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Cats › Breeds › Russian Blue

🐈 Russian Blue Cat — Complete Breed Profile

✓ Profile verifiedSources: CFA · PetMDVerified: Oct 18, 2026
Russian Blue cat breed profile photo

Photo: File:Cat Russian Blue 02.jpg by Photographer: Kabir Bakie, CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons. Believe an image infringes your rights? Report it — we remove within 24 h.

Lifespan15–20 years
Weight7-12 lb
Coat & colorShorthair Characteristics: Short, dense silver tipped blue coat
RecognitionCFA-recognized
Origin of profileCFA + PetMD

How long do Russian Blue cats live?

15–20 years is the typical range. 15–20 years is the expected range for this breed (PetMD breed profile). Individual cats vary — lean body weight, dental care and regular checkups move the number more than anything else.

Personality & temperament

"Looking for a breed known as much for its brains as for its beauty?" — CFA official breed profile

Do Russian Blues need a lot of grooming?

Moderate shorthair shedding — a weekly brush keeps it (and your sofa) under control. This breed is widely described as low-maintenance for coat care.

Health notes for Russian Blues

The CFA breed profile discusses health considerations for this breed; review it with your breeder and vet. Every cat, purebred or not, needs: annual vet exams (twice-yearly after age 7), dental care, parasite prevention, weight watching, and vaccines on your vet’s schedule.

Is a Russian Blue right for you?

Generally good with respectful children — interactions still need supervision, and kids must learn gentle handling. Cats are obligate carnivores: they must get certain nutrients (taurine, arachidonic acid, preformed vitamin A) from animal tissue, so a complete, balanced cat food should always be the base of the diet.

Before adopting, read the cat care library — and consider that adult shelter cats also "come in breed-ish packages" without the breeder price tag.

People also ask about Russian Blue cats

How long do Russian Blue cats live?

Russian Blue cats typically live 15–20 years. 15–20 years is the expected range for this breed (PetMD breed profile). Indoor life, lean weight and routine vet care are the biggest longevity levers owners control.

Do Russian Blues shed a lot?

Shedding: Moderate shorthair shedding — a weekly brush keeps it (and your sofa) under control.

How much do Russian Blues weigh?

Adult russian blues typically weigh 7-12 lb.

Are Russian Blues good with kids?

Generally good with respectful children — interactions still need supervision, and kids must learn gentle handling.

Are Russian Blues friendly with strangers and other pets?

High-energy and playful; needs daily interactive play, not just a window perch. Slow introductions and vertical space (cat trees, shelves) make multi-pet homes smoother.

Sources & verification