Russian Blue

- Code Name "Elegance"

Temper

The unusual elegance of the Russian Blue is not only in the looks but is also apparent in its movements and behavior. Even the males have a distinct "ladylike" way of walking, and even though Russians can move fast when they play, they maintain a ballet-like finesse in their movements.
Temper wise it is lively and dominant in its own refined way; animals and people in the home are slowly - often without realizing it before it is too late - made "slaves" in the private czar regime of the Russian Blue.
It will often choose a single person or a few people which it will devote all its love to while it behaves reserved and dignified towards all others.
This characteristic is not always present, especially not in the males, so it is despite all not impossible to find a Russian Bluewho is a "party freak".

A Russian Blue of that type will make absolutely sure that everyone has noticed what a beautiful cat resides in that house especially when there is company.
Normally it is unproblematic keeping Russian Blues because they are very good at getting things the way they want them; it is not a cat to suffer in silence - if something is wrong, you will be told so in a way even humans understand.
One should be aware that it is not a cat that is suited to be alone all day. If one doesn’t have other pets at home it is best to get two cats. The other cat doesn’t have to be a Russian Blue.
If one prefers a cat that is also playful as adult, the Russian Blue is a good choice.
Russian Blues can entertain themselves, if they have to, but they prefer to play with others - preferably their chosen person.
Almost all Russian Blues love to play fetch. You will discover that this is something the cat teaches you - and not the other way round.
It will often participate in anything and everything its chosen person does (maybe with the exception of joining in the shower), it will willingly "help" with the dishes and with unpleasant phone calls by pulling the phone on the floor in jealousy etc. It sees itself as (and often becomes) the center of your universe!

The History of the Breed

There has formerly been some doubt as to whether the breed came from Russia at all, but today there seems to be no doubt that it actually originated in Siberia; in similar sub-Arctic areas other gray-blue cats are found most probably because it is a suitable camouflage color there.
Cat fanciers who have been to Russia also recount that the moggies over there are gray-blue even though they are of a stockier build than Russian Blue.
Legend has it that this cat in the time of the Czars was used as royal gifts to people who otherwise had everything. An old Russian prayer for homely happiness specifically mentions the blue cat.

That is something we Russian Blue owners of today fully approve of!

The Looks

The Russian Blue is a medium large and slim but muscular cat, gray-blue with a white silver sheen. This silver sheen (goes under the term "tipping" in the cat fancy) has probably worked as a very good camouflage in the Siberian fir tree forests (The Taiga) where the breed originated.
The fur should be soft and almost like velvet to the touch.
It should have slanted almond-shaped eyes which are emerald-green; the ears are large and upright. The paws are lavender and small, almost teaspoon-shaped.
It has lion-like whisker pads and chin.
The nose forms an angle with the forehead where they meet at eyebrow-level.
The breed has no special needs as regards to care and grooming, apart from those that are apparent in regard to the special Russian Blue temper. The breed is physically and mentally robust as long as it gets its needs for action and contact fulfilled.