Welcoming a new Russian Blue kitten to your home is an exciting time. However, it may seem overwhelming once the excitement wears off and the reality sets in that you’re now responsible for this elegant and affectionate little creature. Fear not! We’ve put together this guide to help you care for your new feline friend and ensure they live a long, happy life with you.
What are the Physical Characteristics of a Russian Blue Kitten?
You will most likely already be captivated by your kitten’s distinctive grey-blue coat with silver tips. Combine this distinctive outer appearance with a long, slim body that oozes grace and charm, and you’ve got a typical Russian Blue kitten.
Their short double coat is soft and dense, resembling velvet, adding to their air of sophistication and luxury. When you run your fingers through this lovely soft fur, your fingers will leave defined trails through the dense, short hair.
At first, your kitten’s eyes may appear amber, but they will become a vivid emerald green by around four months. And, no, they will not likely grow into their ears. Russian Blue cats have large, triangular ears set far apart, giving them the air of always being alert and curious.
What are the Grooming Requirements of a Russian Blue Kitten?
The great news is that Russian Blues are very low-maintenance cats that will require very little from their owners in terms of grooming.
Their distinctive coat is short, so it rarely tangles or gets matted. However, brushing your kitten once a week is a good idea to remove loose fur and prevent those pesky hairballs. That said, Russian Blue cats aren’t known to shed as much as other breeds.
Other grooming requirements include trimming their nails every 2 to 3 weeks, keeping their ears clean to avoid wax buildup and infections, and, if you like, regular tooth brushing to stave off any dental issues.
Do Russian Blue Kittens Need to be Bathed?
Your kitten will rarely need to be bathed, if ever. If their coat looks a bit greasy, you can bathe them (Pro Tip: get your kitten used to bathing from a young age) but refer to the breeder for advice on products that are best for their particular coat.
Russian Blue kittens are known for being meticulous with their self-grooming, leaving very little for you to do aside from brushing them. When you brush them, you also help to spread the natural oils that help keep their double coat clean and shiny.
Are Russian Blue Kittens Cuddly?
Russian Blue kittens are loyal and affectionate, often forming a strong attachment to one person while still being friendly with others. While they tend to appear shy initially, their natural curiosity will have them coming out of their shell before long.
These cats make excellent companions for single adults, seniors, and families with children. They even get on well with other pets.
Behavioral Characteristics
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more intelligent cat than a Russian Blue kitten. In fact, they’re well known for opening cabinets, drawers, and even canisters and jars! While this can keep us humans on our toes, it also means that your new kitten is easily trainable and will pick up commands and cat tricks quickly.
The Russian Blue breed is also extremely playful, retaining this well into adulthood. But they’re just as happy to entertain themselves as they are to hang out with their humans. These cats are very empathetic, and you might find that your Russian Blue kitten seems to know how you’re feeling and will try to cheer you up if they sense you’re sad.
Russian Blues are generally quiet, with soft little voices. They prefer having a solid routine in place with consistent times for things like eating, sleeping, and playing.
Potential Health Concerns
Russian Blue cats are generally a very healthy breed, with an average lifespan of between 15 and 20 years.
The most common threat to their health is their healthy appetite, which can cause them to gain weight. As the parent of a Russian Blue kitten, monitor your kitten’s food intake and ensure they get plenty of interactive exercise to avoid becoming obese. Obesity in cats can cause a range of secondary health concerns.
To avoid any potential health issues, get regular check-ups at the vet and stay up to date with vaccinations.
What do New Russian Blue Kitten Owners Need to Know?
When you first bring your fluffy little Russian Blue kitten home, they are initially timid. Give them a little time to adjust to their new environment; their natural curiosity will have them explore their new home and get to know their new family before long.
Russian Blues prefer a calm and stable environment, so if your home has periods of chaos, ensure your precious feline has a quiet nook to retreat to where they can find the peace they seek.
Your kitten will thrive on a consistent daily routine, with meals and play time occurring at roughly the same times each day. Of course, life happens, but a more or less predictable schedule is best for Russian Blue kittens.
The keen intelligence of Russian Blues means these cats can become bored and frustrated quite easily. Provide your kitten with ample stimulation through a range of interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and climbing spaces. An affordable and easily accessible form of stimulation is the humble window perch – a spot with a good view of the outside – which is great for keeping your cat entertained. Bonus points if it gets some sun during the day, too.
Make sure you spend time actively playing with them, too, as this strengthens your bond, and regular vigorous play sessions can help keep the weight gain at bay.
Final Thoughts
Your gorgeous little Russian Blue kitten oozes luxury, from their emerald eyes to their luxurious velvety coat. But this high-end packaging also contains a remarkably intelligent companion with a peace-loving and shy nature. Keep their intellect stimulated and provide them with an orderly, consistent schedule, and your sweet new kitten will shower you with devoted affection and respond to your moods like the best friend you deserve.
