Russian Blue: Cat Food and A Description of the Breed
The Russian Blue is a medium sized cat breed. This elegant cat originally comes from Russia and has been recognized as an independent breed since 1937. The Russian Blue is characterized by a calm character and is very well suited for keeping indoors.
History of the Russian Blue
The origins of the Russian Blue probably lie in the northern Russian port city of Arkhangelsk. Around the year 1860 the shorthair cat from Russia finally reached England, where it soon enjoyed great popularity.
Since 1937 the Russian Blue is an independent cat breed. Before that it was listed among others as a variation of the British Shorthair or the Maltese cat.
After the Second World War the Russian Blue was almost completely exterminated. To save it, several other cat breeds were crossed with it. By crossbreeding Siamese, European and British Shorthair the coat of the Russian Blue became thicker and shorter and its big eyes got their characteristic emerald green colour.
Today the Russian Blue enjoys great popularity in North America as well as in Europe.
Appearance of the Russian Blue
The Russian Blue is a medium sized cat. Female animals reach a weight of 2.5 to 4.5 kilos and a shoulder height of 20 to 30 centimetres. Males become somewhat heavier and larger with a weight of 3.5 to 6.5 kilos and a shoulder height of 30 to 40 centimetres.
The Russian Blue's physique is medium heavy and her legs are slim. She has an angular head with barely hairy ears and a friendly facial expression.
The coat of the Russisch Blau
The Russian Blue is the only pedigree cat with a double coat. This means that the top coat and undercoat have the same length. This makes the soft coat of the Russian Blue stand out. Colourless tips make the coat shimmer silver in the light.
The breed standard only allows the colour blue. However, there are breeders in the USA as well as in Europe who try to have black and white colour varieties of the Russian Blue recognized.
The different breeding branches of the Russian Blue
Today there are essentially three different breeding branches of the Russian Blue known in Europe. These differ slightly from each other both in appearance and in character.
A distinction is made between the Scandinavian/Siberian type and the European and American type. However, it is not unusual that the breeding branches are mated with each other, which is an advantage for the genetic diversity of the breed.
Character of the Russian Blue
The Russian Blue is an extremely calm and balanced cat. They build a very close relationship to their owner and like to spend time with them. They act reserved around strangers and generally prefer a quiet environment and a regular daily routine.
The Russian Blue is characterized by a high degree of intelligence. They are also considered to be curious and playful.
Looking after the Russian Blue
The Russian Blue is very well suited as an indoor cat. As long as the cat gets enough attention and has enough activities, they will feel very comfortable staying indoors.
Outdoor activities should be limited to a cat-safe garden or balcony. Surprises and traffic noises can quickly frighten and unsettle the sensitive Russian Blue.
The Russian Blue will appreciate having another cat in the household as a playmate however they are not suitable to live in the same household with small children as they prefer a calmer and less hectic environment.
Even though the coat of the Russian Blue is quite short, it should be brushed at least once a week. During shedding we recommend brushing the cat more often.
Russian Blue Diseases
The Russian Blue is a robust cat. It is generally considered to be healthy and not excessively prone to certain diseases. However, the Russian Blue belongs to those cat breeds where inbreeding is quite a big problem, which inevitably has many negative effects on the health of affected animals.
Apart from that, Russian Blue can also suffer from common cat diseases, such as diabetes, chronic kidney failure or cat cold.
Cat owners should therefore always keep an eye on the health of their four-legged friend. Regular check-ups as well as vaccinations recommended for cats help to avoid health problems or at least to detect them early.
The life expectancy of the Russian Blue
The life expectancy of the Russian Blue can vary greatly and can range between 12 and 20 years.
The right food for the Russian Blue
For a long and vital cat life it is important to supply the Russian Blue with a cat food appropriate to the species in the right quantity. In our assortment you will find high-quality wet and dry food for this purpose.
Cat food from I Love My Cat contains no grains or artificial additives. It contains a high proportion of animal proteins from meat, fish or insects.
The latter is particularly suitable as a digestible alternative for nutritionally sensitive animals. Because insect protein is a particularly easily digestible, hypoallergenic protein source, with which your Russian Blue is supplied according to need even in the case of feed intolerances and allergies.
The following food supplements can be useful for your Russian Blue:
- Shiimun Skin supports a thick, shiny coat with valuable nutrients.
- Shiimun Immune is our natural food supplement for a strong immune system
- With I love my cat Dental Powder the dental care of your Russian Blue is particularly reliable.
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