The Russian Blue cat ’s origins are left to stories and legends. A distinctive plush double coat sets this breed apart as distinctive. Once called the “Archangel Cat” or “Foreign Blue” they came by way of England in the 1860s and have ties to royalty not only those from Russia but as a pet of Queen Victoria. The English first showed the Archangel Cat in 1875 but it wasn’t until 1912 that they earned a class of their own.

The breed is thought to have come to the USA in early 1900s but it was only after World War II they drew an American following. The English had developed a cat with a plush blue coat and the European breeders favored green eyes and a more flattened profile.

This is a gentle, friendly cat that loves attention. They give the visual appearance of a blue cat with each hair silver dipped before attaching to the cat. Unlike some breeds with a variety of colors the Russian Blue cat is always blue with short hair and green eyes. They are fine boned and long bodied. The distinct color and coat stands out as does their normally affectionate nature. They are normally quiet, somewhat shy cats but with those they know and trust are very devoted and affectionate.

They are also intelligent cats! These are the cats that learn to open doors and sense the mood of their owners. They normally get along well with other pets and children and their undemanding nature fits well in many modern homes. They are low maintenance from a grooming standpoint but often enjoy being brushed because it means being with their owner. They are quite willing to entertain themselves also!

This is a medium sized cat and as their coat is their distinctive characteristic it is little surprise it scores heavily in show standards. Twenty points are given to coat, color, body and head and neck equally, with ten points to eye color and five each to eye shape and ears. The show cat should be in good physical condition with firm muscle tone and an alert demeanor. The body is fine boned and long with a graceful appearance that has balance. The coat should be short, fine, dense and plush and a distinct soft, silky feel due to a double coat.

Disqualifications include abnormal tail, incorrect number of toes, long hair or any color other than blue.

Although extra toes can be a disqualification for a Russian Blue cat in shows it doesn’t disqualify a cat from being a great pet. Don’t overlook a wonderful cat due to being unshowable if you are seeking a pet.

The Russian Blue cat is a cat that can often be reserved. Some will love everyone, but more typically a Russian Blue chooses you, often hiding to observe for a while. Sitting quietly and offering a toy, as if ignoring the cat, can tempt this lovely animal from hiding and offer a friendship.

They are less likely to adapt well to changes than some other breeds. They are long lived and enjoy order and quiet. They can be loners of the cat world – less happy in larger numbers. Those wishing to show must push the socialization card which is a delicate balance for a breed that is naturally reserved.