If you have been shying away from cats for the allergies they cause, the Russian Blue may change your game forever. One of the first things brought up when someone mentions Russian Blues is that they are hypoallergenic. You can tell your cat is a Russian Blue by their vivid green eyes and pinkish paws.
Tom from Tom & Jerry is speculated to be a Russian Blue for his bright green eyes and blue-gray hue. Overall, Russian Blues are loved by many all over the world for their unique physical and personal traits.
Overview
Russian Blues are also known as the Archangel Blue. They are part of a bigger breed that encompasses the British Blue, the Chartreux and the Korat.
Russian Blues are distinctively known for their emerald green eyes and pinkish paws.They are generally slender cats with a triangle-shaped head, unlike other blue cats that have a rounder face. The face is fine-boned with large ears, a broad forehead and straight nose giving them a regal appearance. Russian blues, in common with the Chartreux, are known for their natural smile.
Hypoallergenic
Russian Blues are hypoallergenic. They produce lower amounts of the glycoprotein Fel d 1, a protein in cat saliva and skin that is responsible for some of the people's itching and wheezing. Still, hypoallergenic Russian Blues aren’t completely allergen-free. It’s the reduced production of one of these glycoproteins, along with other allergens they produce, that isn’t enough to produce an allergic reaction to a noticeable level in most people. However, if you have cat allergies and are considering adopting a Russian Blue, it is definitely a good idea to check first that the cat won’t cause you any allergies.
Physical Appearance
Russian Blues are short-haired with a dense plush coat. Their coat is double-layered and doesn’t shed much unlike other breeds of cats. Their undercoat is soft, while the outer layer is even-colored (unlike other domestic blue cats) with shimmery silver tips. Despite being slender cats, Russian blues have a muscular medium-sized body with long legs that allow them to run at high speeds.Their thick fur often hides their build giving the impression they have a smaller frame.
If you are considering adopting one and are skeptical as to whether your cat is truly a Russian Blue, one of the things to look into is the tail. If the tail is kinked, that disqualifies your cat. A non-blue or long coat is a major disqualifier as well. If the paw pads are of a different color other than mauve (grey for example), then your cat is probably not a Russian Blue.
Russian Blue cats grow to be approximately 10 inches tall. On average, males weigh 10-12 pounds, while females weigh 7-10 pounds.
Temperament
The Russian Blue Cat is a friendly, loyal cat that forms a bond with his owner. They may be shy at first and need some time to adapt, but once they are used to you, they will follow you around. While they have a tendency to attach to one owner in particular, they are affectionate and considerate of the whole family members. They can easily get along with other pets and children as well.
Russian Blue cats are social and will need your attention when you are around. They enjoy playing with family members, but can enjoy alone time as well when you are not home. They don’t mind much if you are away, but be prepared for lots of playtime when you are home. They are quiet and reserved around people they are not used to and might hide during large gatherings, but are friendly and playful once they feel comfortable.
Russian Blues are Smart and Playful
Russian Blues are intelligent, curious and require continuous stimulation. They love to run around the house and enjoy playing fetch, maybe more than any other cat breed. They like to mess with interactive cat toys as well.
Russian Blues Like Routine
The Russian Blue is not your typical cat. They like to stick to routine and are not fans of change or deviations. They like to wake up at the same time, play at the same time, be fed at the same time, so if you don't have a set routine, this is not the cat for you.
Grooming
Russian Blues like to be clean all the time. They have strict cleaning rituals for themselves in addition to the extra grooming their owners provide which means lower effort on your part for their grooming needs. Their thick coat should be brushed or combed twice a week to remove extra hair and distribute their oils. It’s always a good idea to increase brushing/combing during the shedding seasons (typically in Fall and Spring).
Russian Blues don’t like a dirty litter box. Their litter box need to be clean for them to use it. If not, they won’t hesitate to use a cleaner place to relieve themselves. Yikes!
Russian Blues should have their teeth brushed a couple of times a week with a cat toothpaste and brush and their nails need to be trimmed when needed.
Health
Russian Blue cats are known to be healthy. They have a slight predisposition to bladder stones and urinary tract issues. They are known to love food and have a tendency to be obese. Therefore, it may be a good idea to offer portion-controlled meals for your cat.
If well cared for, Russian Blues can live up to 20 years, maybe even longer.
