The Russian Blue Cat Is Simply Iconic

Russian blue cats are simultaneously elegant and playful. Heidi Bollich / Shutterstock

Ever heard someone mention a blue cat and wondered what on Earth they meant? Spoiler: It's not actually blue like the sky. In the cat world, "blue" refers to a soft, bluish gray coat that looks almost silvery. Some of the most cherished cat breeds flaunt this unique hue — and it’s more than just fur-deep.

Contents

Russian Blue: The Iconic Blue Cat
What Makes a Cat Blue?
More Than Just a Pretty Coat
Russian Blue Health and Care
Playtime, Personality and Behavior
Breeding and Rarity
Other Blue-coated Cats

Russian Blue: The Iconic Blue Cat

When people talk about blue cat breeds, the Russian Blue is usually the star of the show. Known for their dense double coat with silver tips, these cats have a plush texture and a shimmering bluish gray appearance.

Russian Blue kittens are born with a blue-gray coat that develops its characteristic dense, plush texture as they mature. Add bright green eyes and a graceful demeanor, and it’s no surprise they’re adored by pet parents worldwide.

What Makes a Cat Blue?

cat — Guard hairs and a downy undercoat give this breed its plush appearance. Photo Spirit / Shutterstock

Blue fur comes from two recessive genes that dilute the black pigment into a slate or grayish tone. While the Russian Blue is the poster kitty, other breeds like Chartreux, Korat, and British Shorthair also come in blue. Even a domestic shorthair cat can sport a blue coat if the genetics line up.

More Than Just a Pretty Coat

These cats aren’t just good-looking. Russian Blues, for instance, are highly intelligent, shy around strangers and tend to bond deeply with family members. They're generally quiet and affectionate, making them a good fit for children and other pets.

Their dense coats make them look thick and plush, but their sleek bodies underneath are quite muscular.

Russian Blue Health and Care

Russian Blues are known to be low-shedding, and their coat rarely mats with regular grooming, despite being thick.

Their fur is short hair but dense, and regular brushing helps control shedding and keep the coat looking silky.

Playtime, Personality and Behavior

With a face this precious, maybe it's worth just putting up with some cat allergies. Mariia Zotova / Getty Images

Blue cats like the Russian Blue are playful and enjoy interactive toys, puzzle feeders and even a good game of fetch. Males can be more outgoing, while females are sometimes more reserved.

These cats are rarely destructive and generally adapt well to indoor life, provided they have enough stimulation.

Breeding and Rarity

While not the rarest breed, Russian Blues are less common than other cats.

Reputable breeders focus on maintaining the breed’s physical characteristics, including the uniform blue coat, green eyes and soft voice. Their lineage became more defined after World War II, contributing to the breed standards seen today.

Other Blue-coated Cats

Beyond Russian Blues, some blue-coated cats also appear in mixed litters. Mindi, lilac and cream are other colors that may share a litter. Some cat breeds, like the British Shorthair, can even develop a solid blue coat that’s just as eye-catching.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.