Russian blue cat: Breed Personality, Behavior Facts and Characteristics, Health Care Info

The Russian blue cat is undoubtedly one of the most popular and beautiful cats. If you are thinking of adopting a cat of this breed, it will be convenient to inform yourself beforehand about its character, hair care or the characteristics it possesses. In we will explain everything you need to know about the Russian blue cat, including types, photographs and information of interest about their care. Keep reading and discover more about this feline breed:

Origin of the Russian blue cat

There are several theories about the origin of the Russian blue cat, but the most popular is undoubtedly the Archangel cat. The first mentions about this race explain how the first Russian blue cat specimens were found in the port cities of northern Russia, in the archangel islands. Hence his nickname. Another story suggests that the breed had been kept secret for generations because it was considered a very exclusive cat, which should only accompany the Tsars.

From its appearance, Russian blue cats became popular and the British decided to export them until United Kingdom. To avoid the excessive inbreeding that involved raising cats with a significant degree of kinship, it was decided to cross the Russian blue cat with the british shorthair and the blue siamese. The fruit of this union resulted in a spectacular Russian blue cat with striking green eyes. Later, miscegenation stopped because it gave rise to “improper” forms in the Russian blue.

In the US some breeders imported Russian blues and dedicated themselves to their breeding obtaining more stylized pussycat, due to the different crosses that have been made today we have several types to distinguish between Russian blue cats.

Physical characteristics of the Russian blue cat

The main feature that makes the Russian blue cat unmistakable is the short coat, silky, dense and similar in appearance to the plush it has. Is a uniform color, bright blue. It has large, rounded and colored eyes Intense green, which contrast with the impeccable cloak. The shape of the head is a wide and medium wedge, with the flat top and a straight profile nose. The ears are wide at the base and are slightly turned towards the outside. It is medium in size, has fine bones and is muscular.

Types of Russian blue cat:

• English: the English type is more corpulent and the head seems more rounded. The base of the ears is wider and the eyes are slightly smaller.
• Continental : it is finer and more stylized than English. The extremities stand out, long and thin, and the size of the eyes is slightly larger.
• Scandinavian: This guy is muscular, like English, but is more stylized.
• American: the American is undoubtedly the longest, thinnest and stylized type of Russian blue cat.

Russian blue cat character

Russian blue cats usually have very strong links with your family and especially with one of the members. Are calm and affectionateHowever, they are usually reserved with strangers, as is the case with practically all cats. We must be aware that it is a very tolerant cat with children, but we must be firm to explain that you can not play with them to pull the tail or disturb them.

He adapts perfectly in a life in an apartment, provided that he receives constant affection and exclusive hours of play for him. Loneliness is not a good ally of this race, which will undoubtedly need a loving and homelike family.

They stand out for their intelligence. They will learn very quickly to relate their name and use the different elements, such as the scraper or the sandbox, but they can go further, learning to sit down, pick up toys etc. For this we must enhance their skills from early ages and stimulate them on a regular basis.

Care of the Russian blue cat

To ensure that our Russian blue cat is well cared for we will not need many things, it will be enough regular brushing of the mantle to keep it clean and we will not need to bathe you, unless it is truly dirty. Remember that cats clean themselves and do not need to bathe regularly as we do with dogs.

If you have learned to use the scraper correctly, we will not need to cut your nails. We will only need to check your ears occasionally to make sure you do not suffer a mite infestation as well as your mouth and body in general to warn of any problems promptly.

We will choose a I think of quality and of the corresponding gamma (junior, adult o senior) or we can choose to elaborate home made recepies, yes, always consulting with the veterinarian to avoid generating deficiencies in their diet. Do not forget that the food provided to your cat will be reflected directly in your mantle, much brighter and more beautiful, and will affect your health directly.

Do not forget to place the sandbox, the food and your bed in very separate areas, because cats do not usually accept that these elements are too close. It is also advisable to ask us varied toys, especially the type of “fishing rod” that is very positive for them, since they interact with us.

Diseases of the Russian blue cat

In general it is often said that the breed has a high health status, however, especially those Russian blue cats that are owners of pedigree, may suffer a series of congenital diseases, especially if inbreeding has been practiced (not only father-daughter, but also grand-grand-daughter). The diseases that most affect this breed are:

We must also emphasize that the Russian blue cat is susceptible to contracting infectious diseases or parasitic more easily, such as:

To maintain an optimal state of health in our feline it is always advisable to strictly follow the cat’s vaccination schedule, as well as deworming external and internal, especially if our cat has access to the outside. Following these tips, the Russian blue cat can get to live between 10 and 15 years, although the record of this breed is in the 21 years.