What Is A Russian Blue Cat?

Some of us may or may not have heard of a Russian Blue Cat, and a few may even wonder how on Earth this name came about. Are they really Blue? Are they from Russia? Actually, these Cats have been one of our long admired breed, simply because we fell in love with their elegance ☺

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The Russian Blue Cat

The Russian Blue Cat is also known as Archangel Blue, derived from their possible origins at the port of Arckhangelsk, Russia. One popular story states how it was the Sailors whom brought the Russian Blue Cats to the shores of Great Britain and Europe in the 1860s. The very first appearance of Russian Blues outside of Russia was in the Crystal Palace of England, as recorded in 1875, and they were referred to as Archangel Cat.  

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Russian Blue Cats used to compete in shows along with other Blue Cats until they were recognised as their own class in 1912. Before the World War II, Russian Blues were mainly developed in England and Scandinavia. As the population of Russian Blues decreased, breeders began to crossbreed them with the Siamese, resulting in some colour-point Russian Blues.

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American breeders only began to selectively breed Scandinavian and English Russian Blues after the War, ruling out Siamese traits in the modern Russian Blue Cats we see today.

What Does A Russian Blue Cat Look Like?

The trademark double coat of a Russian Blue is short, dense and plush, so much that you could actually “write” or scribble on their coats, and it remains there until you sweep it back to its original position. The Russian Blue Cat is a robust, medium sized Cat with a long and slender body. They should have bright green eyes and paw pads of colouration ranging from pink to mauve.

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The distinguished colour of a Russian Blue’s coat is Blue with silverfish tones (makes them look extremely plush even though they are actually slim built!) They can easily be mistaken for a Blue British Shorthair, Chartreux or the Korat due to similar Blue colouration. Another favourable appearance of the Russian Blue includes their slightly upturned mouth, giving them a sort of grin ☺

Grooming Requirements

Maintaining the beautiful coat of a Russian Blue does not require regular brushing, but brushing can acts as a bonding between you and your Cat, especially with their particular fondness towards their Human companions. Try brushing them once every week or two.

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Bath them whenever necessary, including clipping of nails and cleaning of teeth and ears with a Vet approved toothpaste for teeth, Ear cleanser and cotton balls for the Ears. If you are uncertain how to perform these tasks, do not hesitate to approach your trusted Veterinarian or Groomer for advice and demonstrations!   

Russian Blue Personality

The outlook of a Russian Blue may be elegant, poised and very much like a human being with royal upbringing, but do not judge by their gentle quiet demeanour too soon! A Russian Blue Cat quite particularly enjoy the company of its Human companions, play time and even climbing onto high places just to watch and observe you and your family.

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While they may be reserved towards strangers, they are loyal companions to their owner and family, following you around the house whenever they feel like it. Being devoted feline creatures that they are, they can be sensitive and require quite a bit of attention and affection, so be sure to include them in your daily activities!

Owning A Russian Blue In Singapore

Still not a common sight here, however, you got to bear in mind that appreciating a Cat’s physical looks are not enough, research and preparations before getting a Pet is just as, if not more important. Socialising and training is necessary for a Russian Blue to curb its reservations towards strangers, and these are Cats that do not adapt well to change.

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Be sure to keep to a uniformed schedule for meal, play and cuddle times. All Cats appreciate a clean litter-box, but a Russian Blue may refuse to even step in if it is dirty. With lots of patience, proper care and love, the average lifespan of a Russian Blue Cat is 10 to 15 years or more!

Adopt, Don’t Shop

Specific breeds are great, but we could say the same for all other crossbreeds and rescued strays. Before you head off to purchase a Pet, always keep an eye out for adoption drives or check out local shelters and groups for more options. You could always count on finding your next sweet kitty and providing a forever home for a rescued furry pal ☺