Russian Blue cat temperament & health

Russian Blue cat insurance

Is the Russian Blue the right cat breed for you?

Russian Blue owner’s guide

Elegant and calm-natured with stunning silvery coats and green eyes, Russian Blues bring a quiet charm to any household. Learn more about their temperament, care needs, and whether they’re right for your home.

Russian Blue quick facts

Size: Medium (height 22–27cm, body length 50–60cm)
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Weight: 3.5–5.5kg (males slightly larger)
Coat: Short, dense, double-layered, plush blue-grey
Characteristics: Gentle, reserved, intelligent, loyal
Common diseases and health problems: Generally very healthy, but may be prone to obesity if overfed
Country of origin: Russia

Grey russian blue cat with bright green eyes laying down.

Where does the Russian Blue cat come from?

As their name suggests, Russian Blue cats are believed to have originated in Russia, specifically the northern city of Arkhangelsk. The breed was brought to Europe in the 1800s, where it was prized for its thick coat, dignified nature, and sparkling green eyes. Today, the Russian Blue remains one of the most refined and low-maintenance pedigree cats available.

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What is a Russian Blue cat’s temperament?

Russian Blues are typically gentle souls, their calm temperament makes them ideal for quieter households.

Loyal

They form strong bonds with their families, often picking one favourite human, and tend to be reserved with strangers.

Calm & curious

Don’t expect a whirlwind of energy, they’re more likely to watch from the corner of the room than jump into the middle of the action.

Interactive

Once they trust you, they’re incredibly affectionate, intelligent, and playful.

Are Russian Blue cats aggressive?

No, Russian Blues are known for being calm and mild-mannered. They’re more likely to retreat than lash out when stressed. With gentle handling and a stable environment, they’re rarely aggressive.

Are Russian Blue cats friendly?

Yes, but in a reserved way. They’re not extroverted like some other cat breeds, but they’re affectionate with their chosen humans. Once they feel secure, they’ll follow you from room to room, enjoy your company, and may even greet you at the door.

Do Russian Blue cats like to be held?

Some Russian Blues like to be held, especially if they’re used to being handled from a young age. But in general, Russian Blues prefer sitting nearby or climbing into your lap of their own accord rather than being scooped up suddenly.

Are Russian Blue cats destructive?

Not typically. They’re more calm by nature than destructive. That said, any cat can become destructive if it gets bored or anxious, so be sure to provide plenty of stimulation and scratch-friendly surfaces.

Russian Blue cat training and exercise

Russian Blues may be quiet, but they’re clever. Here are a few ways to keep them happy and engaged:

1
Busy their brains
Russian Blues are smart and observant. They learn quickly and can be taught tricks, commands, or to use puzzle toys.
2
Make time for play
Playful in private, they may enjoy feather toys, laser dots, and chasing games.
3
Try quiet enrichment
Cat trees, window perches, and puzzle feeders are great ways to keep their minds and bodies active.
4
Stick to a routine
Russian Blues are routine lovers and thrive on regular feeding, play, and sleep schedules.

Russian Blue cat appearance and size

Grey russian blue cat getting groomed by it's owner.

Russian Blues are sleek, medium-sized cats with a short, dense, and silver-blue coat. Their double-layered fur stands out from the body, giving them a soft, plush look. They have a graceful build with long legs and a slender frame. Their eyes are a vivid green, and their expression is intelligent and perhaps even slightly mysterious!

Are Russian Blue cats big?

No, they’re considered a medium-sized breed. Adult Russian Blues typically weigh 3.5–5.5kg, with males being a bit larger. Their plush coat may make them look bigger than they really are.

Russian Blue cat grooming

Do Russian Blue cats shed?

Surprisingly, yes, but not heavily. They shed seasonally and their short, dense coat benefits from weekly brushing. Despite shedding, their fur doesn’t mat and is typically quite easy to manage.

Are Russian Blue cats hypoallergenic?

While no cat is truly hypoallergenic, Russian Blues are often better tolerated by allergy sufferers. They produce lower levels of the Fel d 1 protein (the primary cat allergen) and their dense coat helps trap dander. However, individual responses vary, so it’s best to spend time around a cat first if this is a concern.

Russian Blue cat health issues

Like all cats, Russian Blues can be affected by a range of general health issues, not all of which are specific to this breed. Eye problems like conjunctivitis, glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal issues can occur, with Russian Blues more prone to conjunctivitis. They can also suffer from cat flu and feline asthma, which affects the lungs and may require long-term meds like inhalers. Infectious diseases such as feline leukaemia, FIV, and bacterial infections are also possible.

Find out more about the most common cat health issues claimed on pet insurance.

Feeding your Russian Blue

Russian Blues tend to have big appetites, so it’s important to manage their diet to prevent obesity.

Choose high-quality wet or dry food that’s rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Portion sizes should be adjusted based on your cat’s age and activity level to keep them healthy and lean. For more advice, speak to your vet.

Buying a Russian Blue cat kitten

Russian Blue kittens can be a bit shy at first but tend to warm up quickly with patience and quiet handling. They tend to thrive in calm, predictable environments. Ask your breeder about their diet, vaccination schedule, and any early socialisation they’ve had. Kittens should be fully vet-checked, vaccinated, and dewormed before you bring them home.

Learn more about settling a kitten into your home.

Russian Blue insurance with Agria

With Agria, it's lifetime, every time

At Agria, we believe pet insurance should last your pet’s lifetime. Our policies provide lifelong vet fees cover for illnesses and injuries. This means that, provided your policy is renewed each year, your maximum benefit will be refreshed, providing cover for ongoing conditions.

So, whatever happens throughout your Russian Blue cat's life, we’ll always be there for you and your cat!

Agria Pet Insurance has been awarded 'best pet insurance overall' from The Telegraph.

Up to £20,000 towards vet bills every year

So your cat can get the care they need.

We pay 98% of claims*

And we can pay your vet directly, so you can focus on your cat.

No increase in your premiums when you claim

So you don’t have to worry about the cost of insurance when you go to the vet.

Free vet video calls, 24/7

Which means help is always on hand if you’re worried.

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Get a 5% multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet with us.

*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance claims received between November 2023 and May 2024.

Want to know about our insurance policies? From multi-pet coverage to pre-existing conditions, we have lifetime insurance options for cats, rabbits, horses, and dogs, including older dogs.