The Russian Blue (historically Foreign Blue) is a type or breed of cat that has a silver-blue coat. These cats are known to be highly intelligent and playful but tend to be timid around strangers. They also develop close bonds with their human companions and are highly sought after due to their personalities and unique coat.

The Russian Blue produces less glycoprotein Fel d 1 and is much less of an allergen source than other breeds of cat. This would suggest that the Russian Blue breed may be hypoallergenic, yet others point out that no cat is truly free of allergens.

The Russian Blue Cat Origin

The original Russian was a Tabby. These are still available, but only registrable in SA. Russian Blacks and Whites are also available in Australia. The Russian Blue is a naturally occurring breed that originated in the port of Arkhangelsk, Russia. Known as the "Archangel Cat" they were brought to Europe in the 1860's. In 1871 a Russian Blue was shown at the first cat show at the Crystal Palace in London, under the name Archangel Cat.

The breed experienced a surge in popularity in the 1970s, but this quickly dropped off a decade later because Russian Blues at that time had gained a reputation as being difficult to handle. Dedicated breeders worked to improve the personalities of these alluring felines, and the result is the quiet, gentle and even a bit shy cats we know and love today.

The Russian Blue Cat Appearance

The Russian is an exquisite looking cat. It has a lean elongated body. Eyes are almost always a dark and vivid green. They have prominent whisker pads and should almost appear as if they are smiling. Their nose leather and paw pads are soft and lilac in colour.

Some Russian Blues are born with "ghost stripes" as kittens, but these generally fade with age to the familiar, solid silvery blue of adulthood.

Russian Blues should not be confused with British Blues (which are not a distinct breed but rather a British Shorthair with a blue coat), nor the Chartreux or Korat which are two other naturally occurring breeds of blue cats, although they have similar traits.

The Russian Blue Cat Colors and Coats

Short, dense, fine and plush in an even blue throughout. The coat is known as a "double coat," with the undercoat being soft, downy, and equal in length to the guard hairs, which are an even blue with silver tips. Only Russian Blues and the French Chartreux have this type of coat, which is described as thick and wonderfully soft to the touch. The silver tips give the coat a shimmering appearance.

The Russian Blue is accepted in all major cat registries, but only in the blue color. In the Australian Cat Federation (ACF) and New Zealand Cat Fancy (NZCF), this breed is simply termed the "Russian" and is accepted in blue, white, and black.

The Russian Blue Temperament

The Russian Blue is known for being a very intelligent and active animal. They have been known to open doors/windows, play fetch, and are sensitive to basic human emotions. They enjoy playing with a variety of toys and develop extremely loyal bonds to their loved ones. The Russian Blue is also known for getting along very well with other pets and children in a household.

Russian Blue cats are generally wary of strangers, and will hide when company comes over. This breed is fussy about its litter box, and wants it kept very clean. If the box is dirty, a Russian Blue may decide to eliminate elsewhere. Russian Blues can be very independent. The Russian Blue are not believed to be related to other short-coated blue breeds, like the Korat, Chartreux or the British Shorthair.

They are a quietly spoken cat with a very soft voice, however they love to communicate in whichever way they can. If you are a single household, the Russian Blue will fit equally well, as he can entertain himself while you are gone and welcome you with his smiley face when you return.