According to one legend, all cats are descended from love between a lioness and a monkey. From such a union appeared intelligent and quick-witted (like a father) and aristocratic and noble (like a mother) animals. The wonderful character of the Russian blue cat is combined with the sophistication of manners, modest and discreet beauty.
It was the combination of such qualities that made this breed so popular, especially recently. In the article, we will consider when and where this breed appeared, what its character and features are.
Breed history
Among felinologists (scientists studying the characteristics of cats), a version is more common that resembles a fairy tale or legend, according to which the ancestors of the breed “Russian Blue” were cats from the Arkhangelsk and other northern Russian regions. According to archival documents that have survived to this day, many Russian rulers, beginning with Peter I, as well as high-ranking nobles, had cats of this breed. According to archival documents, despite the fact that Catherine II preferred dogs, namely Italian greyhounds, she gave Russian blue tsar surnames and rulers of foreign states as a sign of imperial location. It is believed that some of the "official" representatives of this breed came to the UK in this way. In addition, another part of the “official” Russian blue cats and cats was taken out in 1893 from Arkhangelsk by an Englishwoman, breeder Carew Cox. But unofficially, the “blue archangels,” as the British called these cats, “sailed” to London on ships carrying goods from Russia to the United Kingdom.
Modern history
The unusual color and grace, as well as the rather calm and even nature of the Russian blue cat, impressed the Europeans, but especially the British, who in 1935 included this breed in the pedigree book of Great Britain.
Until that time, cats with a similar color were known in European countries and they were called either Maltese or Spanish. Since 1939, the name “Russian Blue” was finally assigned to the breed, and now it is recognized by all felinological organizations of international level.
During World War II, only thanks to the efforts of amateurs who crossed its representatives with Siamese cats, the breed was kept. That is how the breed of cats “Russian Blue” was saved, the character, fortunately, under the influence of Siamese “blood”, did not change for the worse.
In the postwar years, this breed became more popular, as evidenced by the opening in 1967 in the UK and in 1979 in Germany of its amateur societies. Up until the 80s of the past century, we practically did not have much popularity among the Russian blue cat.
Appearance
As a rule, Russian blue cats are medium, rarely large, with a flexible and graceful body, with the forelimbs shorter than the hind limbs. Paws are small, round or oval. The neck is rather thin and long, but because of the thick fur with the undercoat it looks quite short. The tail is elongated, tapering from the base to the tip. The head of the representatives of this breed is wedge-shaped, with a flat and narrow skull and a protruding forehead and a strong chin. The ears of Russian blue cats are wide at the base and large, pointed to the tips and decorated with “tassels” or “bristles”. Large, widely spaced and almond-shaped eyes of all shades of green are a feature of this breed. The nose and paw pads are painted in gray-blue shades.
A similar color is found in other breeds, but only the short coat of Russian blue is dense, soft silver-blue or almost blue, with a silvery “shimmer”. According to the breed standard, spots or stripes in color are not allowed, with the exception of stripes on the tail of kittens and young animals that disappear as the animal grows older. The coat of the Russian blue is very soft and thick, with undercoat, and feels like plush to the touch.
Character Features
Like any Russian, the blue cat character is not simple, but quite friendly and open. Many of the phenologists, both amateurs and professionals, call this graceful and charming animal an intellectual of the cat world.
First of all, it should be noted that the bulk of the representatives of this breed are introverts. They quite easily endure short loneliness and are able to occupy themselves - and this is a character trait! Russian blue cats are not so friendly as to recognize a communication partner in any of your buddies and try to simply get away from the imposed contact. They also do not like big noisy companies of unfamiliar people. As a rule, the owner who has decided to brag to his friends about his pet does not find it until all strangers leave the house.
Representatives of this breed build a calm and even relationship with all family members, including other animals. Exceptions are rodents and birds, which arouse a hunting instinct in a quiet and intelligent cat.
The highest level of cleanliness and accuracy are the characteristics of the breed. Russian blue cats spend a significant part of their time caring for their luxurious fur coat and its cleanliness. In addition, they are extremely demanding on the cleanliness of their bowls and trays. The animal will suffer from hunger and thirst, but from the dirty, in his opinion, there will be no dishes.
There is another quality that the character of the Russian blue cat does not determine, but the owners really like - a very quiet voice. So quiet that most owners simply do not notice the onset of "spring" among representatives of both sexes of this breed.
Behavioral Features
- Representatives of the Russian blue breed calmly coexist in the same territory with both cats of other breeds and with dogs.
- The "male" part of this breed, unlike others, does not mark the territory, due to which there is no unpleasant smell.
- In Russian blue cats, seasonal molting is practically absent, and hair is not an allergen.
- These are faithful and faithful animals that are able to express their emotions by “hugging” and “kissing” their beloved master.
- Despite the boundless love for the owner, the character of the Russian blue cat is such that it will calmly endure separation and loneliness while the person is working.
Who is she suitable for?
Animals of this breed are quite simple and easy to adapt to almost any conditions that people offer them. The Russian blue cat will “listen” with pleasure and will keep company with a lonely person. A cat or cat will calmly and faithfully wait for its owner while he is absent, watching what is happening outside the window or exploring his home possessions. Pets of this breed will also be happy to accompany the owner on short walks, comfortably sitting on his shoulder.
Couples who have pets of this breed will tell you with confidence that they not only read thoughts, but also understand the language (including Russian). The blue cat’s character and intuition is simply amazing and can switch people's attention from the beginning of the conflict to other problems created by soft feet.
Families with young children can safely have a pet of this breed, as it will never harm the kids. Cats will patiently endure the child’s research activities, however, tired, they simply “disappear”, hiding from a little annoying in a secluded place.
Disadvantages: like any cat, Russian blue has a character
Such advantages of this breed, as cleanliness and accuracy, are sometimes perceived by the owners as a capricious animal. Getting a Russian blue cat, it is worth remembering that she will not eat and drink from one bowl twice. An uncleaned tray will cause discontent and finding in your house a cleaner and more acceptable place for a toilet, according to the animal. In addition, all pets of this breed are very fond of comfort. And if you think that there is no place for a cat on the bed next to you, it will not resist, but humbly settles to sleep on a silk blouse or a new fur coat.
Where to buy and how much?
You can buy a kitten of the breed "Russian Blue" in all major cities. Almost in each of them there are nurseries or breeders work. The price of kittens of this breed varies from 7,500 to 40,000 rubles, depending on the pedigree, color options and some other factors. When buying a pet of this breed, be sure to check all the documents about the animal, including its pedigree. As a rule, breeders sell kittens at lower prices than nurseries.
Here she is, a Russian blue cat. Description of the breed, character, price - we examined all these aspects. Whether such a pet is right for you and your family is up to you!