The cat of queens and czars, the Russian Blue is an exquisite and stately feline. This is a remarkably loyal cat of notable intelligence, which makes it particularly easy to fall in love with. However, proper bonding with a Russian Blue doesn’t happen overnight. Fortunately, with proper care and a comprehensive Russian Blue pet insurance policy in place, you’ll have many years with which to develop a lasting bond with this marvellous creature.
It’s believed that the Russian Blue originated at Arkhangelsk (Archangel) in Russia – some 300 km south of the Arctic Circle. The progenitor to the cat we know today was likely a natural breed. But then as he made his way west, the Russian Blue began honing his breeding and standards.
Much of the actual breeding and selection took place in Scandinavia and the UK following WWII. However, the breed was already known on the international stage by this time. The first time it appeared in any official international capacity was in 1875 at London’s Crystal Palace.
The breed lost some of its stability after WWII, when a shortage of Russian Blues drove some breeders to cross theirs with Siamese cats. However, the breed was largely restored in the decades since. Today, the restored breed is widely available and can be protected with Russian Blue pet insurance from PIA.
20-25 cm
3.6 – 4.5 kg
Independent, intelligent, affectionate, aloof or even wary of strangers
15-20 years
Relatively few genetic issues, except for those common to all domestic cats, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Russia (via the UK and Scandinavia)
Short but thick double coat with a remarkably plush texture
Bright ‘blue’ colour with silvery tips
Lack of attention can cause a Russian Blue to become anxious or even fearful.
Life near the Arctic Circle produced an incredibly dense double coat of short hair. It comes primarily in a deep, slate grey (which cat fanciers refer to as ‘blue’) dusted with sliver tips. The latter produces an ephemeral sheen when the cat moves.
This breed is known for being gentle and even slightly reserved (some would say shy), but that doesn’t mean that it spurns good company. On the contrary, the Russian Blue warms relatively slowly but forms lasting, lifelong bonds. That’s saying a lot, too, considering the number of cats from this breed that live to the ripe, old age of 20.
It’s also no exaggeration to say that your Russian Blue will likely single out a favourite person in the house. As long as he receives an appropriate amount of love and attention in return, then all’s well.
Given this cat’s long life expectancy, pet insurance for Russian Blue cats is an essential consideration for owners. It goes a long way towards ensuring that the cats enjoy a happy, carefree life as a member of your family.
Terms, conditions, waiting periods and limits apply. Pet Insurance Australia is general insurance issued by the insurer The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd (ABN 78 090 584 473; AFSL 241436) (Hollard), is distributed and promoted by Pet Insurance Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 85 113 507 850; AR 326233) (Pet Insurance Australia) and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (ABN 95 075 949 923 ; AFSL 420183) (PetSure). Pet Insurance Australia acts as an authorised representative of Petsure. Any advice provided is general only. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement available from www.petinsuranceaustralia.com.au in deciding whether to acquire or continue to hold, Pet Insurance Australia Pet Insurance.
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If you are experiencing vulnerability and would like more information on the extra care we can provide please email us on help@petsure.com.au. You can also access our underwriter’s Family Violence Policy here, and their website also contains additional accessible ways you can contact us.