Question 1

Is there much temperament difference between a male and female Russian Blues? Are Males more affectionate? Do they bond better with female owners?

Accepted Answer

There are many misconceptions about male and female Russian Blues. Contrary to online articles, males do not necessarily bond better with female owners and are not generally more affectionate. Our most affectionate animals actually tend ot be female, and they all love "mom" at our house the best. The only legible difference is size . Males will be a bit bigger than females but the personality is typically cat-to-cat. That said, in a loving home, you can generally expect from Russians to have intelligence, affection (but not too much), independence (but not standoffishness), even temperament, climbing (where they are allowed), talking when they need something (but not annoyingly or often), and a little bit of mischief as kittens (ours like to open up cabinets and drawers to find toys). There are always outliers but these are typical.

Question 2

Do Russian Blues “choose” a person?

Accepted Answer

They tend to latch on a bit more to whomever they spend the most time with the first month or 2, but should be personable and fun with everyone and will adapt to your home and family!

Question 3

Are there and breed-specific behaviors or common habits, particularly in Blue Russian cats? How should I prepare my home for them?

Accepted Answer

Russian Blues are highly intelligent and love to have prey-type play time, games and toys, puzzles, and also enjoy climbing. They also may play fetch with you! Due to their intellect if they have undesirable behaviors (climbing where you do not want them to etc.) you can remove them, correct them be repositioning them, and simply say "no". They will catch on to this.  Russian Blues may be more outgoing in adolescence and more affectionate as they grow into adulthood, so just allowing opportunities to learn, play, explore and be loved physically will be all they ever desire. They will often "choose" a person, whomever spends the most time with them in the first ~6-12 weeks at your home, so keep in mind who's cat you want them to be. They will still love and connect with all family members but just may be partial for cuddles or care. They may "talk" when the need or want something (though not is an annoying way) but will communicate with you. They love treats like freeze dried fish, chicken organs, etc. and some may be very food driven which can be leveraged for training. Overall, they are wonderful, smart, and gentle animals and will find their spots within your home and heart once they arrive. If  you have other pets, especially cats,  we recommend quarantining for 21 days and many people will first allow them in one room while they become familiar and then into larger areas, before letting them roam the whole home.

Question 4

Are Russian Blues hypoallergenic?

Accepted Answer

Please read our "Allergies" Page

Question 5

Are Russian Blues smart? Can you train them?

Accepted Answer

Russian blues are very intelligent, are very trainable and like to explore and climb. The first year of age is boundary setting and they will learn what you expect and should respect that. They often carry items in their mouth which is fun and many can play fetch.

Question 6

How big do your Russian Blues get?

Accepted Answer

Russian Blues are generally not large cats. Sizes vary, but we expect our females to grow to between 7-9 lbs, and our males to grow to between 10 and 12 lbs full grown (by 2 years)

Question 7

What are the typical health concerns for this breed, and what preventative measures have you implemented to maintain their well-being?

Accepted Answer

There are no known health concerns with our line of Russian Blues, nor with the breed for that matter as far as we are aware. They are unlike some other breeds which were selectively bred, or inbred, to achieve a certain odd phenotype or unhealthy physical manifestation. Rather, Russian Blues have been bred as a preservation breed to conform to the standards of what each cat association deems adheres to the breed standard, stemming from the original cats most likely from the Russian Archangel Isles. Here is a little on history from our website.  In addition, every one of our cats, including all our females, come from entirely different bloodlines, ensuring no inbreeding which is the only concern we have ever seen with the breed (as with all purebred cats).  However, we take extensive measures to maintain wellbeing including frequent (often daily) litter box changes, socialization and interaction, play and exposure to different environments, a variety of diet, and exceptional cleanliness/husbandry standards.

Question 8

On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being super shy and 5 being really rambunctious), how would you rate your kittens?

Accepted Answer

Typically we would see 2.5 to 3.5 kittens for Russian Blues at kitten age. We've seen only one "1", and one “4”.

Question 9

Do Russian Blues do well with dogs?

Accepted Answer

They should do fine with dogs depending on the dog's temperament, it is best if they are raised together but not required as long as the dog is not aggressive.

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