Russian Blue
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The cat of queens and czars, the Russian Blue is an exquisite and stately feline. This is a remarkably loyal cat of notable intelligence, which makes it particularly easy to fall in love with. However, proper bonding with a Russian Blue doesn’t happen overnight. Fortunately, with proper care and a comprehensive Russian Blue pet insurance policy in place, you’ll have many years with which to develop a lasting bond with this marvellous creature.
It’s believed that the Russian Blue originated at Arkhangelsk (Archangel) in Russia – some 300 km south of the Arctic Circle. The progenitor to the cat we know today was likely a natural breed. But then as he made his way west, the Russian Blue began honing his breeding and standards.
Much of the actual breeding and selection took place in Scandinavia and the UK following WWII. However, the breed was already known on the international stage by this time. The first time it appeared in any official international capacity was in 1875 at London’s Crystal Palace.
At this point, it was called the ‘Archangel Cat’ in honour of the port of call where it was picked up.
The breed lost some of its stability after WWII, when a shortage of Russian Blues drove some breeders to cross theirs with Siamese cats. However, the breed was largely restored in the decades since. Today, the restored breed is widely available and can be protected with Russian Blue pet insurance from PIA.
Russian Blue: Fast Facts
Average Height
20-25 cm
Average Weight
3.6 – 4.5 kg
Temperament
Independent, intelligent, affectionate, aloof or even wary of strangers
Lifespan
15-20 years
Known Genetic Issues
Relatively few genetic issues, except for those common to all domestic cats, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Country of Origin
Russia (via the UK and Scandinavia)
Coat
Short but thick double coat with a remarkably plush texture
Coat Colours
Bright ‘blue’ colour with silvery tips
Specific Care Requirements
Lack of attention can cause a Russian Blue to become anxious or even fearful.
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Russian Blue Characteristics
Life near the Arctic Circle produced an incredibly dense double coat of short hair. It comes primarily in a deep, slate grey (which cat fanciers refer to as ‘blue’) dusted with sliver tips. The latter produces an ephemeral sheen when the cat moves.
This breed is known for being gentle and even slightly reserved (some would say shy), but that doesn’t mean that it spurns good company. On the contrary, the Russian Blue warms relatively slowly but forms lasting, lifelong bonds. That’s saying a lot, too, considering the number of cats from this breed that live to the ripe, old age of 20.
It’s also no exaggeration to say that your Russian Blue will likely single out a favourite person in the house. As long as he receives an appropriate amount of love and attention in return, then all’s well.
Our Pet Insurance Cover Options
Pet Essentials
Includes emergency boarding fees, overseas pet travel insurance & more.
Comprehensive
Covers up to 80% of eligible vet bills, offers multi-pet discounts & more.
Major Medical
Includes routine care cover, covers up to 80% of eligible vet bills & more.