Origin

The Russian Blue cat is a natural breed that likely comes from the port of Arkhangelsk in Russia, where they are sometimes called Archangel Blues. Sailors are believed to have brought these cats from the Archangel Isles to Great Britain and Northern Europe in the 1860s. The first mention of an Archangel Cat in British records was in 1862, and they first appeared in a cat show in 1872 at The Crystal Palace in England. By the late 1800s, some cats labeled as Russian Blues in shows were actually British-bred grey tabbies, but true Russian Blues came from Archangel with features similar to today’s breed. In 1912, Russian Blues were given their own class in cat shows, and the breed was mainly developed in England and Scandinavia until World War II.

After the war, the breed’s numbers were low, so they were crossbred with Siamese cats. Russian Blues had already reached the United States before the war, but it was only afterward that American breeders refined them by combining British and Scandinavian lines, resulting in the modern Russian Blue. The Siamese traits have mostly been removed through breeding. Although mixed-breed cats with short, blue-gray fur are common, this sometimes leads to confusion or mislabeling as Russian Blues.

Russian Blues have short, plush, pale blue-gray fur with a silvery sheen and emerald green eyes. Their coat's silver-tipped hairs give them a shiny look. They have also been used to create other breeds, like the Havana Brown, or to improve existing ones, such as the Nebelung. In Italy, Russian Blues are being used to strengthen the Oriental Shorthair breed.

Russian White and Russian Black cats were created by crossing Russian Blues with white domestic cats. The first line of Russian Whites was developed in the UK in the 1960s, and a second line in Australia in the 1970s. By the late 1970s, these color variations were recognized in Australia, South Africa, and later in the UK. However, organizations like the Cat Fanciers' Association and FIFe do not accept these color variations as official.

 

Physical characteristics

The Russian Blue is known for its striking green eyes, mauve-colored paw pads, and a thick, double-layered coat that is soft and plush, with a shimmering blue-gray color. The unique fur is made up of two layers: a downy undercoat and guard hairs tipped with silver, giving it a shiny appearance. The color is a diluted form of black, meaning both parents must carry a recessive gene to produce the blue hue. After crossbreeding with Siamese cats post-World War II, some Russian Blues carry color-point genes. If two carriers breed, their kittens might include blue-point or white cats. These “color-point” Russians are often called “Pika Blu” but are not accepted in most registries for shows.

The Russian Blue's coat may have faint stripes on the tail, but any white patches or yellow eyes in adulthood are considered faults in show cats. This breed is not to be confused with British Blues (a type of British Shorthair) or other blue cats like the Chartreux or Korat.

Typically quiet and reserved around new people, Russian Blues are affectionate with their families. They are adaptable in busy homes if socialized early and are known for their playful, athletic nature, often leaping and climbing with ease. These cats are smart and can be trained to do tricks. They have a great memory, remembering the locations of favorite toys or familiar visitors, and enjoy routines, preferring a predictable lifestyle. Kittens are full of energy and need plenty of play to keep out of trouble, while older cats can still be playful even well into maturity.

 
Lifespan
The Russian blue has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years in age. It is not uncommon for them to live on average to 18 years of age.
They can, however, live much longer, with some reporting lifespans of over 25 years.

 

What is the folklore of the Russian Blue cat?
Legend has it that Russian Blue cats are Lucky Healers.

They are a favorite of Russian royalty and were also used to ward off evil spirits from the kingdom. In fact, Russian Blue cats were often given a place to sleep in nurseries to protect the newborn royals!

 

Russian Blue cats are known for their gentle and refined character. They are obedient, tactful, and intelligent, often displaying their unique personalities while remaining sensitive and gentle. In interactions with their owners, Russian Blues exhibit their best qualities, responding keenly to gestures, tone, and speech. They are not prone to vindictiveness or destructive behavior. While they enjoy sitting quietly with you by the fireplace, they generally prefer not to be overly handled.

Their innate poise and vigilance make them reserved and shy around strangers, maintaining a cool demeanor until they build trust with a new person.

The Russian blue is a highly intelligent breed.  They are playful, not just as kittens but also as adult cats.

 

Ideal Companions

Russian Blues are well-suited for family life, even in larger households. They are also popular with elderly individuals living alone, offering companionship and comfort during times of stress or sadness. They have a calming presence and are excellent listeners.

When it comes to interacting with young children, Russian Blues set aside their aristocratic reserve and engage joyfully in energetic play. Notably, they never use their teeth, even if treated roughly. Conflicts may occasionally arise with household dogs, but such tensions are as old as time.

Russian Blue cats are an ideal addition to any home, blending their gentle nature with a playful spirit and an ability to form strong, trusting bonds with their human companions.

 

 

OUR KITTENS RAISED IN OUR HOUSE WITH SCIENCE PLAN KITTEN FOOD and raw diet

We place our kittens with carefully selected families when they are at least 13 weeks old. By this age, they are fully vaccinated, vet-checked, and up-to-date on worming. Each kitten comes with a supply of their current food, a signed contract, and a detailed care list to help them transition smoothly into their new home. Our cats are registered with TICA and come with a 5-generation pedigree.

Additionally, our kittens are well-socialized and accustomed to children, dogs, and typical household noises, ensuring they are confident and adaptable in their new environments.

What We Offer:

  • Healthy and Ready: Fully vaccinated, vet-checked, and wormed up-to-date.
  • Comprehensive Documentation: TICA registration, 5-generation pedigree, and a signed contract.
  • Smooth Transition: Kitten food and a detailed care list provided.
  • Well-Socialized: Used to children, dogs, and household noises.

We are dedicated to ensuring our Russian Blue kittens thrive in their new loving homes.

 

For New Kitten’s Parents / Family

 

 

 

What should you not do with a new kitten?

 

-Never force attention on your cat. ...

-Don't bring plants into your home before checking that they are safe for cats. ...

-Don't let your cat play with yarn or string. ...

-Owners should not teach their cats to "hand play." ...

-Never directly punish your cat, whether you plan on tapping their butt or using a loud sound.

 

Children are bound to be excited about the arrival of a new kitten. Before your little ones meet your kitten, prepare them by telling them to be gentle and calm. It is important that the kitten comes to them initially and they’re shown how to interact gently with them. Kittens also need a lot of sleep and will need to be left alone to rest, especially as they get used to their new home.

 

As your kitten becomes more comfortable, they’ll enjoy the playfulness of being around children. Naturally, kittens use their teeth and claws – making sure that you play with your kitten with appropriate toys instead of your hands and feet is important, particularly as their teeth and claws get bigger! Avoid using your fingers to encourage a cat in your direction too.

 

Bringing home a kitten to a dog

If you’ve already got a dog or other pet living in your home, you might be mindful of how they’ll get on with your new arrival. While cats and dogs are often thought of as enemies, it is often easier to introduce a cat to a dog than it is to introduce another cat – especially an inquisitive kitten!

As with all introductions, making sure the process is gradual is the key.

As kittens are smaller and generally more energetic than an adult cat, you’ll need to take extra care when introducing them to your dog – especially if your dog is easily excited.

To introduce them safely, you could use a stair gate to separate them from each other (after swapping scents with one another) before making a proper physical introduction. You could also think about introducing your dog to your kitten when they have already been out for a walk, when they are likely to be calmer.

 

 

Bringing home a kitten to another cat

If you already own a cat, introducing your kitten to your existing cat will need to be a careful process. While some cats enjoy the company of other cats, most are more than happy to live apart – in fact, it’s natural for cats to be territorial about their space. Older cats especially aren’t keen on having new kittens in their household, and this can result in a number of behavioral issues – from toileting in the house to hiding more.

Before you introduce your cats to each other, make sure that your kitten has their own bedding, food bowl and toys. Cats often don’t like to share, and this will help them to have space from each other. It is advised that you don't introduce your kitten and cat to each other straight away. Instead, help your kitten to get used to its space before being gradually introduced to your cat.

 

How often do I need to feed my kitten?

Kittens are energetic with small stomachs, so it is best to feed them little and often. When your kitten first arrives, aim to check their food and replace it four times a day – as well as providing plenty of fresh water. As they get older, you’ll get used to the amount that they eat and when. Cats older than six months should be fine if they’re fed twice a day while older cats may only need their food topping up once a day.

 

Training your kitten to use a cat flap

Once your kitten begins to feel confident going outside alone, you might want to think about using a cat flap – especially if you don’t fancy opening and closing the door for them all day! There are a number of cat flaps to choose from. Some are triggered by your cat’s microchip, only allowing entry for them, while others have in-built infrared systems. Of course, there are the traditional cat flaps too.

 

To teach your kitten to use the cat flap, try the following:

 -Ensure treats are close by – you’ll need them to reward your kitten’s progress as you train.

 -Keep the door open, luring them to the cat flap with a treat.

 -Hold the treat on the other side of the cat flap and call their name to encourage them to go through. Each time they do, give them a treat.

 -Repeat the process until they go through the cat flap happily.

 -Keep encouraging them as they go through the cat flap – they’ll soon learn how to use it properly!

 

 

 

YOUR  NEW KITTEN  WISH  LIST

 

 

 

 - Kitten/Cat Carrier;

 - Food and Water Bowls;

 - Kitten/Cat Bed;

 - Kitten/Cat Food;

 - Kitten/Cat Collar/Harness and Lead;

 - Pet ID Tag;

 - Toys and scratching Post/ Furniture;

 - Kitten/Cat Pen;

 - Kitten/Cat litter, litter tray and scoop;

 - Kitten/Cat Treats;

 - Kitten/Cat Grooming Brush and Shampoo;

 - Stain and Odour remover / Pet Disinfectant spray;

 - Your Kitten/Cat Pet Insurance.

 

 

 

K i t t e n   S a l e s  C o n t r a c t

 

WHEREBY IT IS AGREED

Breeder agrees to sell and the Purchaser  agrees to purchase the Kitten /Cat described herein under the name of

NAME:

Breed: Russian Blue

D.O.B:

SEX:

Our Kitten /Cat will have:

Vaccination card with health confirmation from a certified veterinarian, five generation pedigree, kitten food and a copy of this contract will be provided on day of sale along with a kitten.

The Purchaser further understand that if there is a failure to keep any part of this contract, or if the cat/kitten, is neglected, maltreated, or is failing to receive adequate medical care, the Purchaser surrender the cat/kitten to the Breeder unconditionally and without financial restitution or compensation.

ANATOLIA cattery’s contracts are comprehensive because they are meant to offer full protection for the kittens we raise in our home. No cat or kitten will be delivered or leave to go to its new home before we receive a signed contract and payment in full.

 

– Health and welfare:

The Breeder has taken care with breeding, rearing and the welfare of the Kitten /Cat.

The Kitten /Cat is believed to be in good health and it is sold in good faith.

The Breeder makes no warranty however as to health or disposition of the Kitten /Cat. Every effort has been made to avoid any possible inherited conditions. Condition known/thought to be inherited in the breed are... none

The new Owner is strongly advised to take Kitten /Cat to their Vet, soon after purchase, for general check and advice on inoculations and worming.

– Purchaser’s right to return the Kitten /Cat in the case of a defect:

The Buyer has 48 hours to have the Kitten /Cat examined by a licensed Veterinarian. If, as a result of the examination, the Veterinarian determines that the Kitten /Cat is not in good health and will issue a Certificate of defect/ disease, the new Owner shall have a right to make a return a Kitten /Cat during a period not exceeding 12 hours for a full refund of purchase price.

Should it become necessary, the Purchaser should be aware that the return of a Kitten /Cat can be very difficult, especially emotionally and, having drawn the attention of the Purchaser to this, the Breeder cannot be held responsible for any distress caused by the return of the Kitten /Cat.

  • Re-homing of the Kitten /Cat:

 

The Purchaser agrees that if, at any stage in the Cat's life, the Purchaser need to re-home the Cat, the Breeder will be the first to be informed and the Purchaser will, if the Breeder requests, return the Cat to the Breeder. The Breeder will offer every reasonable assistance to find a new home .

 

 

The Purchaser agrees to provide reasonable health care and veterinary services as required to maintain a healthy animal.

The Purchaser further warrants that the cat/kitten:

1. Will be kept in appropriate conditions for its health and welfare and will be fed a suitable diet for its age and condition.

2.Will receive regular vaccinations from a veterinary surgeon.

3. Will receive all necessary veterinary care to maintain its good health.

4.Will not be allowed outside unsupervised at any time.

 

I/ We confirm that I /WE have read and had a full explanation of all the details and meaning of this contract prior the purchase and I /We fully understand its purpose and reason. I /We also confirm that I /We are purchasing this Kitten/Cat for myself and not as agents or third party.

a) Signed (Purchaser/s):.........

 

b) Signature of Breeder:

-I confirm that I am aware of said Kitten /Cat

Signed ( Breeder)......

 

 

Russian Blue cats are known for producing less of the Fel d 1 protein in their saliva, which is the primary allergen responsible for most cat allergies. Because of this, some individuals with mild cat allergies may find they have little to no allergic reaction to Russian Blues. However, it is important to note that while they may be more tolerable for some allergy sufferers, Russian Blue cats are not universally hypoallergenic and may still cause allergic reactions in more sensitive individuals.

Key Points About Russian Blue Cats and Allergies:

  • Reduced Allergen Production: Lower levels of Fel d 1 protein in their saliva.
  • Potentially Suitable for Mild Allergy Sufferers: Some people with mild allergies may find Russian Blues more tolerable.
  • Not Completely Hypoallergenic: Russian Blues are not guaranteed to be allergen-free for everyone.

If you or a family member have allergies but are considering a Russian Blue, it's recommended to spend time with the breed before making a commitment to ensure compatibility.