If you've never heard of the cat breed known as Russian Blue, you will. They've been rising in popularity with catlike speed. Russian Blues are one of the most visually stunning breeds, famous for their silver-blue coats, which show off their sinewy frames and complement their vibrant, dark green eyes.
Don't wind up on the "tail" end of this developing kitty trend -- here's a quick primer, packed with plenty of cocktail-party trivia tidbits you can pass along.
1. Though they look put-together, Russian Blue cats are a naturally occurring breed. Their origins have been traced back to the port town of Arkhangelsk, Russia, which is why they're also sometimes called "Archangel" Blues.
2. Russian Blue coats are known as "double coats," meaning they possess a soft, downy undercoat. The topcoat hairs, though sometimes a soft black, can be a true shade of blue with silver tips, giving the cat a shimmering appearance.
3. Russian Blues are known for being intensely devoted to and affectionate towards their owners, but can be remarkably shy around strangers.
4. Because the saliva and sebum of Russian Blues contain less of a certain protein than most other cats, they're considered one of the more hypoallergenic breeds of cat.
5. Tom of the Tom & Jerry animated cartoons is often considered to be a Russian Blue cat because of his blue-gray coloring.
6. A purebred Russian Blue will exhibit no white markings on its body -- but on rare occasion, one will sport a "locket" of white fur on its throat, which in cat shows is considered a highly negative trait.
7. Historical folklore has it that Queen Victoria was a big fan of Russian Blues. Sailors first brought the breed over to Western Europe around 1860.
8. According to the Cat Fanciers' Association, Russian Blues are so attuned to their humans' emotions that they will sometimes clown around to calm a crying baby or pat the face of someone who seems sad.
9. To honor the Russian Blue's history as a favorite pet of Russian czars -- and as a nod to LOLcats? -- one Louisiana-based cat breeder has named her cattery Czarcatz.
10. In addition to its striking silver-blue coat, another telltale sign of a purebred Russian Blue is the positioning of its ears on its head. They're often described as being attached to the head at a rakish angle.
Don't wind up on the "tail" end of this developing kitty trend -- here's a quick primer, packed with plenty of cocktail-party trivia tidbits you can pass along.
1. Though they look put-together, Russian Blue cats are a naturally occurring breed. Their origins have been traced back to the port town of Arkhangelsk, Russia, which is why they're also sometimes called "Archangel" Blues.
2. Russian Blue coats are known as "double coats," meaning they possess a soft, downy undercoat. The topcoat hairs, though sometimes a soft black, can be a true shade of blue with silver tips, giving the cat a shimmering appearance.
3. Russian Blues are known for being intensely devoted to and affectionate towards their owners, but can be remarkably shy around strangers.
4. Because the saliva and sebum of Russian Blues contain less of a certain protein than most other cats, they're considered one of the more hypoallergenic breeds of cat.
5. Tom of the Tom & Jerry animated cartoons is often considered to be a Russian Blue cat because of his blue-gray coloring.
6. A purebred Russian Blue will exhibit no white markings on its body -- but on rare occasion, one will sport a "locket" of white fur on its throat, which in cat shows is considered a highly negative trait.
7. Historical folklore has it that Queen Victoria was a big fan of Russian Blues. Sailors first brought the breed over to Western Europe around 1860.
8. According to the Cat Fanciers' Association, Russian Blues are so attuned to their humans' emotions that they will sometimes clown around to calm a crying baby or pat the face of someone who seems sad.
9. To honor the Russian Blue's history as a favorite pet of Russian czars -- and as a nod to LOLcats? -- one Louisiana-based cat breeder has named her cattery Czarcatz.
10. In addition to its striking silver-blue coat, another telltale sign of a purebred Russian Blue is the positioning of its ears on its head. They're often described as being attached to the head at a rakish angle.
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This is my FAVORITE breed!!
I named my tag name, msskeeterbum, after my baby, Skeet. He's a Russian Blue, and the sweetest thing to his mom! I love my boo-boo! : )