It may bond with one household member more than the rest. It is curious and playful, but not intensely demanding. Differently colored forms of the breed have been developed under the name Russian Shorthair.
Color Mixture
The coat color of the Russian Blue is created by a diluted version of the gene that produces black hairs. Mating two Blues guarantees a litter of blue kittens. If a Russian Blue is bred to a black Russian Shorthair, both blue and black kittens can result. Mating a blue with a white cat leads to kittens that may be white, black, or blue. All colors have the Russian Shorthair’s characteristic green eyes.
Origin: Russia, pre-19th century
Breed registries: CFA, FIFe, TICA
Weight range: 7–12 lb (3–5.5 kg)
Grooming: Weekly
Colors and patterns: Blue of various shades.