Introducing the Russian Blue Cat Breed

The Russian Blue cat is a strikingly beautiful cat with a loving personality and rich heritage. Hypoallergenic and very easy to get along with, the Russian Blue is a popular breed of cat world-wide, and constantly steals the hearts of all he meets.

Russian Blue Cat History

The healthy easy to care for Russian Blue is an elegant cat. It's origination is the northerly regions of Russia and Scandinavia. Different names have been given to this cat; Archangel cat, Foreign Blue, Spanish and Maltese cats. The only name that really stayed with these cat was the Maltese and it held until the early l900's. In 1875 a Russian Blue was shown in a class for all blue cats. In 1912 the cat was separated into a class of its own. After world War II American breeders started crossing the British cats with some Scandinavian strains of cats.

The Russian Blue is a naturally occurring breed that originated in the port of Arkhangelsk, Russia. They are also sometimes called Archangel Blues. It is believed that the first Russian Blues were brought from the Archangel Isles to England and Northern Europe in the 1860s by sailors. The first recorded showing of the breed was in 1875 at the Crystal Palace in England as the Archangel Cat. The Russian Blue competed in a class including all other blue cats, until 1912, when it was given its own class.

The breed was developed mainly in England and Scandinavia until after World War II. During and following World War II, due to a lack of numbers of Russian Blues, some people started cross breeding it with the Siamese. Although the breed was in America before the war, it was not until after World War II that American Breeders created what is known as the modern Russian Blue that is seen in the US today. This was done by combining the bloodlines of both the Scandinavian and English Russian Blues. The Siamese traits have now been largely bred out.

Although they have been used on a limited basis to create other breeds (such as the Havana Brown) or add type to a breed in creation (the Nebelung), Russian Blues themselves are short-haired, blue-grey cats.

During the early 1970s, a solid white Russian Blue (called the Russian White) was created by the Australian breeder, Mavis Jones, through the crossing of a Russian Blue with a domestic white cat. By the late 1970s, the Russian White and Russian Black colors were accepted by cat fanciers in Australia as Russian cats (in different classes). However, in North America, the Cat Fanciers Association, does not recognize either variations of the Russian Blue; only The International Cat Association recognizes the Russian Whites and Russian Blacks and only in the provisional classes.

Source: Wikipedia

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Russian Blue Cat Grooming

Russian Blue grooming is a breeze. This breed sheds minimally, so requires just a weekly brushing to keep it's short, grey/blue coat soft, shiny and free of dead hairs.

You'll also want to trim your kitty's claws frequently to prevent accidental scratching or kitty getting nails caught in carpets, draperies and furniture.

Most veterinarians now recommend brushing your cat's teeth. This can be accomplished by starting from a young age and using a pet dental care kit available from pet stores and online.

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Russian Blue Cat Health

The Russian Blue is a healthy, long lived cat with few, if any health problems. However, like all cats Russian Blues are susceptible to communicable feline diseases such as Feline Leukemia, Distemper, and Feline AIDS.

For this reason it is essential that your cat be tested and vaccinated against these diseases, and be kept indoors to prevent him or her coming in contact with other cats, who may have and spread these often fatal diseases.

If you are purchasing a Russian Blue kitten, be sure to choose your breeder wisely, and NEVER purchase a Russian Blue kitten from a pet store or newspaper ad (unless the ad is placed by a reputable, responsible breeder).

A responsible breeder will run a closed cattery where all the cats in her breeding program have been tested and cleared of all feline diseases. Responsible breeders breed their Russian Blues out of love for the breed, pairing only the best with the best in an ongoing effort to product kittens that exemplify the Russian Blue breed standard, and which are exceptionally healthy and of good, sound temperament and personality.

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Russian Blue Cat Personality Temperament

The Russian Blue is a cat that was born to be cuddled. This demure, unassuming cat breed is quiet, shy and very affectionate, developing a strong attachment to family members. If you're looking for a loving lap cat - look no further, as the Russian Blue has it all. Good looks, good manners, and a strong appreciation for those who feed him, the Russian Blue could well be the ultimate cat lovers cat.

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Quick Russian Blue Cat Facts

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Russian Blue Cat FAQ

Do Russian Blue Cats Shed ?

Yes, but minimally. A good weekly brushing will keep shedding to a minimum.

Are Russian Blue Cats Hypoallergenic ?

Yes! The Russian Blue is one of the best choices for cat lovers with allergies. Although no cat breed can be considered "allergy-free", there are a number of breeds that are "hypoallergenic", which means that they tend to produce less of a glycoprotein called Fel d 1, that has been shown to cause allergies.

If you have cat allergies, you may very well be able to enjoy the company of a Russian Blue. It's still important to vacuum regularly to keep any dander and allergies at bay, and follow a regular cat grooming regimen. Additionally, it's a good idea to ban kitty from the bedroom. There are no guarantees, but it's a great idea to find a reputable Russian Blue cat breeder in your area, and spend a day in the company of her cats and kittens. How your allergies respond will likely dictate the success or failure of allergy-free Russian Blue ownership.

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Russian Blue Cat Breed Pictures

A picture is worth a thousand words, and our growing gallery of Russian Blue cat pictures and kitten photos is well worth a peek! We showcase photos of Russian Blue cats and kittens from reputable Russian Blue breeders who are members of Cats and Kittens Central, as well as images sent to us by our visitors. Feel free to purr-uze our Russian Blue pictures gallery by clicking here!

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Russian Blue Photographic Poster  
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Russian Blue Cat Appearance

The Russian Blue has a long, muscular body with fine bones. It's legs are long and slender with fine bones. He has a double coat that is short, thick and luxurious. No other cat has a coat like the Russian Blue. The shape of the fingers will hold in the Russian Blue's coat and they are run through it. He should be hand groomed daily.

The Russian Blue is seen in only one variety, blue. It is preferred that they be in the lighter shades of blue with no other markings. The silver tipping gives him a beautiful, silvery shine. This is a tame and loving cat who is loyal to his family. He is playful, gets along well with children, and other pets. He is quite smart, will fetch and even open doors.

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Is the Russian Blue Cat or Kitten the Right Choice for You?

Don't be fooled by Hollywood's depiction of the devious, dangerous Russian Blue! This cat breed is a real pussycat! You'll be enchanted by the Russian Blue's silky, shiny, steel-blue/grey coat, mesmerized by the luminous, light green eyes and charmed by this breed's exceptionally laid back and loving personality.

Whether you are a family with children and other pets, a single looking for some cat companionship, or an older couple seeking to fill your empty nest, the Russian Blue is one cat breed that is sure to steal your heart.

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