Said to have been exported from Archangel in Russia, this breed was known first as the Archangel cat. However, the present day cats of this breed are probably of British origin and were first shown in 1880.
The Russian Blue is finely boned, with long graceful body and legs. He has large ears, pointed and wide at the base. Unlike any other Shorthairs, the Russian Blue's coat does not lie smoothly against his body; instead, his short, thick fur stands away from it.
In personality, the Russian Blue is very quiet. He is shy and gentle, so it takes a while to get to know him. However, he has an alert mentality.
His color, as indicated by his name, is bright blue throughout, but the lighter or lavender shades of blue preferred. The longer hairs are silver tipped, giving the cat a silvery sheen or lustrous appearance. He is free of tabby markings. His nose leather is slate gray, his paw pads lavender-pink or mauve, and almond-shaped eyes vivid green.
