Content

• Steps

Have you ever met a surprisingly strange blue cat, but you don't know what kind of cat it is? The likelihood is low, but it could be a blue Russian cat. There are several ways to help you identify a blue Russian cat breed when you see such a cat.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Recognize the characteristics of a blue Russian cat

1. 

   Learn about cat breeds. The Blue Russian cat is a purebred cat. The origin of this breed is unknown, but it is believed that they originated from the Archangel Islands in northern Russia. Winter there is extremely harsh, and that is why the blue Russian cat has thick fur and cotton to retain heat.
   • This breed of cat began to be brought to other parts of the world in the second half of the 19th century and introduced to the United States in the early 20th century.

2. 

   
   
   Pay attention to the size of the cat. The Blue Russian cat measures about 25 cm in height at the shoulder, and an average weight of about 5.5 kg; Although they can be larger or smaller, depending on lifestyle, eating habits and activity level.
   • Blue Russian cats have an average life expectancy of 10-15 years.

3. 

   
   
   Identify your cat's general appearance. Blue Russian cat impresses with a long, slender and elegant body. They have a graceful long neck that stretches out, but their thick, fluffy fur makes the neck appear short.
   • The cat's body is toned with a small skeleton and sharp, slender muscles.

4. 

   
   
   Observe the cat's eyes. Blue Russian cats possess characteristic green eyes. This feature begins to develop at 4 months of age and manifests itself on the outer rim of the pupil, which is also part of the eye color. Newborn kittens all have blue eyes, but their eye color gradually changes as they get older.

5. 

   Look at the shape of the cat's head. Blue Russian cats have a triangular face, often depicted as a cobra head with seven distinct planes, as opposed to typical cats with a round skull shaped like an apple. This feature makes a difference for a blue Russian cat.

6. 

   Check the color of the cat's fur, nose, and paws. The most striking and unique feature of the blue Russian cat is the coat that makes up its name. They have silver gray-like plumage but are often described as blue, a dense coat and soft cotton with two layers.
   • If you look closely at each cat's fur, you will notice that the ends of the hairs shimmer a light gray or silver gray.
   • The Russian blue nose is black, and the paws are lilac purple.

7. 

   Consider your cat's personality. Blue Russian cats are often shy in front of strangers but are very affectionate when they get to know their owners. They are gentle and cheerful, making them perfect for first-time cat owners. A unique feature of the Russian Blue Cat is that he likes to play with things, a characteristic unique to dogs and quite unusual in cats.
   • Blue Russians usually only softly purr, unlike oriental-looking cats with sharp faces, such as the Siamese or the Havanese, which are very loud and noisy.
   • They have a great ability to observe and understand what is happening around them, although they do not always participate in such activities. Like many cats, they enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and often retreat to a quiet place when there is a lot of noise, such as the sound of a vacuum cleaner.

8. 

   Check the breed profile of the cat. A cat will not be recognized as purebred without supporting documentation. You cannot claim a beautiful blue cat as a Russian blue without the papers to prove it. Without a record, that cat is considered a short-haired domestic cat, the official term for non-purebred cats.
   • Of course this does not mean that the cat does not deserve a roof, but the cat is completely unrecognized by the court and its breeders as blue Russian.

9. 

   Consider the price. True blue Russian cats are quite rare and often very expensive. The average price of a Russian blue cat in a prestigious cat farm is usually around 1,000 euros. A Russian blue kitten in the US costs an average of about 400-600 USD. Most of the so-called "blue Russian cats" at animal rescue camps are actually short-haired domestic cats, as expensive cats like the Blue Russian will not be left out.
   • Breeders have very strict standards and often refuse to sell Russian Blue cats to families who cannot commit to caring for the cat.
   • All quality Russian kittens are sterilized when sold to keep them from breeding and prevent amateur breeders from flooding the market and devaluing the breed.
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Method 2 of 2: DNA test for cats

1. 

   Consider taking your cat for DNA testing. If you are unsure of which breed your cat is and are undocumented, you might consider giving the cat a DNA test. All animals have their own DNA that represents their breed. DNA can be considered as the fingerprint indicating the genetic origin of that breed. These tests have the same technique used by law enforcement, and pet testing is available.
   • The test looks for genetic markers that reveal the breed of the parent cat. Reputable institutions will compare results with data stored at the National Animal Genome Research Institute for the most accurate results possible.

2. 

   Choose a test site carefully. The laboratory run by veterinarians is often a trustworthy place. These sites also often receive genetic testing to diagnose health conditions and genetic diseases. Their blood tests are also usually of high standard.
   • You can also purchase test kits online, but be sure to check with the seller carefully before you buy. You need to make sure there is no needless money and accurate results.

3. 

   Take the test sample. The method of taking a sample from cats is quite simple. The genomic tester has two brooms. You will use a brush to brush the cheek in the cat's mouth for 5 seconds, then remove and hold in the air for 15 seconds to dry. Put the broom back in the box. Use the other broom to sweep the other cheek.
   • Do not collect this test sample while the cat is eating or drinking. Make sure the cat is not eating anything for at least 15 minutes before taking the sample.
   • Send the sample to the laboratory. When the lab receives the sample, usually by mail, the average time it takes them to return the results is 4 to 5 days by email or post.
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