ROYAL STERLING Russian Blue Cattery
Absolutely Blue
The origins of Russian Blue are mysterious, but the most popular theories place the breed’s birthplace in Northern Russia’s city named Archangelsk (Archangels'). Some feline historians hold that the breed has royal blood, descending from the beloved pets of Czars. But there is a more of the story....
Lady Constance (Mrs Carrew-Cox) is known to be one of the first importers and breeders of Russian Blues. She first met the Russian Blue in 1888, and her first blue cat was entered in the stud book under the name "Dvina" and won many prizes at the Crystal Palace in London in various shows. In 1890, a pair of blue cats from Norway arrived in London, as well as a wonderful blue and white cat, Cola, from Archangelsk. In 1893, the cat Olga (Bayard's mother) arrives from Archangelsk, and then Limpopo, Fashoda, Odessa and Yulia from Moscow.
What we now call the Russian Blue first met British cat lovers as the Archangel Cat. As a competitor in the nation’s very first cat show, the breed made an entrance befitting its regal air. The breed was rarely victorious in competitions against more popular short-haired blue cats like the British Blue. In 1912, the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) officially recognized the breed and afforded it a classification all its own. Russian Blues are one of many breeds that nearly went extinct during World War II. Their popularity grew among American breeders and feline enthusiasts throughout the second half of the 20th century.
Constance Care-cox, 1888
Yulia, 1901
Boyard, 1904
From time immemorial, it was considered an excellent tone at the court of royalty, nobles and statesmen to keep several feline representatives of the Russian blue breed. Among the famous cat owners of this particular breed were seen King of France Louis XIV, Queen Anna, Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain, Prince Philip, King of Spain Juan Carlos and many other dignitaries.
It was considered a Lucky charm to have a Russian Blue cat in the room with birthing women in Royal palaces, probably because of its incredible character.
Personality of Russian Blue Cats Breed
The Russian Blue is a naturally occurred (unlike man-made) breed that is considered to be very healthy with a life span of around 15-20 years.
They are sweet-tempered, very loyal cats who will follow the owner everywhere, so don't be surprised if they greet you at the front door and immediately ask to play fetch. RBs are very intelligent and may learn and understand up to 40 words.
Russian Blue cats are curious but calm, affectionate but not clingy, and very smart. They can be shy at first, but they are playful and loving once they feel comfortable. Sometimes they prefer to sit on your shoulder and not on your lap. They are aristocratic and very clean in nature.The litter box should be cleaned regularly so they don't feel disgusted using it.
While they are happy living with families and even other pets, Russian Blue cats tend to form a deep connection with one person only. Once they bond with someone, they will be very sensitive to their pet parent’s emotions – if you’re sad, your Russian Blue will do some tricks to cheer you up!
It’s said that the Russian Blue has lower levels of the allergen also known as glycoprotein Fel d 1. This can trigger allergies in humans and is shed by cats in their saliva, dander, fur, and urine. By having lower allergen levels, Russian Blues may be a good choice for families with allergy sufferers, but remember that every personal case is different.