Russian Blue

Coat length	Shorthair
Weight	Male: Ø 4-6 kg Female: Ø 3-4 kg
Shoulder height	Male: Ø 30-40 cm Female: Ø 20-30 cm
Coat colours:	Solid blue (a shimmering grey)
Coat patterns:	Solid; the original profile notes tolerance of faint tail markings
Eye colours:	Vivid emerald green
Activity / playfulness
Grooming needs

The Russian Blue is a domestic cat breed with a short but exceptionally dense blue-grey double coat. Colourless hair tips give it a silvery sheen in the light; this is not genetically silver colouring. Deep emerald-green eyes contrast with the coat. The body is medium-sized and moderately heavy, elegant yet muscular. The clearly defined head is neither too long nor too short, and the profile from forehead to nose tip should be straight. The overall impression is balanced.

The Russian Blue is described as calm and even-tempered, with a strong attachment to people. It is considered a natural breed: its characteristic appearance developed naturally rather than being created entirely through selective breeding.

Origins

Russian accounts trace the first foundation cats to Arkhangelsk. British sailors are thought to have brought them to England as trading goods around 1860.

By about 1900, they were popular in both England and Tsarist Russia. Following near-extinction during the Second World War, crosses with Siamese, British Shorthairs and European Shorthairs helped preserve the breed. These crosses influenced coat length, density and emerald-green eye colour. The original profile dates independent breed status to around 1937; earlier registrations grouped these cats with Maltese Blue, Foreign Blue, Chartreux or British Shorthair cats.

Three main breeding types have been described in Europe, with differences reflecting their histories:

• English: usually somewhat sturdier, with a medium-blue coat and closer-set ears; intermediate among the three in appearance and temperament.
• Siberian/Scandinavian: somewhat smaller and more elegant, with a much darker, almost charcoal coat. Often described as particularly reserved with strangers.
• American: elegant, medium-sized and light blue, with widely set ears. Described as the most outgoing type, historically less common in Europe.

These lines have also been mixed, especially in Europe, to help maintain genetic diversity. The resulting Central European Russian Blue combines characteristics of the different breeding branches.

In the early 1970s, Australian breeder Mavis Jones crossed a white domestic cat with a Russian Blue to produce an additional colour. Australian associations recognised these descendants as a colour variety in the late 1970s. Further efforts to recognise other colours followed in Europe and America. Acceptance varies, and many Russian Blue breeders and associations do not recognise these colour varieties.

Appearance

The breed's distinctive double coat has outer hairs approximately as long as the undercoat, producing a short, plush coat that stands away from the body. It is silky-soft, with colourless tips known as tipping. These tips reflect the light and create a silvery appearance. Very pale cats may seem almost silver or chrome, but blue-grey colour should remain clearly visible beneath the tips.

The short, soft coat ideally stands slightly upright rather than lying flat, complementing the emerald-green eyes. Graceful posture, a moderately substantial body, slender legs and large eyes are characteristic. A clear gaze, angular and well-defined head, ears with almost bare inner surfaces, and the characteristic “smile” contribute to a friendly expression.

Kittens initially have blue eyes. Ideally these change directly to green, although a yellow or ochre stage often occurs. By about two years, the expected emerald-green colour should be established. Kittens can also show blue-on-blue tabby markings. By around one year the coat should be solid blue, although tail rings may be tolerated.

Temperament

Adults are generally quiet-loving and moderately active. They shed relatively little and can adapt well to indoor living. A clearly structured daily routine helps them feel secure. They are attached to their families and seek the company of their own people.

Young Russian Blues are far from quiet and need considerable attention. Their behaviour often changes noticeably at around a year old. The original profile considers the breed only conditionally suitable for first-time cat owners.