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Russian blue

Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of cat russian blue!

Here, you will find all the useful information about russian blue. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.

Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.

Overall description of the breed

The Russian Blue cat is an elegant and enigmatic cat breed originating from Russia. Its history goes back many centuries, making it one of the oldest and most mysterious cat breeds in the world. Despite its obscure beginnings, the Russian Blue's ancestors were probably wild cats originating in the northern regions of Russia and the Arkhangelsk archipelago.

The Russian Blue is a medium to large cat with a slender, muscular body. Its head is wedge-shaped, with large emerald green eyes that seem to pierce the soul. Its coat is short, dense, silky and of a unique silvery blue-grey, which is the breed's most distinctive feature.

The character of the Russian Blue is often described as calm, intelligent and reserved. They are very affectionate towards their family, but can be a little wary of strangers. Despite its aristocratic appearance, the Russian Blue is a loving and loyal pet who enjoys spending time with its owners and participating in interactive games.

In terms of average weight, a Russian Blue cat typically weighs between 3.5kg (around 7.7lbs) and 5.5kg (around 12.1lbs). In terms of size, an adult Russian Blue cat generally measures between 25 cm and 30 cm (about 10 to 12 inches) in height to the withers.

The Russian Blue's founding breed club is the Russian Blue Breeders' Association (RBBA), founded in England in 1975. However, the breed is also recognised by other international cat organisations, including the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe) and the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA).

The Russian Blue standard was established in the 1930s, when the breed began to be shown at cat shows. Since then, the Russian Blue has grown in popularity and become one of the most popular cat breeds worldwide.

Thanks to its unique coat and endearing character, the Russian Blue continues to capture the hearts of cat lovers. Its elegance, intelligence and reserved personality make it an ideal choice for families looking for a quiet, loving companion. With its recognition by worldwide cat organisations, the Russian Blue has become a world-renowned cat breed, appreciated for its remarkable beauty and character.

Origins

The Russian Blue cat, with its elegant silver-blue fur and striking green eyes, originates from Russia. This magnificent feline is said to have sailed from Russian ports to England and Scandinavia on merchant ships in the 19th century. Its cold resistance and mysterious appearance quickly captivated cat enthusiasts.

History

First recognized in England as a distinct breed in the late 19th century, the Russian Blue has gained international popularity. It has particularly charmed with its unique fur and aristocratic behavior. Despite periods of decline, dedicated breeding efforts have preserved and enhanced the lineage of this breed, making it thrive once again.

Standard

The Russian Blue standard emphasizes a slender and muscular body, large and pointed ears, and a short head with a distinct muzzle. Its fur is short, dense, and of a silky texture, with a characteristic blue-gray color. The eyes are round and a bright green, enhancing its captivating expression.

Physical characteristics

The Russian Blue is remarkable for its double coat of blue-silver fur that seems to shimmer, its long graceful legs, and its agile gait. Its elegant bearing is complemented by a slender body and a fine head, evoking a natural nobility.

Character

The Russian Blue is a calm, reserved, and extremely loyal cat. It can be shy with strangers but is incredibly affectionate and devoted to its family. Intelligent and curious, it enjoys playing and exploring its environment, while appreciating moments of calm and relaxation.

Life expectancy

With proper care, a balanced diet, and exercise, the Russian Blue can live from 15 to 20 years. This longevity attests to its robustness and the need for a long-term commitment to its well-being on the part of its owners.

Exercise and activity needs

Although he enjoys the comfort of a quiet home, the Russian Blue needs regular physical and mental stimulation. Interactive toys, scratching posts, and perches provide excellent opportunities to keep him active and engaged.

Recommended diet

A high-quality diet, rich in proteins and suited to its specific nutritional needs, is essential for the Russian Blue. It is important to monitor portions to prevent overweight, especially for indoor cats.

Training and obedience

The Russian Blue, intelligent and receptive, can be easily taught to follow basic rules and to use a litter box. Its curious nature also makes it capable of learning tricks or responding to simple commands.

Behavior with children

The Russian Blue, with its gentle and patient nature, gets along well with respectful and calm children. However, due to its quiet disposition, it's best that interactions are supervised to ensure a serene environment for the cat.

Compatibility with Other Animals

The Russian Blue, with its calm temperament and sociable nature, generally integrates well into multi-animal households. It can coexist peacefully with other cats and even dogs, provided the latter respect its space. Introductions must be gradual and supervised to ensure a smooth transition and harmonious cohabitation.

Grooming needs

The Russian Blue has a short coat that greatly facilitates its maintenance. Weekly brushing is enough to remove dead hair and keep its fur silky. Although the Russian Blue is not known to be a heavy shedder, regular grooming will help maintain the shine of its distinctive coat.

Health

Overall, the Russian Blue is a robust breed with few specific health problems. However, like all cats, they can be susceptible to genetic conditions such as heart diseases. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet contribute to a long and healthy life.

Average price

The acquisition of a Russian Blue kitten can vary significantly, usually between 800 and 1500 euros, depending on the pedigree, adherence to breed standards, and the breeder. Kittens from award-winning lines or those intended for shows may cost more.

Expenses

In addition to the purchase cost, the annual expenses to maintain a Russian Blue, covering food, veterinary care, grooming, and insurance, can amount to about 1000 euros. The costs can increase depending on the specific health and well-being needs of each cat.

Name ideas

Elegant names such as Azure, Sapphire, Giselle, Orion, or Misty perfectly suit the grace and beauty of the Russian Blue. Names inspired by their silver-blue fur or their striking green eyes can also be a distinctive choice.

Legislation and regulation

There is no specific legislation or category classification regarding the Russian Blue cat breed. Owners are encouraged to follow local guidelines for pet care, including registration and vaccination.

Official recognition

The Russian Blue is officially recognized by many international feline organizations, including the International Feline Federation (FIFe) and The International Cat Association (TICA). This recognition validates the breed standards and ensures responsible breeding practices.

Pedigrees

Pedigrees, certifying the ancestry and purity of a Russian Blue's lineage, are available from reputable breeders and breed clubs affiliated with recognized feline organizations. These documents are essential for ensuring compliance with the breed's standards.

Destination and usage

The Russian Blue is primarily a companion cat, cherished for its affectionate nature, intelligence, and beauty. Its calm demeanor and elegance make it a prestigious addition to any family, providing companionship and serenity.

Prohibitions

There are no specific prohibitions related to the possession or breeding of the Russian Blue. However, owners must ensure that they meet the care, socialization, and exercise needs of these cats to maintain their well-being.

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