Russian Blue

Origins:There is confusion about where this breed of cat actually originates from. Originally it was known as the Archangel Blue (which we will explain in a second.) It has also been known as the Maltese Cat. Hmm. Bit of a way from Russia. Well, Evidence suggests that true to its name the Russian Blue does originate from Russia. Similar cats are found there even today in the colder regions. It was probably transported on ships by sailors in the 1860's to this country. The name of the port in Northern Russia is Archangel'sk or Archangel.During the second world war the breed almost became extinct. It was Scandanavian breeders in the 40's and 50's that kept it alive but in doing so introduced Siamese Genes in to the Gene pool. So the overall Russian Blue Show Standard was diluted. In 1965, a group of Bristish Breeders began an attempt to return to the original pre-war attributes of the breed. In 1966, Show Standards stated that Siamese type was undesirable.

Appearance:A medium to large short-hair cat they are famed for thier natural elegance. The fur is quite unusual as it is a short plush with a typically double coat (probably for all those bitter Russian winters!). Other colours that have been seen are the white and the black, but the blue remains the classic of the breed. His face is distinctive with the long wedge shaped nose.

Personality:The Russian Blue is often considered a quiet cat. Not vocal like the Burmese or Siamese. They are also shy and gentle cats. Because of this they prefer thier family household to be a quiet one rather than noisy and full of unpredictable sounds. Having said that, they are very loving and likely to become attached to one individual.

Did you know?:Due to the thier charecteristic quietness, breeeders often find it difficult to tell when the queen is on heat.as the calling is almost non-existant.

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