Russian Blue
Elegant, reserved cats with a plush silver-blue coat.
Russian Blues are quiet, gentle, and observant. They form strong bonds with their families but tend to be shy with strangers. Their dense double coat shimmers and is famously low-shedding.
Key facts
| Origin | Russia |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 7–12 lbs |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years |
| Energy | Medium |
| Vocality | Low |
| Grooming | Brush once a week |
| Shedding | Low |
| With children | ●●●●○ |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●●○ |
| For beginners | ●●●●● |
| Apartment life | ●●●●● |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- Lower allergen production
- Long-lived and hardy
- Quiet and gentle
- Beautiful unique coat
✗ Things to know
- Shy with strangers
- Prefers calm, predictable homes
- Can be aloof at first
Ideal owner
A Russian Blue may suit you well if you:
- Are a first-time cat owner looking for a forgiving, adaptable breed
- Have children or a busy, sociable household
- Already have dogs or other cats at home
- Live in an apartment or smaller home
- Have mild cat allergies and need a more allergy-friendly option
A Russian Blue may not suit you if you:
Health considerations
Like all breeds, Russian Blues can be predisposed to certain conditions. A reputable breeder will screen for these, and regular vet check-ups help catch issues early.
- Bladder stones
- Eye conditions
Is a Russian Blue right for you?
The best way to find out if a Russian Blue suits your lifestyle is to take the What Cat? breed quiz — it weighs your living space, schedule, household, and preferences against all 68 breeds in our encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Russian Blue a good cat for first-time owners?
Yes — Russian Blues are an excellent choice for first-time cat owners. They are adaptable and forgiving, with a temperament described as: reserved, gentle, and deeply loyal to their chosen humans.
Are Russian Blues good for apartments?
Yes — Russian Blues adapt well to apartment living. They don't require a large territory and are content indoors provided they have adequate enrichment and attention.
Are Russian Blues good with children?
Russian Blues are generally excellent with children. They are patient, tolerant of handling, and social enough to enjoy the energy of family life including young children.
Are Russian Blues hypoallergenic?
Russian Blues are considered more allergy-friendly than most breeds. Often produces less Fel d 1 than average — frequently tolerated by mild allergy sufferers.
Does a Russian Blue suit your lifestyle?
Take the free 18-question What Cat? quiz to find out — and get a full ranked list of breeds matched to your real life.
Take the free quiz →Further reading: Russian Blue on Wikipedia