Russian Blue Cat

This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.

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Silver, quiet, and particular

Russian blues are medium cats, about 7 to 12 pounds, with a life often stretching 15 to 20 years. The green eyes and the silver tipping are the look. The temperament is gentle at home and reserved at the door. They do not narrate the house the way an oriental cat does. Activity is moderate: play that ends, not a bengal's all-day campaign.

They usually accept careful children and a second cat if the introduction is slow. A Russian blue left as the only living thing in an apartment for twelve hours will not invent a hobby. Someone has to play with the cat. Food puzzles are the minimum.

Teeth and a heart listen

Dental disease and the occasional heart murmur are the reasons for a yearly exam that looks in the mouth and listens to the chest. Obesity sneaks up under a dense coat. Feel the ribs. ASPCA pet care notes cover the basics of weight and dental home care. A cat that stops eating is the not-eating page, because a short fast in a cat becomes a liver problem.

Russian blue questions

Are Russian blues aloof?

With guests, often yes. With their own household they are lap cats on their own schedule. A shy kitten that never meets visitors stays a cat that hides from the doorbell.

Do they shed the silver coat?

Moderately. The double coat is short and dense. A weekly comb keeps the undercoat off the sofa. They are not a hairless breed and not a non-shed promise.

Are they healthy?

Many live into the late teens. Ask about heart screening in the line anyway. A murmur or a cat that tires on the stairs needs a cardiologist, not a theory about laziness.