Russian Blue
Medium to Large
Short
High
4 to 8kg
Blue with silver tips
The precise origins of the breed are unknown, but many believe these cats hail from Russia based on their warm double coat. The Russian Blue likely arrived in England and Europe in the mid-1800s on boats from the continent. They were first shown in 1875 in London, competing with other blue cats. In 1912, however, they were given their own competition class.
After World War II, English and Scandinavian breeders worked to revive the breed through outcrossing with similar breeds like blue British Shorthairs and blue point Siamese. North American breeders later imported Russian Blues of both varieties to achieve the best features of each.
Some Russian Blue kittens are born with a hint of stripes, known as a “ghost stripes”. These stripes are a nod to the tabby gene all cats carry, though they usually fade with age.
The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) only accepts Russian Blues with blue coats, but other associations accept them in other colors, including white and black.
Some people believe the breed descended from cats of the Russian Czars.
They’re sometimes called “Archangel Cats” after their point of origin in the Archangel Isles.