RUSSIAN BLUE

Uganda
1994

Many believe the Russian Blue Cat originated from the Archangel Isles in northern Russia. According to legend, these beautiful animals were trapped for their plush double coats which are sometimes compared to the coat of a beaver or seal. Originally known as the Archangel Cat or Foreign Blue, it is believed that they were brought by sailors from the Archangel Isles to England and Northern Europe in the 1860s. It is also rumored that the Russian Blue is a descendant of the Royal Cat of the Russian Czars, and was a favored pet of Queen Victoria.

One of the most outstanding features of the Russian Blue is a short, dense coat of an even, bright blue color with each hair dipped in silver. The density of the coat causes it to stand out from the body and allows patterns to be traced in the coat which remain until you smooth them away. In lovely contrast to the blue coat, the Russian Blue has large, rounded, wide-set eyes that are a vivid green. They have been said to look as if they are smiling and that the reason for that smile is known only to them. The clean lines and graceful carriage of the Russian Blue give it a regal appearance.

Russian Blues are quiet, clean cats who are playful and loving companions. Despite their shy nature, Russians are devoted and quite affectionate toward their loved ones. They are very intelligent and have been reported to open doors and teach their owners to fetch. Sensitive to the mood of the house, Russians will ‘clown' to quiet a crying baby or sit patting your face to chase away the blues. They get along well with children and other pets.