- Russian Blue Cat Size: Medium-sized
- Coat type: Shorthair
- Color: Blue, silver
- Body care: Small amount
- Character traits: Independent, Trustful
- Energy: Small amount
- Scales: Small amount
History of the Russian Blue cat
Hard to believe: The Russian Blue is a naturally occurring color. The ancestors of the modern Russian Blue come from a real natural breed.
The first known breeding animals come from Archangelsk, a port city in northern Russia; however, it is not yet clear where the blue cats originally came from. Apparently, there were cats with the unusual double coat as early as the time of the Vikings, and they were promptly hunted or bred as fur animals. There is archaeological evidence for this, and sources refer to them as “blue cats”.
It is undisputed that sailors brought the cats to Great Britain in 1860, but these were probably not the first blue Russian cats to reach Europe by sea. England had a trading post in Archangelsk as early as the 16th century, so the local blue animals were undoubtedly used as ship’s cats. The fact that the striking cats from the north were temporarily called Maltese cats or Spanish cats is an indication of their spread, although of course this was not yet in the context of targeted breeding.
Tsar Nicholas I (reigned 1825 to 1855) was a lover of blue cats and is known to have owned a female cat named Vashka, who had the privilege of sleeping in his room. By 1900, the cats, now officially known as Russian Blues, were popular both at the Russian Tsar’s court and in British aristocratic circles. In 1901, the Tsar presented the British Queen Victoria with a pair of Russian Blues. Victoria’s son Edward VII took over the chairmanship of the first British Russian Blue breeding association.
The Russian Blue was presented at an exhibition in London in 1871, but at that time it was still a variant of blue shorthair cats. This changed with systematic breeding in England: in 1912 the cat was placed in its own class. In 1937 the Russian Blue was given the status of an independent breed of cat; in the years before that it was a variant of the British Shorthair.
However, the story of the Russian Blue almost came to an end just a few years later, as the Second World War caused cat breeding to suffer a major setback. Dedicated breeders, primarily in Great Britain and Scandinavia, managed to preserve the breed by crossing European Shorthairs , British Shorthairs and Siamese cats with blue points. These matings were reflected in the appearance of the animals, which made it necessary to revise the current breed standard. From the 1960s onwards, the breed began to gain popularity again.
Modern breeding types
In the course of recent breeding history, various types of Russian Blue cats have been established internationally in an attempt to breed the “Siamese touch” out of the Russian Blue’s appearance. These show clear differences in their body structure, but also in their character.
- English type:Â The Russian Blue cats of this line are medium blue and have a strong stature. The ears are vertical and the animals are average on the temperament scale.
- American type:Â The fur is noticeably lighter and appears almost silvery. The ears are in the shape of an equilateral triangle, the cat itself is of medium size. The American Russian Blue is particularly sociable and friendly towards people.
- Siberian-Scandinavian type:Â The cats are very dark (almost anthracite-colored), the ears are slightly further apart. The cats are overall somewhat smaller and are considered reserved to shy.
In Europe, breeders are increasingly trying to promote another type by crossing cats from different lines in order to increase genetic diversity: the Central European Russian Blue. However, there is currently no adapted breed standard for this “hybrid form”.
Russian Blue: Character
Some pedigree cats are tireless action tigers who bring excitement into the house and always need to be the center of attention. The Russian Blue cat is completely different once it is out of kittenhood. Adult animals like to be left alone. To avoid any misunderstandings: Of course, adult cats of this breed are also active and appreciate regular play with their peers and can openers. Keeping a Russian Blue does not mean that you do not need to worry about “entertainment”.
However, the silver-gray velvet paws are comparatively calm and unexcited. The Russian Blue does not like too much hustle and bustle or constant changes in their environment. On the contrary: a daily routine and routine that is structured as meticulously as possible suits their nature. This includes fixed feeding times as well as punctuality when cleaning the litter box .
Adult Russian Blue cats are only moderately active, not particularly talkative and meow little. They are therefore ideal roommates in rented apartments, especially in houses with thin walls and noise-sensitive neighbors. A special feature of the Russian Blue is their high level of intelligence. The cats are considered to be very clever. This enables them to perform amazing feats such as opening cupboard doors on their own.
Russian Blue Cats and People
Russian Blues generally remain present but discreetly in the background. The cat proves to be clever and very affectionate towards its can openers. However, you must first patiently earn the trust of the cat, who often seems reserved at first. A Russian Blue consciously chooses who it bestows its favor on.
Russian Blues tend to keep their distance from strangers or visitors at first. The silver paw is proud and picky like a diva. A Russian Blue can therefore sometimes seem downright “arrogant”. Don’t worry: once the ice is broken, the cats show their lovable, trusting and cuddly side.
If you have proven yourself worthy of them, the Russian Blue is affectionate, faithful and loyal. The animals concentrate strongly on their caregivers, follow them like a shadow and sometimes even like to sleep in the same bed. However, despite all this, they retain a certain stubbornness and do not always do what their owner expects.
Russian Blues are generally friendly animals that are ideal for households with children who are not too temperamental, and especially for seniors. The cats also generally get along well with other pets.
