Russian Blue Breed Guide
Gentle yet playful, the elegant Russian Blue will fit well into most households. Learn more about this devoted and loyal cat, from their grooming and exercise needs, to the things you can do to keep them happy and healthy.
Breed information and advice
The shorthaired Russian Blue is affectionate, calm and will love spending time with you. They have a reputation for being shy and even reserved, but don’t get the wrong idea as they love to climb, jump and retrieve. Here's more you should know:
- Far from destructive they're graceful, agile, and generally a well-behaved breed.Far from destructive they're graceful, agile, and generally a well-behaved breed.
- They're meticulous in their hygiene habits, and their coat will need minimal grooming.They're meticulous in their hygiene habits, and their coat will need minimal grooming.
- They'll typically weigh between from 3kg to 5kg, when fully grown.They'll typically weigh between from 3kg to 5kg, when fully grown.
- A healthy Russian Blue will usually live for 10 to 15 years.A healthy Russian Blue will usually live for 10 to 15 years.
Typical size of a Russian Blue: Medium
Recommended exercise and nutrition
They're quiet and relaxed but also muscular, so while the Russian Blue doesn’t require lots of exercise, physical activity is still important for their strength. Try playing 'fetch' with them, which will also keep their razor-sharp brain active.
Known for their healthy appetite, your pet will be happy eating any type of cat food - but don’t let them overeat, as this breed is prone to becoming overweight. Remember that they're also a carnivore by nature and will appreciate a protein-rich diet.
You should feed your cat twice a day from the age of seven months. When they're a kitten you should feed them three times a day. The amount of food you feed them will depend on their size, age and activity levels - always read the packet instructions for portion size suggestions.
Intelligent and playful
Your Russian Blue will love nothing more than playing games with their family.
Common health problems and illnesses
Russian Blues are generally healthy cats but they’ll need regular check-ups and vaccinations to stay in good shape. There are some conditions that this breed may be more prone to, and it’s worth being aware of the main symptoms, so you know what to watch out for.
Most common in middle-aged Russian Blues, hyperthyroidism usually starts with a benign tumour in the thyroid gland that causes it to produce too much of the thyroid hormone, that then speeds up metabolism. Signs to look out for in your cat include hyperactivity and nervousness, as well as vomiting and weight loss. Easily managed, there’s a high chance a cat will lead a healthy and normal life once treated through medication, radioactive iodine or surgery. A standard blood test can detect the illness.
Kidney disease, when one or both organs are unable to clear waste from the blood properly, can develop naturally as a cat ages. It can also occur due to infection, a tumour, injury or even poisoning. The effects can usually be managed well, and if caught in good time a cat will live a healthy life. Signs to watch out for include loss of appetite or weight, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Russian Blues may develop heart problems, specifically Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). Cardiomyopathy relates to any disease that affects a cat’s heart muscle, and can affect this breed. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is one of the more common of these heart conditions and causes thickening of the heart’s muscles, making it more difficult for the organ to relax between contractions. Keep an eye out for any signs in your cat such as loss of appetite, weakness or difficulty breathing. Speak to your vet, who will be able to do a full examination and advise on treatment options, if you have any concerns.
Find out about insurance for your Russian Blue
Learn how pet insurance works and what kind of cover you might need for your cat.
Grooming advice
Russian Blues are exceptionally clean cats that require minimal grooming or cleaning. Use a metal comb to remove any loose hair from your cat’s plush coat and redistribute natural oils once or twice a week. In the spring, expect to brush a little more often to help them shed their thick winter coat. Even if your cat’s fur doesn’t need a brush, they will appreciate the extra attention.
The Russian Blue has wide ears, so it’s important to check inside them once a week for any debris, and gently clean them with damp cotton-wool buds.
Your cat can be encouraged to file their own claws with a scratching post, but you can trim them as and when needed, while you should clean the dirt from under them when it becomes noticeable.
Ideally you should also try to brush their teeth once a day with a pet toothpaste and pet toothbrush, but once a week will do. This will help to remove plaque and tartar build-up and prevent periodontal disease (when a tooth’s deep supporting structures become inflamed).
Fun and interesting facts
- It’s widely believed this breed originated on the Archangel Isles of northern Russia.
- They're typically an exotic blue, and the cartoon cat Tom of ‘Tom and Jerry’ fame is thought to be a Russian Blue because of the colour of his coat.
- They're often regarded as the healthiest breed of cat.
- A Russian Blue kitten can be born with 'ghost stripes' that gradually fade as they grows - a reminder that all cats carry a tabby gene.
- In Russian folklore, they are seen as a good luck charm.
Important information
The content on this page aims to offer an informative introduction to pet breeds, but does not constitute expert veterinary advice. If your dog or cat falls ill or has an injury, contact your vet immediately.
All facts and figures were correct at date of publication and were compiled using a range of sources.
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