History and Origin of Russian Blue Cats:
Russian Blue cats, also known as Russian Blue-eyed cats, originate from northern Russia, specifically the Archangel Islands. According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), Russian Blue-eyed cats are believed to be descendants of cats kept by Russian wolves in the mid-1860s.
As further explained by the CFA, Russian Blue cats first appeared to the public in 1875 when they were displayed at London’s Crystal Palace under the name “Archangel Cat.” The Crystal Palace was built under the leadership of Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, and was the venue for the Great Exhibition of the World in 1851. It was later used to showcase items of global interest to the people of London and the world. By the mid-19th century, “Cat Exhibitions” had become an annual event. By around 1912, Russian Blue cats had been classified and favored after being introduced to the United States in the early 1900s. This noble breed has truly won the hearts of pet lovers since World War II and has become popular worldwide since the 1960s.
Characteristics of Russian Blue Cats:Â
- Appearance:
Russian Blue cats, true to their name, have mesmerizing blue-green eyes. However, kittens are born with light blue eyes, which turn blue-green as they mature. Russian Blues have small heads with large, pointed ears, straight noses, and broad foreheads. Their ears form a triangular shape with their faces, often described as having a V-line face, a sign of purebred Russian Blue cats. - Size:
Russian Blue cats have an average body length of 40-45 cm, excluding the tail. They can reach a height of 30-35 cm and weigh between 3-5 kg, with males being slightly larger than females. - Lifespan:
Purebred Russian Blue cats typically have a lifespan of 15-20 years. However, many Russian Blue cats today are hybrids with American cats, potentially shortening their lifespan. - Color:
Purebred Russian Blue cats have thick, grey fur, which consists of two layers to withstand the cold Russian winters. Some hybrids may have blue-white or blue-brown spotted fur.
Personality of Russian Blue Cats:
Russian Blue cats are highly curious and enjoy peace and quiet. They are friendly, intelligent, and somewhat cautious when commanded or played with. They are wary of strangers unless they feel trusted and safe. Historically, Russian Blue cats were trained for hunting and chasing prey. Kittens are very energetic and need playmates to prevent mischievous behavior due to boredom. They are agile climbers with excellent memory, often retrieving their favorite toys and seeking their owner’s participation. Overall, Russian Blue cats are intelligent, gentle, and make wonderful pets.
How to Care for Russian Blue Cats:
- Coat Care:
Russian Blue cats have thick, warm fur, making them resistant to the cold. Regular grooming is essential to prevent shedding and keep their coat shiny. - Body Hygiene:
Regular bathing is necessary to keep Russian Blue cats clean and healthy. Clean their ears and eyes with a damp cloth to prevent infections. - Living Space:
Provide a spacious living area with plenty of cat toys. Russian Blue cats can become restless and destructive if not entertained or if they feel bored.
Food for Russian Blue Cats:
Russian Blue cats are easy to feed. They can eat what you eat, but it’s essential to balance their diet with dry cat food and other foods like meat, fish, pate, vegetables, and rice to ensure they get enough protein and fiber. Be careful not to overfeed them, as they can easily become obese, which can significantly impact their health and lifespan.
Price of Russian Blue Cats:Â
Despite being beautiful and desirable, Russian Blue cats are not well-suited to the climate in Vietnam due to their adaptation to cold Russian weather. Thus, they are not as commonly kept as pets. However, their price is not lower than other breeds.
- Purebred Russian Blue cats imported from Europe: These cats are quite expensive, costing between 1000-2000 USD per cat. You can be assured of their quality, purebred status, and complete health and origin documentation.
- Domestically bred Russian Blue hybrids: These cats are cheaper, ranging from 800 – 1000 USD per cat. However, they may not come with complete documentation or proof of parentage, so consider this when purchasing a hybrid cat.
