The Russian Blue Cat

The Russian Blue cat is an old natural breed common to the Russian town of Arkhangelski. Originally known as the "Archangel cat", they were brought to Europe in the mid 1800's and quickly became popular. In 1871 a Blue was exhibited in the first cat show ever held in the London Crystal Palace. The Russian Blue is one of the more easily recognized pure-bred cats with its lean, athletic form, exquisite face and startling green eyes. A refined, and somewhat reserved cat, they can be shy with strangers and are not the best travelers. They are fastidiously clean and like order to their lives. They can become nervous or depressed if dinner times are altered or litter boxes are not kept tidy. This is not the best choice for busy households with multiple pets and family members, but their grace and stunning beauty are unparelleled and for some folks no other cat will do.

 Cool Cat Facts...
Although the Russian Blue cats fur is quite short
it is incredibly plush and dense with more hairs per
square inch than any other breed.                                                                       

Is A Russian Blue Cat Right For You?

The Russian Blue cat is recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), the world's largest cat organization. It is a popular pure-bred or "pedigreed" domestic cat breed. This cat is always silver-blue in color with bright green eyes. The coat is unusually dense with a plush undercoat. Shedding may be high and moderate grooming is required to control it. These are lean, medium-sized cats that have few breed-related health issues. Because it is somewhat independent, the Russian Blue is a good choice for busy singles. They will adapt to a family situation and can do well with considerate children, but there may be better choices for households with bustling and changing dynamics. A classic and beautiful cat for cat lovers.

Russian Blue Cat Breed Standards

Head Shape: The head is delicately formed with high forehead, high cheekbones and full cheeks. The nose may appear to be slightly upturned, and the chin is small. Neck is long but does not appear so in repose, due, again, to thick fur. The ears are fairly large and tall, with furnishings, and sometimes small ear tufts. The base is wide and the set is high on the head.  The eyes are a wide, almond shape with a slight, oriental set. Wide set and never bulging. The eyes should be as vivid a green as possible, and eye color other than pure green is a serious fault. Kittens eyes will be darker, or yellowish, but green should be fairly evident by four months of age.
Body and Tail: The body is delicate and lean with long, fine-boned legs and round, delicate, tightly formed feet. The cat walks on the tips of its toes and is quite and graceful in movement. The tail should be straight and long with a thick base and fine taper. Not whip-like.
Coat: The coat should be short but with a thick, plush, full undercoat. Shiny, very soft, standing out from the body.
Pattern: The coat must be a clear, solid, grey-blue or silver-blue in color. No white markings, or obvious shading. Faint, tabby shadows are allowed on kittens. Color is critical for the impact of the cat, and a rich, almost lavender undertone is highly desirable.
Overall Appearance: This should be a lean, fine-boned cat of supreme elegance. Rich in color, exquisitely soft and satiny to the touch. Sometimes shy and easy to startle. Needs firm, gentle handling and a consistent environment.

Inside Cat or Outside Cat?

Wondering if you should allow your cat to go outside unsupervised? Well there are definitely some pure breeds that should never be outside cats. Hairless breeds like the Sphynx are extremely vulnerable and should always be supervised outdoors. Docile breeds like the Burmese may not be able to defend themselves. All cats allowed outdoors are exposed to diseases and parasites that they would not otherwise encounter. Fred Flintstone put his saber-tooth out every night, but the cat jumped right back in the window - and he was a saber-tooth! Still, most of us feel a little envy when we see our domestic companion out on some high perch, sniffing the breeze of liberty, and there is no doubt that cats love their freedom. So what do YOU think ....Inside Cat or Outside Cat? Comment Here...

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