All about the Russian blue cat

The Russian Blue cat is one of the oldest breeds, being recognized since the creation of felinology. With a docile and calm temperament, this feline adapts very well to life with humans, as long as it is from an early age, establishing a strong bond with whomever it feels most identified with.

Although the origin of the Russian Blue cat is not specifically known, based on the available information, it is believed that it began in the north of Russia; being introduced in England from the year 1860 by British sailors from the Russian port city Archangel. Hence, it was initially known as the archangel cat.

After the Second World War, the survival of this breed was in danger, which is why its breeders resorted to crossing it with other breeds such as the blue Siamese. Subsequently, it received its official name from 1939 and in the 1960s its crossing was prohibited, thus resuming its original characteristics.

physical characteristics

This stylized and majestic cat is medium in size , weighing three to five kilos. It also has elongated legs and a wedge-shaped head. Its snout is also short with a high base of the whiskers and large almond-shaped eyes of an intense green color.

As for its fur, it is short, double-layered and bluish-gray in color with silver reflections. However, some breeders present black and white specimens. But, officially these colors have not been recognized within the breed.

Character

Russian Blue cats are calm in temperament . If they are left with their mother and siblings during their first twelve weeks of life, their tendency to socialize will be highly developed; thus, simple to introduce into a human family group.

Despite being gentle, the Russian Blue cat can be very playful when it is a puppy, so it is recommended that it have a feline companion for its games, and if it is taught from the moment it arrives at home, it can be very good with children.

However, his sociable and loyal character does not prevent him from enjoying spending time alone, especially to rest. Similarly, she runs away from visits and when there are meetings in the house.

On the other hand, their intelligence should be stimulated with games, for example, with the search for snacks. In addition, when he is an adult, it is good that he maintains moderate physical activity to preserve his athletic appearance.

care and health

The Russian cat is characterized by being healthy and having a corpulent physical state. Even so, you should have a veterinary check-up at least once a year and receive the corresponding vaccinations according to age.

Its coat is strong, because thanks to its double layer it loses little hair and produces less Fel D1 glycoprotein, which is an allergen, making it an appropriate breed to live with people who suffer from allergies. In addition, the plush aspect that the undercoat gives it makes caressing it a pleasure. However, it is good to comb it at least once a week to remove loose hair.

Another aspect to take into account is brushing their teeth frequently with a special toothbrush and toothpaste for cats. Another important point in their hygiene is the cleanliness of their ears.

Types

Due to the diversity of places where the kennels were established, each one gave specific points for this breed. In Europe, the English, Scandinavian and continental types are distinguished.

The English has a strong build, not so large eyes of the same intense green color and its fur is a darker shade. The Scandinavian is also robust, with a slightly lighter coat and a well-defined silver reflection.

For its part, the continental is smaller, with elongated legs, large eyes and the tone of its light silvery blue hair. The American type is somewhat different, having a more compact figure, slightly pale round eyes with different sized ears and round pads on the paws.

Diet

Since the Russian blue cat is a baby, it must receive a balanced diet; this in order to guarantee its growth and future health. When he is taken home, the area where he will eat should be prepared with some of the product he is used to eating, which should be gradually changed with the diet required at each stage of his life.

An important aspect to take into account is to stick to the recommended amounts of food for age and weight, since exceeding it could make the cat obese. Likewise, clean water should not be missing next to the food bowl.

Your diet should not be supplemented with table scraps, a BARF diet is recommended , this is something similar to what you would eat in a natural state such as: raw meat, organ meats, eggs, bones and some raw vegetables. When the Russian Blue cat puppy begins to drink water, it means that its stomach can no longer digest milk, from that moment its source of calcium must be replaced by derived products such as yogurt or fresh cheese.

In this sense, industrial or processed cat food is the best option. But, you must be attentive to the components of the product. The best thing for the Russian Blue is to choose a low protein feed (25%-30%), since when it is very high it can damage the kidneys.

Highlighting is also reviewing the percentage of other chemical components such as dyes, preservatives or flavorings. For example, it is worth bearing in mind that there are some algae whose frequent use in cat food formulas can alter the color of their hair.

By choosing this breed of cat, you are going to get a faithful companion, attached to the family group, elegant, serene and calm, although without ceasing to be playful and mischievous, because it is a cat. And, if you get used to it from an early age, it will be a great ally in your children’s games.