Discover everything about the Russian Blue cat breed - from their stunning silver blue coat and emerald green eyes to their intelligent, gentle personality. Learn why Russian Blue cats make perfect companions for Texas families, their hypoallergenic qualities, temperament, care needs, and what makes this elegant breed so special. Expert insights from Silvermist Russian Blue cattery.
Looking for a breed known as much for its brains as for its beauty? You may very well be looking for a Russian Blue. One of the cleverest of all cat breeds, these elegant silvery-grey shorthairs have emerald-green eyes that positively radiate with intelligence and charming faces that appear to be smiling at some secret joke. Easy to care for, easy to live with, Russians don't need a lot of space to feel content, and while they may appear shy at first acquaintance, they quickly blossom into friendly, affectionate companions once they get to know you. View our available Russian Blue kittens or learn about our adoption process.
Believed to have originated in the Archangel Isles in northern Russia, these cats have very little written history prior to the late 1800s. Russian folklore abounds with stories of these cats as good-luck charms and healing influencers, while other stories indicate they were the beloved pets of Russian royalty, not to mention two English queens. Thought to have been brought to England by sailors, Russians participated in the early English cat shows, but at the time they were called Archangel Cats and competed with all the other solid blue cats. From the early 20th century until World War II, Scandinavian breeders took the lead in developing the breed. After the war ended, U.S. breeders began importing cats from Europe and gradually combined the English and Scandinavian bloodlines to produce the Russian Blue we know today.
Few other breeds can match the Russian Blue for sheer intelligence, and when it comes to mechanical aptitude, they are at the top of the list. Every closed cabinet, every shut drawer, even sealed canisters or jars represent a tempting challenge to a Russian Blue; owners should never be surprised to find an unexpectedly open door, drawer or jar. It's wise to divert their attention with intellectually-stimulating puzzle toys as well as interactive games. However, they are also loving companions who will seek out a spot on your lap or even ride through the house on your shoulder.
Best suited to quieter environments, many Russians do thrive in noisier households and make friends with other animals. It is typical for a Russian to hide under the sofa when a guest enters the house, but soon its natural curiosity will take over and it will come out to investigate the newcomer. Very sensitive to their owners' moods, Russians will clown around in an attempt to cheer you up or offer gentle purrs and head butts to a crying child. They are good pets for older children, who will let the cat take its time feeling comfortable around them. Learn more about our cattery and our commitment to raising well-socialized kittens.
The luxuriously dense, plush coat of a Russian usually catches your eye first, especially if it is sparkling in the sunlight. The silver tips appear to glisten when the light hits them. Run your fingers through the coat and you'll see that they leave little "footprints" behind. The intensity of the green eye color usually deepens with age. Other features include a medium-long, graceful body, a modified wedge-shaped head with a two-plane profile, and large ears, broad at the base and set far apart. These are medium-sized cats, with males rarely exceeding 10 pounds and females ranging from 5 to 8 pounds.
Russian Blues are clean cats who require very little in the way of grooming. Combing two or three times a month will help keep shedding under control and aside from that, you need only keep the claws trimmed and the eyes and ears clean. Occasionally, a coat may become oily or greasy and benefit from a bath; in this case, consult your breeder for product recommendations as every coat is slightly different.