How to Identify A Russian Blue

The Russian Blue's exact origin is unknown, the best anyone knows is that they came from somewhere in Northern Russia. It's guessed they came from Archangel Island because they were debuted in 1875 at the England Crystal Palace under the name Archangel Cat. Popular rumor also claims this species is a descendent from the Royal Cat of the Russian Czars. Russian sailors are reputed to have brought the cat to England and Western Europe in the 1860s. From there the cat came to America, though it was not paid much attention to until after World War Two when many cat societies were formed. Currently the cat is well known both in shows and as pets thanks to their beautiful forms and charmingly affectionate demeanors. This guide will explain how to correctly identify a Russian Blue Cat.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Your Eyes
• Cat

Identifying A Russian Blue Cat

1. Start by looking at the cat’s body type. A Russian Blue is a medium sized cat typically between eight and twelve pounds with the females being a little smaller and thinner than the males. The cat should have a long spine and limbs, with fine bones and firm muscles. The lines of both bone and muscle should be obscured by the coat to prevent the animal from looking thin, though when wet the cat looks more like a Siamese.
2. Examine the cat’s fur. The Russian Blue’s fur coat is a distinct hallmark of its species. The fur will be between one half and one full inch long and packed so densely if you were to trail your hand through it the impressions of your fingers would be left behind. The color is an absolute necessity in order for it to be a Russian Blue. Each individual hair will be a deep blue-grey with a silvery tip. This tip gives the animal a distinctive metallic sheen that is unmistakable with any other blue cat.
3. Look at the cat’s head. Unlike most other species of cats that could be blue, the Russian Blue has a head that has been described as cobra-like. The skull itself is very broad but not at all deep. The ears that rest far to the back of the cat’s skull and curve slightly forward in a hood add to this illusion. Widely spaced green eyes look a bit like that of a Korat cat. However the Korat’s body type and skull shape are entirely different from the Russian Blue and if you pay attention you should be able to tell the two easily apart. If the cat meets these criteria then you’re looking at a Russian Blue.

Tips & Warnings

• The Russian Blue is a truly unique breed and an absolute pleasure to own. They are very quiet and make very little noise, they are quite happy to play alone whenever you are busy, but always seem to know when you have time for them. They are very good at sensing the mood of a household and will often arrive to comfort a person who is sad. This species is very intelligent, often able to figure out how to open doors and play fetch with their owners. Though they can be a bit shy to start with, once they get to know their owner they can be fiercely loyal. Russian Blues are not at all violent or wild, never climbing or sharpening their claws, they make the perfect indoor pet.