15 Amazing Facts About the Russian Blue Cat

If you come across a grey cat with an extremely dense, yet soft coat, then chances are high that you have just met one of the most adorable cats on the planet.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most interesting facts about the Russian Blue Cat so you can learn all about these intriguing pets.

1. They originate from a particular city in Russia

As the name of the Russian Blue cat suggests, these cats originate from Russia.

What’s interesting is that the exact location they originate from is the reason why they have become popular pets in Europe, the UK, and the United States.

They are believed to have originated from the Russian city of Arkhangelsk, commonly referred to as “Archangel” in English.

This city is located in the utmost northeastern part of Russia on the banks of the Northern Dvina River, not too far from where this river empties into the White Sea.

Arkhangelsk. Northern Dvina River
Arkhangelsk. Northern Dvina River / Alexxx1979 / Wiki Commons

2. These cats were imported to Europe during the 1860s

Because of the proximity to the White Sea, a large inlet of the Barents Sea. This larger sea is situated above Scandinavia and is essentially a part of the Arctic Ocean.

This means that it provides a connection to Scandinavian countries, as well as the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe.

It’s assumed that sailors first brought these cats back to the United Kingdom in the 1860s. From here, this adorable cat spread to other parts of Europe.

The first public appearance of this cat in the United Kingdom was at the Chrystal Palace in Hyde Park, London, in 1872.

Russian Blue cat facts
The amazing cat / Doug Miller / Wiki Commons

3. They have a distinctive grey coat and soft green eyes

The Russian Blue cat can easily be recognized because of some very specific characteristics. These are:

  • A double layer of short thick fur.
  • A blue-greyish color.
  • Pink or Lavender paws.
  • Bright Green eyes.

The thick coat of these cats is extremely soft and very enjoyable to touch. It features silver tips which give it a fascinating shimmering appearance as well.

Russian Blue cat appearance
Detail of the amazing green eyes of these cats / Wiki Commons

4. How big are Russian Blue Cats?

The Russian Blue is a relatively small to medium-sized cat that reaches an average height of about 10 inches (25.4 centimeters).

The average weight of adult cars is anywhere between 8 to 15 lb (3.6 to 6.8 kilos). The male cats are generally larger than the females.

5. Are these cats great pets?

So, are Russia Blue cats great pets?

These cats are described as relaxed and curious. They are also renowned for being extremely friendly and intelligent.

They are loyal to their owners and develop a great bond. Although reserved to strangers, they love to play with a wide variety of toys, both indoor and outdoor. They are smart enough to figure out how to open doors as well.

These are generally great characteristics for a pet, so the answer is, yes, these are great pets to have around!

RUssian blue cat pet
These cats are amazing pets / Volatilde / Wiki Commons

More interesting facts about the Russian Blue Cat

6. The first time that this cat was mentioned in Great Britain was in a print in 162. This means that it must have arrived earlier in the British Isles. The exact date remains unclear.

7. Because the Russian Blue Cat was imported from the Russian city of Archangel, they were initially referred to as the “Archangel Cat.” They still go by this name today, as well as the “Archangel Blue.”

8. The Russian Blue is sometimes confused with the British blue. While these cats have a very similar appearance, the British blue isn’t a recognized breed. It’s rather a British shorthair that happens to have a very similar blue-greyish coat.

British shorthair kitten
A British Shorthaired kitten / Wiki Commons

9. Two recognized breeds have a very similar appearance as well. These are called the Chartreux, a rare breed from France, and Korat, a similar-looking cat from Thailand.

10. Apart from being great companions to their owners, they will also ensure that your house stays free of any sort of vermin. They are great hunters and often catch rodents, birds, and even small reptiles.

11. If you don’t have a lot of inspiration to figure out what game to play with your Russian Blue, no need to worry. This cat is smart enough to remember where its favorite toy is located and will point you to it if it wants to play.

RUssian Blue cat fun facts
These cats love to play / Kobie Mercury-Clarke / Wiki Commons

12. These cats don’t suffer from any specific health problems and have an average life expectancy of between 10 and 20 years. Some cats have lived up to 25 years.

13. The cat named Arlene in “Garfield: The Movie,” is a Russian Blue. The vocals of this character were spoken by American actress Debra Messing.

14. Multiple breeds have been derived from the Russian Blue since the 1970s. These are referred to as Russian White, Black, and Tabby, a reference to the particular appearance of these crossbreeds.

15. The cat wasn’t as widespread as some other breeds before World War II. It wasn’t until after the Second World War that it was imported to the United States and it became a popular pet in the country as well.

Today, it’s often included in lists of the most popular cat breed in the United States!

Russian Blue cat interesting facts
An alert cat ready to play / Kobie Mercury-Clarke / Wiki Commons