Cat breed · Shorthair
Russian Blue
Gentle, reserved, loyal
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 3–5.5 kg (7–12 lb)
- Height
- 23–28 cm (9–11 in)
- Life span
- 15–20 years
- Origin
- Russia
The coat
Short
Stroke it to see how it lies.
At a glance
Are Russian Blues right for you?
You will love
- Copes well in a flat
- Sheds little
- Next to no grooming
How big, really
Adult Russian Blues weigh 3–5.5 kg (7–12 lb). Shoulder height shown at the top of the range.
About the Russian Blue
With a silvery-blue double coat and green eyes, the Russian Blue is quiet and gentle, often shy with visitors but deeply attached to its own people. They are generally a healthy, long-lived breed.
Russian Blues are creatures of routine and can be unsettled by busy households or frequent changes. They are clever and often learn to open doors or fetch toys. Their love of food makes weight gain the most common problem, so measure meals and use play to keep them active.
Health to know about
- Generally healthy
- Bladder stones
- Obesity (they love food)
Care in short
- Measure meals
- A predictable routine — they dislike change
- Weekly brushing
Kit for a Russian Blue
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Best for short coats
Rubber grooming mitt
4.3Soft rubber nubs pick up loose hair and double as a massage.
- Works wet or dry
- Most pets enjoy it
Best for saving the sofa
Sisal scratching post, 80 cm
4.6Tall and heavy enough for a full stretch without wobbling.
- Sisal rope cats prefer
- Wide weighted base
Best for indoor cats
Multi-level cat tree
4.4Climbing, perching and hiding in one piece of furniture.
- Several perches
- Replaceable posts
Similar breeds
| Trait | Russian Blue | Exotic ShorthairCompare | Scottish FoldCompare |  British ShorthairCompare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 3–5.5 kg (7–12 lb) | 3–6 kg (7–13 lb) | 3–6 kg (7–13 lb) | 4–8 kg (9–18 lb) |
| Energy | 3/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Good with children | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Shedding | 2/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Grooming needs | 1/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Trainability | 3/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Questions owners ask
How big does a Russian Blue get?
Adults usually weigh 3–5.5 kg (7–12 lb) and stand 23–28 cm (9–11 in) tall.
How long do Russian Blues live?
Typically 15–20 years.
Are Russian Blues good with children?
Usually fine with supervision (3 out of 5 on our scale). Every dog or cat is an individual; always supervise young children.
Do Russian Blues shed?
Not much.
What health problems are Russian Blues prone to?
Generally healthy; Bladder stones; Obesity (they love food).
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts