PawPedia
Home / Breeds / Cats / Russian Blue
🐈
Cat
Shorthair
#15 most popular
Hypoallergenic

Russian Blue

The silver-blue, green-eyed aristocrat with a shy streak.

Origin
Russia
Size
medium
Weight
7–12 lbs
Lifespan
15–20 yrs
Calculate costsCheck symptomsIdentify photo

About the Russian Blue

The Russian Blue's origins are mysterious, but they're believed to have come from the northern Russian port of Arkhangelsk. They arrived in Europe in the 1800s and became known for their plush blue-gray coat, emerald eyes, and reserved nature. They're famous for being shy with strangers but deeply devoted to their families.

Temperament
Trainability3/5
Child friendly3/5
Other pet friendly4/5
Stranger friendly2/5
Shedding2/5
Grooming needs1/5
Personality
shy
gentle
loyal
quiet
At a glance
Energy levelmoderate
Coat lengthshort
Height8–10 in
Colorsblue (gray) — only accepted color
First-year cost$1,500–$3,000
Annual cost$900–$1,700

Common health issues

Every breed has predispositions. Knowing them helps you watch for early signs and discuss screening with your vet.

Generally very healthy
low risk
Obesity (if overfed)
low risk
Bladder stones (in some lines)
low risk
Exercise

20–30 min daily. They're agile but not hyper.

Grooming

Weekly brushing. Their coat is plush and sheds little.

Training

Reserved — don't push socialization. Build trust gradually.

Cost of ownership

One of the most budget-friendly breeds due to good health.

First year
$1,500–$3,000
Each year after
$900–$1,700
Get personalized cost estimate

Fun facts

  • 🐾Their coat is so plush it's compared to a seal's fur.
  • 🐾Some claim they're hypoallergenic due to lower Fel d 1 production — not proven.
  • 🐾They smile — their upturned mouth gives the appearance of a Mona Lisa grin.

Best suited for

Quiet homes
Single owners or couples
Indoor environments

What next?

Calculate your costs

See first-year, annual, and 10-year costs based on your ZIP code and lifestyle.

Check a symptom

Pre-loaded with Russian Blue-specific health risks.

Identify a photo

Got a photo? AI will tell you if it looks like this breed.

Similar breeds

🐈

American Shorthair

🐈

Scottish Fold

🐈

Birman

🐈

British Shorthair

Medical disclaimer: This profile is for general information only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for any health concerns.