Russian blue

The Russian blue, also called Arkhangelsk blue or Maltese cat, is a breed of cat with controversial origins (Russia or around the Mediterranean). This cat is characterized by its thick and fluffy coat of a silvery blue color and by its green eyes.

The origins of Russian blue are controversial. A first theory suggests that the breed could have originated from the Russian port of Arkhangelsk where it was appreciated as a pet, then hunted for its warm fur, then having been introduced to England in the 1860s by sailors, hence its origin. nickname of "Archangel blue", and the name of Russian blue which is given to it today. Another hypothesis that seems more plausible suggests that these cats could come from the Mediterranean basin and even perhaps from Spain. The breed would therefore have common origins with the Carthusian, which has earned it the nickname "Maltese cat" or "Spanish blue cat". In France, the Russian blue made its first appearance in 1925 under the name of "cat de malte". It was also that year that the first Russian blues were exhibited. In 1939, the Russian blue name was formalized and remains to this day the only official name. After the Second World War, like other races, it almost disappeared completely, but was saved by the British and the Scandinavians who transformed it by crossing the remaining subjects with in particular Siamese: the race lost its original style there, then returned to a more authentic style in the 1960s. The breed remains rare in France, probably due to the strong presence of Chartreux and British Shorthair blue. The largest concentration of Russian Blues is found in Anglo-Saxon countries.

The Russian Blue is often described as a fairly lively and intelligent cat. It is said to be discreet, with a soft and melodious mewing. It is also said to be a homebody and wary of strangers but tender towards its owner. He would be sociable with other animals, would not particularly like noise or children and would prefer his peace and quiet family life. These character traits are, however, perfectly individual and function of the history of each cat. This breed does not like loneliness at all, likes when we take care of him.