Russian Blue, Russian Blue cat

Russian Blue history:
The history of the Russian Blue is shrouded in mystery. Some believe the breed originated on the Archangel Isles in Northern Russia, and was brought to Europe by sailors in the 1800s. Legend states that the Russian Blue is a descendant of the royal cats owned by the Russian Czars. Originally called the Archangel Cat, the Russian Blue was first show in 1875 in England. It was first shown in its own class in 1912. In the early 1900s, the breed was imported into the United States. The Russian Blue was nearly lost during World War II as breeding came to a near stop. An attempt to save the breed started in the 1940s as breeders from different countries used other breeds to boost the waning gene pool. In the 1960s, a group of British breeders united to restore the Russian Blue to its original appearance, and worked to breed out the characteristics that resulted from these cross breedings. The breed was eventually recognized in the U.S. by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), The International Cat Association (TICA) and the American Cat Fancier’s Association (AFCA).

Russian Blue cat temperament
Russian Blues have a tendency to be shy and flighty. However, they still form strong bonds with their owners. These cats generally get along well with both children and other pets.

Russian Blue cat pictures

Russian Blue Appearance

The Russian Blue has a medium-size, slender, elongated, and well-muscled body. The legs are long and slender with round paws. The tail is long, thin, and tapering. The head is wedge-shaped and of medium size. In Britain, the head is rounder than in America. The eyes are large, almond-shaped, and green. The nose is medium length and the ears are large, wide-set, and moderately pointed. The Russian Blue's weight ranges from 7 to 12 pounds, though it is slightly heavier in Britain. They live to be approximately 13 to 15 years old.
Obviously, this breed is known for its blue coat, which can range from light to dark gray with a silvery sheen. However, White, Black, and Red variations are accepted in some countries. They are referred to as Russian Whites, Russian Blacks, and Russian Reds. The coat is short and dense, due to the double coat, consisting of an outer coat of strong guard hairs and an inner coat of water-resistant down hairs.
This breed can be playful or lack the need for activity. However, if it becomes overweight, it should be encouraged to play and exercise.