The Russian Blue is a natural breed thought to have originated in northern Russia. An old name for the cat is the Archangel Cat, because it is thought to have come from the port city of Archangelsk. Much of the breed's early history is not known. The first Russian Blues were imported to England in 1890. World War II nearly ended this breed's existence, like so many other breeds in England, and Siamese had to be used to broaden the gene pool. As a result, it took years of careful breeding to restore the Russian Blue's plush coat. The first Russian Blue appeared in the stud books of CFA in 1949, from cats who had been imported to the United States in 1947, but no Russian Blue achieved a Grand Champion title until fifteen years later.

These cats have a fine body structure, narrow skull, V-shaped muzzle. The head is sometimes described as cobra-like which aptly describes the broad, medium wedge and flat profiles. The legs are long and the feet are small and neat and the cat walks as if on tip toes. The tail is long and tapering. The eyes are green, almond shaped. The ears are large and slightly pointed. One of the most outstanding features of the Russian Blue is a short, dense coat of an even, bright blue color with each hair dipped in silver.

"Look him in the eyes. Blues have wide-set green eyes. The ears are also wide-set and tend to lean outward. These cats have slightly flattened faces."

"Russian Blues are highly intelligent cats. They have been known to teach their owners to fetch and have not met a door they can't open"

Russian Blue cats are quiet and sensitive. But despite their shy nature, Russians are devoted and quite affectionate towards their loved ones. However, they may be cautious of strangers and take time to develop a friendship with humans but it is often worthwhile as Russian Blues can become devoted pets. They are very intelligent and have been reported to open doors and teach their owners to fetch. They love human attention and can appear to be quite hurt when rejected. Russian Blues are quite content to be house cats as long as they have the company of their human friends.

They are clean and shed very little. They love to play with small toys around the house, and they enjoy jumping and climbing, but, unlike some other playful breeds, Russians are rarely destructive. Because they are intelligent, they can train their people to perform simple tasks such as throwing toys so that the Russians can retrieve them. They are agile, light-footed cats that may seem to fly around the house with the grace of a dancer.

Russian Blues easily bond with their people and are loyal to those who love them, frequently following them from room to room to be near them. Russians show their affection in a variety of ways. Some enjoy leaping onto the shoulder of their person and riding there. Other Russians are eager to butt heads with their person. These sensitive cats seem genuinely hurt when they come to their people to show affection and are put aside.

Because the basic temperament of Russian Blues ranges from slightly reserved to quietly shy, they may be cautious or nervous around strangers. Russians prefer to take their time to investigate new people. In addition, although they are basically gentle cats, neglected or stressed Russians may become fearful and temperamental.

They love attention and it doesn't take too long for them to become a valued family member. Many of our kittens have learned to fetch, mousies, balls and strings of beads. Our girls like the plastic pearl strings and carry them all over the house. They are not destructive cats, and never chew up their beads. Besides girls love jewelry.

They really enjoy it when they can get their humans to throw their toys for them over and over. They love to jump and will enjoy sitting up on high areas and look down at the world. Russian Blues love to show their humans affection. They give head-butts, nose kisses, face pats and full-body rubs. When settled in to watch TV, they will crawl into a lap and cuddle, purr and eventually fall fast asleep.

They love to be invited to sleep in the bed at night too, so they can purr you to sleep. They are a rare treasure. And, they are so willing to give love and be loved. It is hard for us to imagine our life without them in it.

A Russian Blue is a good choice for the modern home because their undemanding nature fits perfectly into today's busy schedules. They will entertain themselves if left alone for the day and be a contented companion upon your return. The Russian requires a minimum of grooming with periodic nail clipping and a coat that can be kept looking good by frequent petting and an occasional combing. Many Russians seem to enjoy being combed or brushed as it allows them additional time with their owners.

While the Russian Blue may at first glance look like any other grey cat, a more careful look will show them to have a special appearance that is all their own. They have been said to look as if they are smiling and that the reason for that smile is known only to themselves. But beyond appearances, the real pleasure of the Russian Blue is its unique personality which sets it apart from other cats and makes it an interesting, entertaining and affectionate companion to its owners and friends

The cats of this breed are generally healthy and they are capable of living into their late teens. They don+ACY-rsquo;t have any health problems specific to the breed but from the age of about eight it is wise to have an annual health check including teeth cleaning and blood tests for liver and kidney function. Like most shorthair breeds the Russian Blue does not require much grooming to keep the coat healthy but they do love attention and brushing with a soft brush will be enjoyed.

Life expectancy: over 15 years
Kitten price: +ACQ-350.00 - +ACQ-800.00

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