Identify A Russian Blue Cat

  The Russian Blue is a robust breed, with firm muscles and an overall dose of good looks.  It is of a medium size, and muscular, but compared to a swimmer in the compactness of its musculature. When it is in full motion and stretched out, one can see that it has a long, graceful neck, but the neck is hidden by thick fur and high set shoulder blades when the cat is sitting, making it look as though it has a short, thick neck.
  There are a few ways to help you identify a Russian blue cat when you find one.


Looking at Physical Characteristics

• Examine the coat.The Russian Blue is a type of purebred or pedigree cat. The origins of the breed are unknown, but it is believed they originated in the Archangel Islands in North Russia. The weather there is extremely harsh in winter, which is why the Russian Blue developed such a thick, plush coat for insulation.
• Notice the cat’s size. Russian Blues are around 10 inches in height to the shoulder. Their average weight is 12 lbs, although some individuals will be bigger or smaller than this, depending on their lifestyle, feeding habits, and how active they are.
• Recognize the cat’s general appearance. Russian Blues give an overall impression of being a long, slender, elegant cat. They have a long graceful neck when stretched out, but the deep plush coat can disguise this and make the neck appear shorter. The body is lean with fine bones and generally with defined, lean muscles.
• Notice the eye color. Russian Blues have a distinctive green eye color. This trait starts to develop from 4 months of age and manifests as a rim of green around the outside of the iris, which is the colored part of the eye. All kittens are born with blue eyes, but the color changes to the final adult shade once they get older.
• Look at the head shape. Russian Blues have a characteristic wedge-shaped or triangular face, which is often described as cobra like with seven distinct planes. Typical cats, in contrast, tend to have a rounder, more apple like skull. This sets Russian Blues apart.
• Examine the coloring of the fur, nose, and paws. The most striking and unique thing about a Russian Blue is the coat for which it is named. It appears silvery grey, though blue is a traditional description for this color. It should be dense, thick, plush, and double layered. If you look carefully at individual hairs, you will find a grey shaft tipped with lighter grey or silver at the tip. The nose of the Russian Blues will be black and the paw pads will be mauve.

Observing Temperament