Russian Blue

The origin of this lovely breed is still rather hazy. Popular belief credits the origin of this beautiful breed to the Archangel Isles in northern Russia. The breed was earlier also known as the Archangel Cat or Foreign Blue. Legend has it that the breed gained popularity in Europe sometime towards the end of the 19th century.

The Russian blue is an intelligent and introverted cat - rather shy and wary but playful and even tempered once familiar.

With round, wide set green eyes and large wide ears they look attractive. The face looks broad due to the thick fur and wide set eyes.

A long, slender neck often appears thick and short due to the higher shoulder blades. In the breed standard, the muzzle is blunt and chin nearly perpendicular while the nose is of medium length.

The body and limbs are long and fine boned and coat is short, dense and fine with a soft, silky texture. The paw pads are lavender pink or mauve while the nose leather is slate grey.

Points of disqualification include kinked or abnormal tail, a long fur coat and any color other than blue.

The coat has a uniform, bright blue colour all over with lighter shades of blue being more popular.

The guard hairs have a distinct silver tip giving the breed a lovely silvery glow.