The Russian Blue, The Arcangel Cat

Russian Blue Cat, The Arcangel

The Russian blue cat is one of the oldest breeds that exist. It is characterized by its bluish gray and dense coat, which encompass shades of colors that vary from a light bright silver to a darker slate gray, short and dense being its hallmark. They develop close ties with their owners and are sought after as pets because of their personality, beauty and shelter. It is a very affectionate and intelligent cat and also enjoys much contact with humans and is perfect to take care of as a family.

Appearance

The coat of the Russian blue cat is unique and easily distinctive among other breeds. It is short in size but at the same time it offers a special double layer texture, with a very thick undercoat. The color of the mantle is a bluish gray tone, with silver reflections, which is because the tips of the hairs are devoid of pigment.

Soft to the touch and debated if hypoallergenic. It has a medium size. Russian blue is a very aristocratic cat, with an elegant appearance. Its body is elongated and thin, with very stylized lines, but very slender. Their movements are very subtle and fluid.It also has large, almond-shaped eyes with an emerald green color, the shape of its head is medium and the top is a bit flat. Their ears are wide and at the same time they are slightly turned outwards.

Russian blue is a very healthy breed, without any inherent genetic problem or propensity to get sick. Like most shorthair cats, it barely forms hairballs. The Russian Blues have a life expectancy of around 10 to 20 years, but some have even lived to a maximum of 25 years and have few health problems, as they tend to have little or no genetic problems and are not prone to diseases. They are small to moderate cats, with an average weight of 2.27 to 5.45 kg (5.0 to 12.0 lb) when fully developed.

Reproduction

The males will typically be larger than the females. And the females after gestation period is approximately 64 days. The reproduction and delivery of the Russian blue cat does not have many risks and each birth can reach between three and five copies. Also, while they are only a few weeks old, these cats are perfecting the incomparable bluish-gray color of their fur. Similarly, in their first months of life they are born with blue eyes but as they grow they change to their characteristic green tone.

Short History

The Russian blue cat is a natural breed that appeared in the vicinity of Arkhangelsk harbor in northern Russia (that's why they were also known as cat archangel).

Russian Blue of 1902

During 1939, which was the year in which the Russian Blue race was officially recognized, the Second World War began. Period during which for the English breeding places it became more difficult to obtain cats of pure race. For this reason, they began to cross the Russian Blue cat with other Scandinavian breeds, which gave rise to the physical characteristics of cats belonging to this breed today.

In 1984, finally, the official standards of the Russian blue cat breed were established.

Character and Behavior in General.

Russian blue in general is considered a calm race. They are known for their kindness and intelligence and elegance, being reserved and shy with strangers, but above all things to the intimate bond they create with their owner, who will be eternally faithful. They are very playful, They love to run, jump, climb, climb the highest places in the house where you can watch carefully and also have fun with humans and other pets. However there are always exceptions due to the personality or socialization of the cat in terms of its character. Also characteristic is that they are very affectionate and sensitive to human emotions, feeling great empathy with their preferred human, and although they are constant demanding love and pampering, they have a certain level of independence since they can be alone for several hours at home. They enjoy playing with a variety of toys and develop loyal bonds with their loved ones and other family pets.

They are clean animals, which will demand from their owner the same level of neatness. They call them archangel cats, not only because of their origins, but also because of their amorous nature, as well as their elegant, aristocratic and delicate appearance and bearing. They have also very subtle and fluid movements, which is why they are very graceful in their gait. Also your hunting instinct is very marked, often catching rodents, birds, rabbits, small mammals or reptiles.
Russian blue kittens are energetic and require proper playmates or toys, as they can become naughty if they get bored. They have exceptional athleticism and rival even the Abyssinians for their ability to jump and climb.

Being of eternal kitten´s character, for their love and disposition to the game and the affection they will always look for from their owner. Being also a very intelligent cat breed, they are careful and observant of everything that surrounds them. Reflect first and then decide what they are going to do.
They are very silent, and the few times they meow, they evoke low, sweet and delicate tones. Usually to get the attention of its owner. He does not like changes, they are animals that love habit.

Types of Russian Blue

European type
Within the European type can be distinguished three small variants: English, continental and Scandinavian.

Russian Blue English Type

The English has a fairly large general appearance, with the head more rounded than cuneiform, and a coat of rather dark hue but with a silver tipping very contrasted in the cover layer and very plush appearance. The base of the ears is very wide, the eyes are a beautiful green, although not very large and quite close together.

Russian Blue Continental Type

The continental type is smaller in size and a line more stylized and elegant than the English, with long and thin extremities and the head more cuneiform than rounded. The coat is very clear and silver and the eyes are large and proportionate.

Russian Blue Scandinavian Type

The Scandinavian type is strong and elegant, with a flat-cuneiform head and very bluish fur with silver tipping, although in some cases a little longer and not too fluffy. The eyes are large, slightly almond shaped and deep emerald green.

American Type

Russian Blue American Type

American Russian blue has very stylized lines of small size and very angular face. The base of the ears is a little lower than usual and the eyes are large, almost round and pale green. The fur shows a light blue hue with a marked silver tipping.

References:

https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/russian-blue-cat?mediatype=photography&page=2&phrase=russian%20blue%20cat&sort=mostpopular (Better Apreciation of these Beautys)

Info:

https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azul_ruso
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Blue
https://www.feelcats.com/blog/gato-azul-ruso/
https://www.mundodeportivo.com/elotromundo/mascotas/20180322/441518671733/curiosidades-del-gato-azul-ruso.html