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The Russian Blue and Siberian Cat are two of the most beautiful cats that originate in Russia. This article will explore these two magnificent cat breed to find out what breed is best for you.
Table of Contents
Russian Blue Cat Breed Overview
The Russian blue cat is the perfect addition to your family if you’re looking for a kind and affectionate companion. Because of their rich, velvety double coat, the Russian blue cat appears larger than she is. Russian Blue cats may be a suitable alternative for allergy sufferers because they do not shed as much as other cat breeds and produce lower glycoprotein Fel d 1, a known allergen.
The Russian Blue is a tall and thin cat with a triangular-shaped skull. They have enormous ears, a broad forehead, and a straight nose, giving them a very regal vibe. The natural “smiling” of Russian blues is well-known. Their stunning emerald eyes, in conjunction with her silky silvery coat, are her most distinguishing attributes.
Despite their thin stature, the Russian blue is a powerful and muscular cat, with their thick fur concealing her neck and shoulders and giving the impression of a larger frame. In addition, Russian Blue cats have large legs that enable them to sprint quickly.
Siberian Cat Breed Overview
The Siberian Cat is also known as the Siberian Forest Cat. Look no farther than the Siberian cat if you want a medium-sized, semi-longhaired cat that is both beautiful to look at and a loving pet. The Siberian cat is a forest cat that is endemic to snowy Russia, where its luxuriant triple coat protects it from the elements. The robust, well-muscled body of the breed, combined with extensive bone development, withstands the challenging environment.
This Siberian cat has a great attitude that makes it an excellent feline companion. It is outgoing, affectionate, friendly, and lively. They will welcome you at the door and accompany you throughout the house. Siberian cats enjoy vocalizing with charming and melodic mews, trills, and chirps despite their calm nature. Siberian Cats get along well with other domestic cats and dogs, as well as gentle, courteous children.
The lush, thick, full coat of the Siberian cat can be any colour or pattern, with or without white lining/markings. The triple coat of Siberian is made up of three layers: a shorter, dense undercoat of downy hair (hair closest to the skin), a middle layer of slightly longer “awn hair”; and an even longer outer coat layer (called “guard hair”).
What Are The Differences Between The Russian Blue Vs Siberian Cat
| Breed Features | Russian Blue Cat | Siberian Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Average Life Span | 15-20 Years | 10-18 Years |
| Average Weight | 8-12 Pounds | 12-20 Pounds |
| Affection Levels | High | High |
| Coat Colours | Dark Grey Tipped With Silver | All Colours |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium – Long |
| Grooming Needs | Low | High |
| Child Friendly | High | High |
| Pet Friendly | High | High |
| Suitability For Being Alone | High | Medium |
| Vocalness | High | Low |
| Playfulness | Medium | High |
| Activity Level | Low | High |
History of Russian Blue Cat:
Although little is known about this unusual breed, it is thought to have originated in northern Russia, notably the Archangel Isles. According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), the Cat myth says, “The Russian blue breed is descended from the Russian Czars’ cats. If the Russian blue did travel from northern Russia in the mid-1860s, it was most likely by ship to England and northern Europe.” Trade ships went between this country and the British Isles as early as the sixteenth century, and the Vikings were active in both regions centuries before that. Yet, the Russian blue cat is not mentioned until the nineteenth century.
According to the CFA, the Russian blue cat made its first public appearance in 1875, displayed as the “Archangel Cat” at London’s Crystal Palace. The Crystal Palace was built under the direction of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband, as the site of The Great Exhibition in 1851. It was later used to showcase items of interest (both live and non-living) to the inhabitants of Victorian London, with international appeal. “Cat displays” had become a regular and popular event by the middle of the nineteenth century.
With its sleek, refined appearance, it’s no wonder that such a regal cat has royal ancestry. After its introduction in the early 1900s, the Russian blue was given its own categorization by 1912, despite being displayed among other blue cats. According to the CFA, the breed took hold of pet lovers’ hearts after WWII, and it has been steadily increasing in popularity since the 1960s.
History of the Siberian Cat
Siberian cats are native to Russia and are considered a national treasure. It isn’t easy to estimate how long Siberian cats have lived in Russia, but based on Russian fairy tales and children’s books, they’ve probably been around for hundreds of years, if not 1,000. Siberian cats were mentioned in Harrison Weir’s book “Our Cats and All About Them,” which was first published in 1889. After the Cold War thawed, the United States saw the Siberian cat for the first time, and it was love at first sight. The Cat Fanciers’ Association and the (TICA) International Cat Association both recognize the Siberian cat.
The modified wedge head with rounded contours, moderately short nose with mild curvature, and medium to big, almost round eyes in shades of green, gold, green-gold, or copper (white cats may have blue eyes or “odd eyes”—eyes that are two distinct hues) give the Siberian cat its charming signature look.
Russian Blue Personality
Don’t be shocked if she welcomes you at the front entrance! The Russian blue is a sweet-tempered, devoted cat who will accompany her owner everywhere. While she has a proclivity for becoming attached to one pet parent, in particular, she lavishes affection on her entire family and expects it in return.
Russian blues are claimed to train their owners rather than the other way around, a legend that has been proven accurate time and time again.
They are highly gregarious animals, yet they also prefer their alone time and actively seek a quiet, private area to sleep in. They don’t mind if you’re gone all day at work, but they do need a lot of fun when you get home.
Russian blues are wary of strangers and may retreat during large gatherings.
Siberian Cat Personality
The Siberian cat is brilliant and lively. The breed is notorious for taking a long time to grow, requiring up to five years to progress from kitten-like behaviour. This implies that having a Siberian cat around is a lot of fun.
This breed enjoys climbing, exploring, and playing. Expose your Siberian cat to various exciting toys and play many activities to keep it mentally and physically occupied. Siberian cat’s nails should be trimmed regularly, and its ears should be checked for dirt and debris. Using a cotton ball and a light ear cleaner, clean the ears (never stick a cotton swab or anything else down into the ear canal). Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian if your dog’s ears appear red or unclean.
The lush, thick, full coat of the Siberian cat can be any colour or pattern, with or without white lining/markings. The triple coat of Siberian is made up of three layers: a shorter, dense undercoat of downy hair (hair closest to the skin), a middle layer of slightly longer “awn hair”; and an even longer outer coat layer (called “guard hair”).
Living With Russian Blue Cats
Because Russian blue cats are sophisticated creatures who demand both physical and cerebral stimulation, it’s critical to provide them with toys at all times. They still have a strong hunting instinct; therefore, a toy fishing pole is ideal for them. Never use any toy which is made up of feathers because your cat may tear it and eat the feathers and string, neither of which are beneficial for her digestive system or overall health; consider storing these types of toys in a cat-proof location.
Your Russian blue will only require minimum grooming and healthcare if you keep a proper cleanliness practice. Investing in a toothbrush and cat-safe toothpaste (available at your local pet store or online) to keep her teeth clean and white, as well as a medium-toothed comb to keep her double coat smooth and luxuriant, are all essential tools for keeping a cat comfortable after adoption. One key fact to remember about the Russian blue cat breed is that these cats enjoy eating, so make sure she doesn’t overeat. She’ll most likely ask for food several times a day, but be firm and keep to a regular feeding plan, using measured portions of cat food and avoiding too many cats treats.
Like her Siamese cousin, the Russian blue is a vocal cat that uses her voice to communicate with her pet parents when she wants to play, eat, or love. She’s watchful and persistent, making sure her wants are addressed at all times. Expect to hear about it because she doesn’t adapt well to change, such as different meal times or new visitors. If you talk to her daily, she’ll respond positively, which means you’re never truly alone when you have a Russian blue fur baby.
Living with Siberian Cat
In the summer, the thick coat of the Siberian cat will be replaced by a lighter, thinner summer coat. The coat will be at its widest and longest throughout the winter. Despite its thickness and length, the Siberian cat’s skin manages to resist matting, requiring just occasional brushing (more during the heavy seasonal shed).
Bathing regularly will aid in the removal of loose hair as well as the removal of dust and dander from the coat.
Despite its thick, lengthy coat, the Siberian cat is considered hypoallergenic by some. Despite the lack of scientific evidence, some allergy sufferers claim to live happily with a Siberian cat. It turns out that cat dander, not cat hair, is the leading cause of allergies in cats. The protein Fel D1, which is found in cats’ skin cells (as well as dried remains of saliva and urine that coat the cat’s fur), is responsible for most cat allergies. Some cat breeds, such as Siberian cats, appear to create less dander than others due to less amount of that protein.
This could suggest that Siberian cats cause little or no allergic reaction in mild allergy patients. All cats and people, on the other hand, are unique. If you have allergies and want to see if you’ll react to a Siberian cat, contact a local breeder who will let you visit their adult cats to put your theory to the test.
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