Russian Blue
The Russian Blue is an elegant, silver-blue, green-eyed cat with a refined manner and a famously soft "smile." Originating in the cold port city of Arkhangelsk in northwestern Russia, the breed combines a uniquely dense double coat with a gentle, reserved temperament that makes it one of the most quietly devoted of the pedigreed breeds.
Overview
The Russian Blue is an elegant, silver-blue, green-eyed cat with a refined manner and a famously soft "smile." Originating in the cold port city of Arkhangelsk in northwestern Russia, the breed combines a uniquely dense double coat with a gentle, reserved temperament that makes it one of the most quietly devoted of the pedigreed breeds. The Russian Blue is also one of the lower-allergen cats - many allergy sufferers tolerate the breed better than others.
History & Origins
The breed's origins are in Arkhangelsk, a port city in northwestern Russia near the Arctic Circle. Sailors are believed to have brought the cats to Britain in the 1860s. The breed was originally called the "Archangel Cat" before adopting the modern name.
World War II devastated the breed in Britain. Surviving cats were crossed with Siamese (for type) and British Shorthairs (for substance) to rebuild. The CFA recognised the modern Russian Blue in 1949. Outcrossing continues at a low level to maintain genetic diversity.
Appearance
Medium-sized, slender, elegant. Adults weigh 3-5 kg (7-11 lb).
Key features:
- Coat: short, dense, plush, with a distinctive silvery sheen. The coat stands away from the body - owners can run their fingers through it and the impression remains briefly. Truly double-layered.
- Colour: solid blue (a slate-grey colour) only. Silver tips on the guard hairs produce the trademark sheen.
- Eyes: brilliant emerald green (kittens are born yellow; adult eye colour develops by 4 months).
- Head: seven flat planes in show standard - a uniquely angular skull.
- Body: slender, fine-boned, muscular.
- Tail: medium-long, tapering.
The famous "Russian smile" comes from the slight upturn at the mouth corners.
Temperament & Character
Gentle, reserved, intelligent, affectionate. The Russian Blue bonds strongly with family - often with one or two primary people - and is famously shy with strangers. The breed will retreat when guests arrive and re-emerge when the household returns to normal.
Within the family Russian Blues are demonstratively affectionate but quiet - soft voices, gentle requests, light play. The breed is intelligent and can learn fetch, sit, and simple tricks.
The Russian Blue is independent. Most tolerate alone-time well, making the breed suitable for working households.
Care
Coat & Grooming
The dense double coat is moderate-maintenance: brush 1-2 times weekly. Sheds modestly, more during seasonal coat changes.
Clean ears monthly. Trim claws every 2 weeks. Brush teeth several times weekly.
Exercise & Enrichment
Moderate. Daily play sessions, accessible perches, puzzle feeders. The breed is less active than Abyssinians or Bengals but enjoys interactive engagement.
Health & Lifespan
Average lifespan is 15-20 years - among the longest of any breed.
The Russian Blue is one of the healthiest pedigreed cats. Common concerns:
- Bladder stones - slightly elevated rates.
- Dental disease.
- Obesity.
The breed has no major breed-specific genetic diseases.
Feeding & Nutrition
50-70 g per day. Measured meals; the breed gains weight easily.
Living With
Litter, multi-cat, indoor
Standard provisions. Excellent with other cats when properly introduced. Indoor-only is safest.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Healthiest of the pedigreed breeds.
- Long-lived (often 17-20 years).
- Quiet, gentle, devoted.
- Often tolerated by allergy sufferers.
- Adaptable to working households.
Cons
- Shy with strangers; may hide from guests.
- Conservative - dislikes household changes.
- Not particularly playful or interactive.
Best Suited For
- Quiet households.
- Working singles or couples.
- Allergy-sensitive owners (with caution).
- First-time cat owners willing to accept a reserved cat.
Not suited for households with constant visitors, owners wanting an outgoing cat, or homes with chaotic schedules.
Russian Blue - frequently asked questions
Are Russian Blues hypoallergenic?
Not fully, but the breed produces lower levels of Fel d 1 protein than most. Many allergy sufferers tolerate Russian Blues better than other breeds.
Are they good with kids?
With respectful older children, yes. The breed's shyness makes households with toddlers or constant visitors difficult.
Do they shed?
Moderately. The dense coat produces visible loose hair, especially during seasonal coat changes.
Why are they so shy?
Breed-typical - Russian Blues are sensitive and prefer routine. Most warm up within a few visits to a regular guest.
How long do they live?
Often 17-20 years. Among the longest-lived pedigreed cats.
🧠 Test yourself: guess the cat
Three clues from our quiz bank, each about another of our cats. Can you name them?
Clue 1.Named for the snowy patches on its paws, this blue-eyed pointed cat is known for an affectionate, dog-like attachment to owners.
It's the Snowshoe - read the full profile →
Clue 2.This patient, cuddly cat's randomly curled fur comes from a dominant gene, unlike the recessive Rex breeds.
It's the Selkirk Rex - read the full profile →
Clue 3.One of the oldest cat breeds, named for the region of its origin, this placid feline sports a luxuriant flowing coat.
It's the Persian - read the full profile →