Another feature of the breed is eye color. The eye color is a
brilliant green that can range from apple-green to deep jade almost a
blue-green. The brilliant emerald green is preferred in the show ring.
No yellow is allowed in the eyes of adults. The eye shape is almost
round, just oval enough to show an oriental slant. Eyes are set one
eye width or more apart.
The Russian Blue has a high fore-head, with the top of skull flat
and narrow, smoothly curving into the back of the neck. Face is broad
at eye level and looks even broader due to thick fur at side of head.
Medium length straight nose looks upturned from almost any view except
profile due to light reflection. Neck is long but does not appear so
in repose, due again to thick fur. There are seven planes on the head
–each counted separately, giving an almost serpent-like profile when
the ears are held down.
The ears are rather large and wide at the base, as they are tall,
and set far apart as much into side as top of head. Ears look pointed,
as hair tufts finish off where the slightly rounded tips stop. Inside
furnishings cover approximately one-half of the otherwise bare,
translucent ear area. The outside of the ears are completely covered
with short, fine hair. There should be no doming (roundness of skull)
between the ears.
Temperament
Yanna -
female 4-10 photo
by Chanan
The Russian Blue is a gentle, sometimes shy cat with an often
playful manner. It is quick to learn and have some dog-like
characteristics, like retrieving wads of paper or soft balls. Its
voice, if any, is soft and sweet, often making them a good choice for
apartment dwellers or older people. Many, however, will talk to their
owners if they are encouraged to do so. The Russians also make
wonderful companions for children and if not handled roughly they
interact easily with the little ones. They prefer gentle but firm
handling and can at times be easily startled. The Russian is an
intelligent cat and training should be repetition, not man-handling.
They are often known to play Hide and Seek with their owners and to
find the highest place in the house to sleep! They are a breed that
wants to be part of the family and are curious --wanting to inspect
anything or anyone that enters their world. They are a semi-active
breed but not destructive unless bored, stressed or neglected by their
owners. Provide a sturdy scratcher, put it in a window so they can
enjoy the outside world from the safe indoors. Don't hide it in a
corner or basement – remember they want to be where you are and part
of your family! Russian Blues take pride in cleanliness, preferring
order rather then chaos in the household. They will let you know if
you haven't cleaned the litter box or if you haven't provided two
boxes for both duties! Overall Blues are a healthy breed. Seek good
veterinary care, feed high quality food, provide daily exercise and
lots of love. As with any breed, as a pet gets older, some health
issues may arise. Watch for any changes in your cat's habits. Changes
in habits usually signal a potential health issue. Most Russians will
select one family member to bond with more closely than the rest.
Often that is the one that feeds them as they have wonderful appetites
that sometimes have to be restricted to control their weight. This
bonding relationship will be special and you will be rewarded with
many head butts from your Blue and many moments to cherish.
Origin
The Russian Blue is one of the natural breeds in the cat fancy. It
is thought that the Blues came from Russia. Some say this can only be
a theory. Many stories have been discussed but some proof has come
from both England and Russia as to their existence. The breed has gone
through various names such as Archangel, Maltese, Foreign Blue and
Russian Blue. Evidence of Blues are also found in the Scandinavian
countries. Fur trading and shipping may have had some bearing on their
ability to be located in all these countries. The name has always been
Russian Blue in North America.
photo by Dave
