The Russian
Blue
Cat: Photos and Breed
Information
ORIGIN
The Russian Blue cat is a naturally-occurring breed
believed to have originated in the port of Arkhangelsk in Russia,
although there are some doubts about this heritage. There are, in fact,
several theories about its name. One is that they were a gift from a
Russian Tzar. It is believed, however, that sailors brought the first
Russian Blues to England and Northern Europe from the Archangel Isles
in the 1860s.
Video
of Russian Blue cat
The breed was developed in England and Scandinavia until
after World War II, after which some were cross-bred with Siamese to
boost low numbers. After the War, American breeders created the modern
Russian Blue, by combining the bloodlines of both the Scandinavian and
English Russian Blues. The Siamese traits have been bred out.
APPEARANCE
Russian Blues are graceful with long bodies, slender
legs and dainty oval feet. Their grey-blue coats have a silvery sheen
and are very plush and soft to touch. The coat is in fact a double
coat, with a soft, downy undercoat. The silver tips of the coat make it
shimmer.
The head is short and wedge-shaped with vivid green slanting eyes. A
stunning cat.
PERSONALITY
The Russian Blue is a quiet and gentle animal, also
known for being highly intelligent. It dislikes change and stress, and
is often shy around strangers.
