Russian Blue: the gentle and reserved cat
The Russian Blue Cat or Russian Blue is a fascinating breed with origins dating back centuries.
Historical evidence suggests that Blue may have been introduced from Russia to Europe in the 18th century, during the period of maritime exploration.
Sailors apparently brought Russian Blue from the Archangel Islands to England and northern Europe around 1865,
That the Blue comes from particularly cold places is also evidenced by its coat, which has a woolly undercoat that provides insulation from the cold and makes it particularly resistant to very low temperatures.
The official recognition of the breed
According to records of the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), the public debut took place during a feline exhibition held in London in 1875 at the Crystal Palace: the Blue was then introduced as the “Archangel cat.”
During the two world wars and after the war, the blue cat population suffered a drastic decline.
The breed ran the risk of becoming extinct, which prompted breeders to cross the few remaining specimens with Chartreux, British and Siamese cats.
The appearance of cats derived from these crosses, however, was markedly different from that of the original Russian Blue.
However, in the 1950s, breeders began to bring the Blue back into vogue, contributing to its spread to the rest of the world, moreover aided by the beauty and character of this magnificent cat.
Green eyes and silky coat of the Russian cat
The eyes of this breed vary from bright green to deep green, creating a fascinating contrast with their silky blue fur.
Their beauty is so unique that over the years various artists and writers have found inspiration in these cats, making them featured in art and literary works.
Character and behavior of the Russian Blue
The Russian Blue cat is known not only for its distinctive appearance but also for its balanced temperament.
This feline is affectionate, gentle and reserved.
Although he is independent, he needs social interactions and tends to establish strong bonds with the human members of his family with whom he likes to share even moments of rest.
He also tends to be more shy than other cat breeds, so it is important to provide him with a quiet and familiar environment to reduce stress
Nevertheless, he is an intelligent and inquisitive cat, and this characteristic drives him to explore his environment.
Another characteristic note of the Russian Blue cat is its soft, melodic meow.
Unlike other breeds that can be very vocal, this cat tends to communicate more subtly, expressing its needs through body language rather than sound.
Another interesting curiosity concerns their compatibility with other pets.
Although they may initially be wary of newcomers, Russian Blue cats generally adapt well to the presence of other cats and dogs, as long as they are introduced carefully and in the right context.
The most common pathologies
Although the Russian Blue cat is generally considered a healthy breed, like all cats, it can be predisposed to certain diseases.
Among the most common diseases that can affect this breed is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), an inherited heart condition that can lead to serious complications.
Therefore, it is essential to have your cat checked regularly by a veterinarian, especially if there are family histories of heart problems.
Other potential health issues include gum and dental disease, which are common in many feline breeds.
Finally, theobesity is another common problem among domestic cats, and the Russian Blue Cat is no exception.
A balanced diet along with adequate exercise are crucial to keeping your cat healthy.
Being aware of potential diseases and monitoring health conditions with periodic check-ups is critical to ensuring a long and healthy life for our four-legged friends.
To refer your Russian Blue cat for a checkup, contact the veterinary doctors on our staff who are always available.
We would also like to remind you that Clinica La Veterinaria is always open h24 every day including holidays and with First Aid service from 8 pm to 8 am.
