Russian Blue

Key Visual Markers

• Short, dense double coat in a clear even blue-gray — each hair has silver-tipped guard hairs that create a shimmering, iridescent effect; the coat stands away from the body (does not lie flat) and feels like thick plush velvet or silk; CFA calls it "short, dense, fine, and plush — standing up from the body"
• Wedge-shaped head with a flat skull and a long straight nose — the profile has a gentle break at eye level; the muzzle is short but the whisker pads are prominent, giving the face a distinct "smiling" expression
• Large, wide-set vivid green eyes in the shape of an almond laid on its side — kittens are born with yellow eyes that turn a distinct emerald green by 4 months old; the green is striking against the blue-gray coat
• Ears large, wide at the base, set farther apart than most breeds — the skin is thin and translucent so the ears look pink against the light; the inner ear has minimal furnishing, unlike tufted breeds
• Fine-boned, graceful, elongated body — the CFA describes it as "foreign" type: long and svelte yet muscular; the neck is long and slender, the legs long with small, oval paws; the cat moves with a deliberate, almost dancerlike precision
• Long, tapering tail that is proportionally shorter than the body length — thick at the base and carried proudly, like a mouse tail brushed upward

Temperament & Traits

• Intelligent and observant — watches household routines and learns patterns; opens doors, turns on taps, and responds to its name
• Reserved with strangers — hides when visitors come, then emerges to inspect from a distance once the house is quiet
• Fiercely devoted to their family — follows their person, sleeps under the covers, demands head bumps and cheek rubs on their own terms
• Sensitive to change and loud environments — research places the breed among the least adaptable to multi-cat households, boarding, or renovation noise; best in calm, predictable homes
• Quiet — meows rarely and softly; communicates through body language, eye contact, and gentle head-butting
• Playful but not destructive — enjoys chasing, fetching, and puzzle feeders but will entertain itself quietly when no one is available to play
• Appreciates high perches — likes to be above the action, watching from cat trees or shelves rather than being on the floor in the middle of activity

Health Notes

• Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) — Russian Blues show a higher-than-average predisposition to bladder stones and urinary tract inflammation; the breed's calm stress-reactive nature may contribute to stress-triggered cystitis; high-moisture diet and stress management are key preventive measures
• Obesity — the breed's moderate activity level and love of food can lead to weight gain; the fine-boned body frame makes even extra ounces noticeable on their silhouette
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — reported in the breed, though at lower incidence than in Maine Coons or Ragdolls; regular cardiac screening recommended for breeding cats
• Dental disease — narrow muzzle structure contributes to tooth crowding and gingivitis risk; regular dental care recommended
• Sensitivity to anesthesia — all svelte-type breeds with low body fat have a narrower anesthesia safety margin; discuss with a veterinarian before any surgical procedure

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a veterinarian for health advice specific to your cat.