The Russian Blue Cat

Almost nothing is known about the Russian Blue breed, but there are many stories and legends about it. One thing that many people have the tendency to believe when it comes to this cat, is that it comes from the Archangel Isles that can be found in Northern Russia…no real proof of that though. There is a legend saying that the Russian Blue is a cat that was trapped for its beautiful gray coat, people have even been known to compare it to that of a seal or beaver. At least they didn’t eat it ... as they did in other countries. Also known as the Archangel Cat or the Foreign Blue, people believe that the Russian Blue is a cat that was brought over from the Archangel Isles by sailors to England and Northern Europe…another legend says that this cat comes from a direct line leading all the way back to the Royal Cat of the Russian Kings.

This cat first started showing up at shows in 1875 in England, it was known as the Archangel Cat back then and it could only be shown in classes that were for only blue cats, the poor thing had to wait until 1912 to get a class of its own. Although numerous breeders had been working with the Russian Blue for many years, it is the Americans that get the credit for coming up with the cat that we know and love today; it was them that came up with the thick blue coats and the bright green eyes. Since the 1960’s the Russian Blue has been steadily gaining popularity and today you can find him as a favorite both in the show room and in the home.

The temperament of this cat is one of gentleness and affection, something that sets it apart from many other breeds. One of the trade marks of the breed is the fact that this cat has a beautiful thick coat of blue hair with each individual hair tipped in silver, this gives the cat a silvery silk look and when you pair it with green eyes, you have a combination that is hard to beat!

By the way, the Russian Blue can only be found in one color…blue. As mentioned earlier, the Russian Blue cat has these big round eyes that are of a deep emerald green, with a head that has been described as being cobra-like and big pointy ears, the Russian Blue is a cat that you will not forget too soon if you ever have the honor of meeting one. The body is clean cut and graceful, given that aristocratic appearance of the animal it just might have come form the czar’s cats in Russia.

If you like the way a Russian Blue looks, you will like even more the way a Russian Blue acts, this cat is known for his quite affectionate nature, these are playful cats that are a little bit shy, but very loving…they are clean and easy to take care of, and very smart, they will immediately pick up on your moods and react accordingly, they have even been known to open doors. They also get along nicely with the other pets in the house, how good can it get?

The only grooming that these cats need is the occasional nail trimming, and their coat can be kept in good shape by brushing it every now and then…the cats greatly enjoy to be brushed, so indulge them! These are not destructive cats and you will not find your house in shambles if you leave them alone for a long day at work.

The Russian Blue is not just another gray cat and anyone who takes a good look at it will soon realize that fact, the Russian Blue is unique with a look that only they can have, it is said that they even have a smile on their face many times…smiling at some hidden pleasure. This is a cat that is an interesting companion for anybody that is willing to take it home. When looking for a kitten, look for a good breeder that can offer you some type of health guaranties on the cat and the parents.