Russian Blues are among the most coveted cat breeds, due to their elegance and charm. What distinguishes them from other breeds and makes them special is their beautiful, pale blue-gray coats and bright green eyes that are adored by so many cat fanciers.
Aside from their good looks, Russian Blues are also known for being shy and reserved. Thus, if you are considering making this beautiful cat a part of your household, you might be wondering whether the breed is at all friendly and affectionate.
The short answer is yes – Russian Blues are quite affectionate and friendly, making them a great furry companion to have at home. If you are curious to know more about these gorgeous kitties, read on!
Affectionate traits of Russian Blue cats
Russian Blue cats are well-loved for their calm, curious, and affectionate characters. While they can coexist happily in a large family with other pets, these amazing cats tend to pick one favorite person with whom they will spend more time.
Another prime reason Russian Blues are sought after by cat lovers is their gentle nature. Overall, they enjoy a good, warm cuddle with their humans. So, if you are looking for a special breed that is the complete package – beautiful, smart, and affectionate – there is no doubt that a Russian Blue should be among your top options.
Here are a few reasons that this amazing breed makes such a great furry companion:
1. They get along with children and other pets
Due to their calm nature, Russian Blues can make the best playmates for young children. But, there is a catch – they can also be fearful of children who are rough and scare them.
Keep in mind that these cats can be extremely shy, especially around people with whom they are not familiar. This means that, if you want your child to be best friends with your cat, the ideal scenario would be to raise the two of them together. Additionally, the child must be taught to be gentle with the cat to avoid scaring him away.
If you own other pets, like dogs, then having them get along with your cat should not be a major concern. Russian Blues are loving and friendly to everyone they consider family, including other household pets.
If you do own a dog, make sure the breed is friendly to cats. It is also easier for the two creatures to form a deep relationship if they were raised together from a young age. You might see them snuggling with each other, playing together, or following each other around. Most importantly, the personality of both dog and cat must be considered before pairing them.
2. They are good lap cats
Due to their sweet and loving nature, Russian Blue cats can also make good lap cats. In fact, this is an excellent way for them to form a strong attachment with you. Since they love spending time with their favorite humans, they are unlikely to turn down an opportunity to relax on your warm lap.
3. They like pets and cuddles
As long as you do it right, Russian Blues can enjoy physical touches such as petting and holding. As with many other cat breeds, physical touch helps the two of you to develop a loving relationship. Your cat might even enjoy snuggling with you on the couch as you embark on a Netflix binge.
4. They are chatty
Russian Blues can also be very vocal, especially when they are craving their owners’ attention. They might meow if they want to play, eat, cuddle, or talk with you. They also tend to be vocal as a way of expressing their affection. So, if you happen to be feeling lonely, you will have a buddy to chat with. However, unlike the Siamese, this cat breed is not very clingy, so they are unlikely to yowl at you all the time.
5. They are very playful
Despite their shyness, Russian Blues can be very playful, especially around people they know. However, they can be really picky about who they want to bond with and may run away and hide from people or children with whom they are not familiar. They do not enjoy the company of strangers, but once they get to know you, they will be happy to play with you.
Other traits you need to know
There are so many reasons these adorable cats make wonderful household pets. However, before deciding to bring one home, you need to consider whether this breed is a good match for you and your lifestyle. Here are some other Russian Blue traits you should know about:
1. They are independent
Because these cats are independent and less demanding than some other breeds, it is definitely okay to leave your Russian Blue alone at home. They would be happy and content to play with their toys or chill on a window sill and watch the birds outside.
Keep in mind that they are still sociable, however, so while they enjoy some privacy and alone time, they do enjoy human company as well. Once their favorite human gets home, they will rush to the door to greet and spend some playtime with them.
2. They are shy and slightly reserved
Although Russian Blues are sociable and playful, they can also be quite shy and reserved around people they do not know. They are not the type of breed to greet and seek attention from strangers. If you are hosting a large gathering, it is normal for your Russian Blue to hide away from the visitors.
However, this shy personality might still depend on how well the cat is socialized during his younger years. Keep in mind that a well-socialized cat, no matter the breed, is less likely to resist attention and petting from your friends and guests.
3. They love playing with toys
Aside from playing with their caretakers, Russian Blues are also fond of playing with interactive toys, especially when they are alone. Due to their intelligence, they take best puzzle toys, stuff toys, or feather teasers to keep them stimulated. There are many good toys that meet the needs of your cat’s natural curiosity, and we have listed some of them here:
- MeoHui Cat teasers
- Dancing Fish Toy
- Petstages toy and treat dispenser
- Scratching post
- Anything that contains catnip
4. They can get bored
Without environmental enrichment, most cats will begin to get bored, and this includes Russian Blues. Often, this boredom can result in destructive behavior, such as scratching your furniture. Hence, stimulation in the form of puzzle toys and scratching pads, for example, is important to keep your cat entertained and away from your sofa and carpets.
5. They are fussy about their routines
Russian Blues are creatures of habit. If you are not diligent about cleaning their litter boxes or feeding them on time, they can become somewhat aggressive.
Are Russian Blue cats clingy?
Contrary to what many people believe, Russian Blues are not clingy and demanding like some other cat breeds. These smart kitties are perfectly content to be left alone at home. Although they are very loyal cats, they are also independent and less demanding of attention. So, if you are someone with a busy work schedule who spends lots of time away from home, this amazing cat breed might be your perfect furry match.
How to keep your Russian Blue affectionate
Nobody wants a grumpy cat. Most fur parents want to raise their kittens to be sweet, affectionate, friendly adult cats. While individual temperaments can influence your cat’s levels of affection, there are also some tips you can follow to encourage your Russian Blue to be more loving. Here’s how:
1. Start them young
If you are adopting a Russian Blue kitten, it is extremely important not to isolate them, especially after they have been weaned and their vaccinations are complete. Otherwise, they will grow into fearful cats who run away from people and pets or freak out at the slightest change in their environment.
As a fur parent, the best thing you can do is start introducing the kitten to family members and friends as early as possible, starting from around eight weeks of age. Allow them to have gentle interactions with other pets, such as other cats or dogs, that are cat-friendly. Additionally, it is best to get them used to loud noises like music or vacuums so that they are not fearful of loud noises later on.
2. Provide the basics
A cat’s behavior is an indicator of how your furry friend feels. If you fail to provide him with some of his basic needs, you may soon have an aggressive or grumpy cat who will not respond to your affection. To keep him happy and content, these are the essentials you need to provide:
- Clean litter box
- Clean drinking water
- Regular feeding
- Interactive toys
- Regular grooming
- Preventative veterinary care
3. Be playful
Regular play sessions allow you to personally engage with your cat and deepen your relationship. Face-to-face involvement with other family members will also help your furry friend to feel comfortable with other humans. Just remember not to teach your cat to bite or scratch your toes or fingers; use toys such as laser pointers or feather wands instead when playing with your kitty.
4. Be gentle
Cats can be naturally naughty and mischievous, and you should never yell at them or hurt them in response to such behavior. Instead, ignore your cat if he becomes too rough during playtime, and use rewards such as tasty treats for good behavior. When you call him, use a soft and calm voice to call his name.
5. Spay or neuter your cat
A spayed or neutered cat tends to be healthier and calmer than an intact cat. This is because they are no longer experiencing hormonal fluctuations that cause strong territorial behavior and the urge to find a mate. Like other cat breeds, it is best to have your Russian Blue spayed or neutered when the time is right, to turn him into a friendlier, healthier cat.
Final thoughts
Russian Blues are a loyal and affectionate cat breed, making them a great addition to your family. They are adorable and love to cuddle and play with their favorite humans. This stunning breed is also great for families with young children and other pets.
Additionally, Russian Blues are independent and can be left alone without any worries. Although they are extremely loyal and affectionate, they are not as demanding and clingy as certain breeds, such as Siamese. However, you do need to maintain a daily routine to avoid upsetting your cat. Shower him with love and affection and, in return, your furry companion will be even more cuddly and affectionate towards you.
Image: istockphoto.com / Olezzo