Russian Blue cats are regarded as one of the most elegant and intelligent cat breeds. If you’re searching for a gentle and loving pet, the Russian Blue cat will be the perfect addition to your household. These cats have beautiful coats and great personalities, but unfortunately, we know very little about their history. While many people picture an exotic cat breed that is rarely kept as a pet, they are actually very common household cats.
All You Need to Know About the Russian Blue Cat
What is it about these cats that makes them such popular pets? Some of the advantages of owning one of these breeds include their laid-back and affectionate nature, their low allergen coats, and the fact that they get on really well with other cats, other animals, and people. These beautiful felines are among the most suitable types of cat for first-time pet owners because they come with very little health, temperamental and dietary requirements, making them easy to care for.
Physical Attributes
Russian Blue cats are a medium-sized cat breed. Males typically weigh between 10-12 pounds and females between 7-10 pounds. Their coats are short in length and plush in character. The color of the coat is dark grey tipped with silver, not ‘blue,’ as their name suggests.
Typically, they do not have any pattern to their coat. While faint stripes may be present when they are kittens, these will usually fade into adulthood. Their coat type is less allergenic, which is good news if someone in your household has a cat allergy. Their coats also require little grooming.
Their eyes are yellow with green rims early on, but they become bright green as an adult. Against their silver color, their eyes are a stand-out feature. You can expect to have these gorgeous eyes looking back at you for a long time, as Russian Blues typically live between 10-15 years.
Temperament
These cats have been widely known to score high in intelligence and have one of the most vibrant personalities in the feline world. Russian Blues tend to form strong bonds with their owners and are mostly very affectionate with familiar people. They typically form attachments to one to two people but will demand attention from (and give attention to) the whole family.
Russian Blues train their owners more than their owners train them. They are very social creatures, but they also enjoy their alone time. These cats tend to seek out quiet and private places to sleep. While they don’t mind if you are away at work all day, these cats require a lot of playtime when you’re home. These cats get on well with other cats and are usually quite good with children and strangers.
They are quite picky cats, however, and do come with their difficulties. These cats won’t even think about getting into their litterbox if it is dirty, they tend to startle easy, and therefore it’s not uncommon for these cats to shy away and hide when you have lots of guests in the house. Russian Blues are rather quiet, affectionate, and gentle.
They’re a delight with their clownish antics but are intelligent enough to learn to open cupboards and doors. However, they don’t cope well with changes to routine so this should be kept to a minimum. These cats also have an exceptional memory, meaning if they like a visitor, they are likely to remember them, but they’re also unlikely to forgive and forget if someone has mistreated them.
Nutrition
The Russian Blue cat doesn’t really have any specific dietary requirements. They love their food, but they aren’t too picky about it. Usually, they will be satisfied with any cat food you give them. However, these cats won’t mind a second helping whatsoever and will happily eat as much as you give them, so it’s not uncommon for them to become overweight. You should be careful when it comes to the amount that you feed your Russian Blue, as well as the amount of treats you offer.
Health Conditions
Because they were not selectively bred, Russian Blues don’t have the predisposition to develop any genetic disorders. This makes them very healthy cats. However, Russian Blues can be prone to obesity simply because they love to eat until their little hearts are content, so again – be careful how much you feed them. Certain diseases can occur in all cats that you should be aware of, but you can rest assured that a Russian Blue is no more likely to develop health issues than your regular feline.
Training
Since these cats are smart, it’s important to start training them from an early age and maintain discipline. As mentioned earlier, these cats tend to train their owners, so if you want to keep authority over them, it’s crucial to maintain a level of self-discipline from the beginning. You can train them later on, but this isn’t recommended as it’s better to start the training early, while your Russian Blue is still a kitten. Reward them for good behavior and punish them with a ‘no’ immediately after they display any bad behavior.
Living with a Russian Blue
These cats require lots of mental and physical stimulation, so they must have access to toys at all times. Russian Blues retain a strong hunting instinct, so a feathered fishing pole toy is perfect for them. However, you should keep these toys away from them because they are likely to tear them to shreds and possibly eat the remains, which is not good for the toy or your cat’s digestive system.
Russian Blues are also very vocal and will use their voices to communicate that they need food, attention, or just want to play. They are very observant, persistent animals and are happiest when their needs are met. Do your best to pay attention to your cat as much as you can, as they can be hurt emotionally and may display unwanted, mischievous behaviors if they feel neglected.
History
Russian Blues originated from – surprise surprise – Russia! When and where exactly isn’t for certain, unfortunately. They made their first appearance outside of Russia in 1875 in England. The breed didn’t become popular in the US until after the Second World War, where breeders of the Russian Blue created the modern version of the breed that is so common in households today.
Some people actually believe that these cats, because there is no exact pinpoint of their origin, were royal cats in Czars’ possession for many years until they got introduced to Western countries. This rumor still exists to this day and helps to explain why people think Russian Blues are uncommon pets. Interestingly, this made the breed even more desirable to some wealthy and royal families, so the cats inevitably became associated with royalty.
Final Thoughts
As with any pet, you should conduct thorough research into a breed and its requirements to ensure that they are suitable for you and your family. These cats are ideal for first-time pet owners, or families with children and other animals, meaning that there is little to worry about when it comes to suitability. Regardless, it would be best if you take your time searching for a reputable breeder. Don’t just buy from the first breeder you come across without finding out much about them.
Spending time finding a reputable breeder ensures that you’ll be bringing a healthy kitten home. You should always ask to see their parents and visit the home yourself to interact with the kittens and view the living conditions where possible. Never buy a kitten or puppy from a breeder who refuses to let you see the mother. All these precautions will help to ensure you don’t have to worry about any extra vet bills and enjoy helping your Russian Blue settle into their new home.
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