Russian Blue

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense, plush double coat

A fine-boned, graceful cat with a long, lithe but muscular body, long legs and small oval paws. The short double coat is so thick and fine that it stands out from the body, and you can trace patterns in it with a fingertip. Silver tips on the guard hairs give the even blue colour a soft shimmer. The head is a wedge shape with wide-set, large ears and vivid green eyes; the slightly upturned mouth gives many cats a gentle 'smile'. Paw pads are lavender-pink and the nose is slate grey.12465

Personality what they are like

A thoughtful, gentle cat that can be cautious with strangers but becomes a warm, devoted companion with its own family, often bonding most closely with one person. Russian Blues are bright problem-solvers that may work out how to open cupboards, and they tend to read their owners' moods well. They enjoy play and company but also value quiet time and a predictable routine.12635

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate. These smart, agile cats need daily play and mental challenges such as puzzle feeders, fetch games and chances to climb to high perches.265

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Light. The cat keeps itself very clean; a comb or brush through the coat every week or two is enough, with occasional nail trims, ear checks and tooth care.1265

Home where they are happiest

Adapts well to indoor life and generally prefers a calm household. Provide climbing spaces and high resting places. If it goes outside, a secure garden or enclosure is advised.4251

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete, balanced cat food fed at set mealtimes in measured amounts, since the breed loves its food. Fresh water should always be available.62

Company who they like around

Bonds closely with its household and usually gets along with children and other pets, though it may be reserved with visitors. Suits homes with older children and adults; it copes with being on its own during the day if its needs are met.256

The story where it all began

The Russian Blue is thought to be a natural breed from northern Russia, around the Archangel Isles and the port of Arkhangelsk, and sailors are said to have carried these cats to Britain and northern Europe in the mid-1800s. The breed was first mentioned in British print in 1862 and was shown at the Crystal Palace in London in 1875 under the name Archangel Cat. For years it competed against other blue shorthairs, until it was given a class of its own in 1912. Breeders in Britain and Scandinavia built up the breed in the early 1900s, but numbers fell sharply during the Second World War, and after the war some breeders used outcrosses, including Siamese, to rebuild it. In the United States breeders later combined British and Scandinavian lines to shape the modern type. In Britain, black and white varieties were developed after the war, with the first Russian White registered in 1968; the GCCF accepts these colours, while CFA and TICA show blue only.34126

Recognised by the official bits

CFA

Recognised in blue only1

TICA

Fully recognised; blue is the only accepted colour2

GCCF

Registered as 'Russian', Section 4 (Foreign), Group 1; blue, black and white accepted4

FIFe

Fully recognised, Category 4, EMS code RUS7