Russian Blue Cat, character, prices and characteristics
The Russian Blue is a calm and idle cat, affectionate and suitable for being quiet at home
Origins
The Russian Blue cat has unclear origins, we know that the first specimens appeared around 1860 in England, arriving there via a merchant ship that had called at the Russian port of Archangel (on the White Sea).
In reality, Russian blues are mentioned in several ancient tales as privileged companions for the tsars, bred in the royal palaces of San Petroburgo at the court of Petro I. For this reason they are sometimes called “Russian cats”.
But these Russian cats then spread throughout England. In 1900 they were also widespread in America.
The Russian origin is probable but not certain, given the presence in that country of cats resembling the Russian Blue, which was also called in various ways over time: from Spanish Blue to Maltese to Archangel Blue.
Initially judged in the Expos together with the more imposing and stronger British Blue, in 1912 the two breeds were separated and the standard for the Russian Blue was adopted. A cat less present in homes, it risked extinction after the Second World War, but was saved above all thanks to the English Mary Rochford and the few surviving Russian Blues were mated with Chartreux, British Blue and Siamese Blue point, to enrich their genetic background .
In 1967 the first Russian Blue Club was founded in England, and later the breed was recognized by feline associations. It is currently one of the best known and loved breeds, and one of the most widespread in Japan.
Appearance And Features
The Russian Blue cat is similar to the Chartreux, but slimmer than the latter. It may seem robust due to its thick fur, but in reality its bone is fine and its body is long-limbed.
It has a medium length muzzle, short and wedge-shaped head, ears that are wide open at the base and narrow at the tip, large and well spaced eyes that are oval in shape and intense green.
The coat is fine and silky, of a very particular colour. It is in fact of an intense blue, uniform to be exposed, preferably clear.
What distinguishes it from the Carthusian, as far as the hair is concerned, is the silver reflection present on the tip of each hair, which gives it a particular shine.
The thing that arouses more hilarity among the breeders of this breed is that the Russian blue cat is often called Prussian Blue, confused precisely with the name of the famous color … Sometimes it is called Persian Blue, or it is called “blue Carthusian of Russia” which generates great confusion, given that Chartreux and Russian Blue are two different breeds. In reality it can also be called Russian Blu, in the English sense of its name
Character Of The Russian Blue
He’s a calm cat, who feels good at home, but he’s also an excellent hunter and is curious. It is a refined cat, almost aristocratic, but very affectionate. Even Russian blue kittens love to play like all cats, so it is necessary to prepare the house with scratching posts and toys to welcome them in the best possible way.
The relationship with his human is made of respect and affection, he loves being in the company of his master, who he often calls with his delicate and calm place. He loves tranquility and is a habitual cat, suitable for apartment life.
Useful Books On The Russian Blue Cat
Breed Standard Of The Russian Blue Cat (Rus):
Category III: Short-haired and Somali
EMS Code: RUS
Associations recognizing the breed: AACE, ACF, ACFA, CCA, CFA, FIFé, GCCF, LOOF, SACC, TICA, WCF
- Head
Shape: Short wedge, long, flattened skull. In profile, the forehead and nose form a convex angle at the level of the eyebrows
Front: Straight
Nose: Straight
Bearings: vibrissae
Mustache pad: (‘wiskers pad’) prominent
Chin: Strong - Ears
Shape: Large and slightly pointed, broad at the base.
The skin is fine and transparent, the inside is fully covered with hair.
Placement: Placed vertically on the garment - Eyes
Shape: Large and almond-shaped, well spaced
Color: Intense green - Neck
Long and straight - Body
Structure: Long body, medium bone structure, graceful carriage and silhouette - Legs
Tall and thin
Feet: Small and oval - Tail
Relatively long; tapers towards the tip - Coat
Structure: Short, dense and thin; stays lifted like that of a cuddly toy; soft and silky.
Double coat. The texture and appearance of the coat is very different from any other breed.
Color: Blue-grey, uniform and well defined, with a distinct silvery sheen.
A medium tone of blue-grey with silver highlights is preferred. - Truffle
Blue-gray - Bearings
Dark lavender
Care
The Russian Blue cat loves to stay warm indoors, but tends to lose a lot of hair during moulting, so you need to comb it gently with a wire comb, especially in summer. According to some breeders, to maintain a beautiful coat, it is advisable to bathe it occasionally with bran.
Price Of The Russian Blue Cat
The cost of this cat can easily exceed €1000. This changes if the cat is requested as an adult, but this applies not only to the Russian Blue. Price that varies even if the cat is required for mating or companionship, in the latter case mandatory sterilization will be agreed.