About the Breed
“What greater gift than the love of a cat?” – Charles Dickens
North Star Russian Blues
With their shimmery blue coats, striking emerald eyes, and possible ties to Russian czars, Russian Blue cats can’t help but have a certain air of elegance. However, if you’ve spent time with one of these gorgeous kitties, you know they’re as sensitive and caring as they come – and clever, too. In fact, the more you learn about Russian Blues, the more there is to love.
The Basics
​Russian Blue cats belong to the same classification as the British Blue Cat, the Chartreux of France, and the Korat of Thailand. However, they are a distinct breed with unique characteristics. Russian Blues stand out because of their bright green eyes. They are also slenderer in build with a wedge-shaped head, while their blue cousins tend to be stockier and rounder in the face.
These cats grow to be approximately 10 inches tall and weigh 7-15 pounds, but how long do Russian Blue cats live? They can live 15-20 years – if not longer, if well cared for. These kitties are also referred to as Archangel Blues, Foreign Blues, or Maltese Cats.
Origin
The Russian Blue Cat is a naturally occurring breed, so we’ll never know its origin. However, they likely originated somewhere in northwest Russia. One theory is that these sleek felines descended from the esteemed pets of the Russian czars. Sadly, others speculate that the first Russian Blues lived in the wilderness and were hunted for their prized pelts – such thick, dense fur with unique coloring would have brought in the big rubles.
In any case, it’s believed that Russian sailors befriended the felines sometime around the 1860s and brought them aboard their ships as companions, most notably in the bustling port city of Arkhangelsk. This could explain how the breed came to Great Britain and Northern Europe. Arkhangelsk translates to “Archangel,” which explains how these cats earned themselves a fun nickname.
History
Once Russian Blue cats reached Great Britain, the breed took the cat world by storm. In 1875, Russian Blues were shown at one of the world’s first cat shows at London’s Crystal Palace. They didn’t win any prizes but left quite an impression – mainly that they were incredibly handsome.
In 1912, around the same time these cats made their way to the U.S., they were officially recognized as a breed.
After World War II, Russian Blues were in decline, but enthusiasts managed to save the bloodline. Sweden, Finland, and Denmark crossbred Russian Blues with Siamese cats to produce slightly longer and more angular kitties. They crossbred with Bluepoint Siamese and British Blues in Great Britain for thicker, stockier cats. Together, these nations helped preserve the breed so many people still love to this day.
Physical Attributes
We call them blue, but Russian Blue cats come in a range of bluish grays, anywhere from a light silver to a deep slate. Their vivid green eyes and pinkish paw pads are perfect accents regardless of shade.
Although they are shorthaired, these felines have a very dense double-layered coat. Their undercoat is soft and downy, while the outer layer is even colored with silver tips, accounting for the breed’s alluring shimmer. They say that the Russian Blue Cat’s fur is so thick and velvety that you can trace patterns with your finger, and the designs will remain until you smooth them over again.
In terms of build, Russian Blues are lean and fine-boned but muscular. They have triangular heads with pointed ears and wide, round eyes that give them a friendly, curious expression.
Grooming and Care
We call them blue, but Russian Blue cats come in a range of bluish grays, anywhere from a light silver to a deep slate. Their vivid green eyes, natural smile and soft lavender paw pads are perfect accents regardless of shade.
Although they are shorthaired, these felines have a very dense double-layered coat. Their undercoat is soft and downy, while the outer layer is even colored with silver tips, accounting for the breed’s alluring shimmer. The Russian Blue Cat’s fur is so thick and velvety that you can trace patterns with your finger, and the designs will remain until you smooth them over again.
In terms of build, Russian Blues are lean and fine-boned but muscular. They have triangular heads with pointed ears and wide, round eyes that give them a friendly, curious expression.
Are Russian Blue Cats Really Hypoallergenic?
Are you pining for your own adorable furry friend but are usually left sneezing after cat encounters? Then you may have already heard the myth that Russian Blue cats are hypoallergenic.
Is it true? Yes and no.
Cats of this breed indeed have lower levels of Fel d 1, the protein in cat saliva and skin secretions responsible for your itching and wheezing. However, even small amounts of Fel d 1 can cause allergic reactions. In addition, Russian Blues also produce dander, which irritates allergies. In other words, if you have a cat allergy, you’ll likely also have Russian Blue cat allergies. Please head to our Test For Allergies page to order your test kit