Breed History

Russian Blues are also known as the Archangel cats. While their silver tipping and green eyes certainly make them look like angels, the Archangel name was given to them after their point of origin--the Russian port of Arkhangelsk on the White Sea about 150 miles south of the Arctic Circle. The cats boarded the boats with the sailors and came to other parts of Europe. The first cat shows in England in the 1880s included Russian Blues. For a while, all blue shorthaired cats competed in the same class however in 1912 the distinctive cats from Arkhangelsk with their large eyes and ears were assigned their own class called the Foreign Blue.

Russian Blues came to North America in the early 1900s and serious breeding programs began. The North American breeders imported cats from both England and Scandinavia and worked to combine the best features of each into today's modern Russian Blue. Today's Russian Blue has emerald eyes and a pale blue coat frosted with silver and the angelic smile that is a distinguishing feature of the breed.

Personality and Temperament

Russian Blue have a sweet-temperament. They are loyal cats who will follow their owner everywhere, so don't be surprised if they greet you at the front door! While they have a tendency to attach to one pet parent in particular, they demonstrate affection with their whole family and demands it in return.

They are very social creatures but also enjoy alone time and will actively seek a quiet, private nook in which to sleep. They don't mind too much if you're away at work all day, but they do require a lot of playtime when you are home.

Appearance Description

Russian Blue’s appear larger than they are due to their extremely dense, soft double coat. They are a good choice for pet parents with allergies as they don’t shed much and produces lower levels of the glycoprotein Fel d 1, a known allergen in cats.

Russians have a triangular-shaped head and the Russian blue is a long rather slender cat, fine-boned with large ears, a broad forehead and straight nose, making them look very regal. Russian blues are known for a natural "smile." In addition to her luxurious silvery coat, their most distinct features are their brilliant green eyes.

Despite being slender Russian Blue’s are very strong and muscular, although they have thick fur often hides their neck and shoulders, giving the impression that their frame is more robust. Finally their long legs allows them to run at high speeds.