History
Russian blues, unsurprisingly, hail from Russia. Some experts speculate that they are a natural breed that developed in the Archangel Isles in Northern Russia, according to The Cat Fanciers’ Association, and their signature short-but-thick coats were to protect them from those harsh winters. Russian Blues are naturally healthy cats. However, the ASPCA says that they do have a higher risk of developing bladder stone and urinary tract issues
Health
Russian blues have a long lifespan of 15–20 years. These cats are generally healthy animals, thanks in large part to the fact that they are a naturally occurring breed.”This breed loves to eat and may struggle with obesity,” Marks says. “They can develop progressive retinal atrophy (or PRA), which is a degenerative deterioration of the retina or vision center of the eye. Additionally, they can develop polycystic kidney disease (or PKD), in which the kidneys become full of fluid-filled spaces, obstructing them from working.”
Care
Grooming needs for the Russian blue are pretty low-maintenance. These cats require few baths and only weekly brushing to help rid them of loose hairs and keep shedding to a minimum. Regular nail trimming, eye, and ear cleaning are necessary as well.These pets don’t need any special exercise regimen—like most cats, they’ll work out a lot of energy themselves by playing and running around the house. You can help by leaving out some toys for your Russian blue to play with