Russian Blue
RUH-shun BLOO
Gentle, Quiet, Shy, Loyal. Origin: Russia (Archangel Islands).
An adult Russian Blue weighs 10-12 lbs (male) or 7-10 lbs (female), needs 170-350 calories daily, and lives 15-20 yrs. The breed's primary health watch is obesity. All numbers below come from breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Russian Blue needs 170 to 350 calories per day. An average male (11 lbs / 5.0 kg) needs around 280 kcal; a female (8 lbs / 3.9 kg) roughly 230 kcal.
Estimate for a typical adult Russian Blue. For kittens, seniors, or specific conditions, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
The Russian Blue is a naturally occurring breed with a distinctive dense, plush, blue-gray double coat and vivid green eyes. They are one of the healthier purebred cat breeds, with no widespread genetic conditions. Their main health considerations are standard for all cats: weight management, dental care, and kidney function monitoring in senior years. They are creatures of routine who may become anxious with changes to their environment. Life expectancy is 15 to 20 years.
Exercise and activity
Moderate; enjoys play but on their terms. Interactive toys, laser pointers, and puzzle feeders work well. A balanced mix of active play and quiet companionship suits most Russian Blue cats. They adapt to their owner's lifestyle but should not be entirely sedentary.
Care and traits
Russian Blue cats have a short, dense, plush, blue-gray with silver tipping coat. Origin: Russia (Archangel Islands).
One of the healthiest and longest-lived pedigreed cat breeds. Their dense double coat is so thick that you can trace patterns in it with your finger. They bond deeply to one person and can be shy with strangers. Russian Blues are creatures of habit; they thrive on routine and can become stressed by changes.
The Russian Blue is well-suited for families with children. They are typically patient and tolerant, though all cat-child interactions should be supervised until children learn appropriate handling. Teaching children to respect the cat's space and body language prevents most problems.
Russian Blues are creatures of routine. They thrive on predictable schedules and may become anxious with frequent household changes. They are loyal to their family but reserved with strangers, often hiding when guests arrive. Their dense, plush double coat stands away from the body and requires minimal grooming despite its luxurious appearance.
Tools for Russian Blue owners
Frequently asked questions
Daily calorie needs for a Russian Blue range from 170 to 350 kcal. An average individual at 11 lbs falls near the middle of that range. Two measured meals daily keeps most medium cats at a healthy weight. Avoid free-feeding unless your cat self-regulates well, which many do not. Use our calorie calculator with your cat's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males typically weigh 10-12 lbs (4.5–5.4 kg), while females are lighter at 7-10 lbs (3.2–4.5 kg). Feel for ribs along the sides. They should be easy to find under a thin layer of flesh. View from above: a visible waist narrowing behind the ribs indicates healthy condition.
Veterinarians most frequently screen Russian Blue cats for obesity. Regular veterinary screening helps catch obesity early, when treatment is most effective. Other conditions to monitor include bladder stones. Not every Russian Blue will develop these conditions, but awareness and regular vet checkups make a real difference.
Moderate play needs that most owners can easily meet. One or two interactive play sessions of 10-15 minutes daily, combined with access to a cat tree and window perch, keeps this breed content. They enjoy play but are equally happy relaxing. Every cat, regardless of breed, benefits from some daily play and enrichment. Even five minutes of chasing a wand toy is better than nothing.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on TICA/CFA standards and veterinary sources. Individual cats vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your cat. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026