Page 68 - The Complete Cat Breed Book (DK)

66 C A T AL OG OF BREED S

RUSSIAN BLUE

FRIENDLY BUT SELF-SUFFICIENT, THIS GRACEFUL CAT DOES NOT DEMAND MUCH ATTENTION

Place of origin Russia The most widely accepted version of this breed’s ancestry
Date of origin Pre-19th suggests that it originated around the Russian port of Archangel,
century
just below the Arctic Circle. Supposedly brought to Europe by
Breed registries CFA, FIFe,
TICA sailors, the Russian Blue was attracting interest in the UK well
Weight range 7–12lb (3–5.5kg) before the end of the 19th century, and had also appeared in
Grooming North America by the early 20th century. With its gracious air
and beautiful plush blue coat, it is not surprising that the
Russian Blue is now highly popular. Reserved with strangers,
Colors and patterns this cat has an abundance of quiet affection to give its
Blue of various shades.
owners. Differently colored types
of the breed have been developed
under the name Russian Shorthair.
Dense fur gives
Straight a broad-faced
nose appearance

Relatively large,
wide-set ears,
Long, lithe body very thin at tips
Bright
green eyes
Thick, plush
blue coat

Long,
tapering tail

Long, finely
boned legs
Silver-tipped
guard hairs

Small,
rounded
paws