Russian Blue Cats

Russian Blue’s Origin.

The Russian Blue’s ancestral roots are lost in time. Some people speculate that they’re descended from the pet cats of Russian czars, but there’s probably more truth to the claim that the breed originated in northwest Russia. According to legend, the gray kitties lived in the wilderness and were prized, and sadly hunted for their dense, warm fur. Today, it’s said that gray cats resembling the Russian Blue still live in the country's coldest regions.

It’s believed that sailors brought the Russian from the port city of Arkhangelsk, which sits on the Northern Dvina River in the northwestern part of the country, to Great Britain and Northern Europe in 18 60. The city was one of the most important ports in the Russian Empire. Its name means Archangel in English, which may explain why the Russian Blue was once known as the Archangel Blue.