Cat Breeds From Russia: 5 Amazing Cats that are Native to Russia
- Abi
- October 4, 2021
- 4:41 pm
The cats of Russia are as varied and unusual as the country itself. There are many different cat breeds from Russia, each with its own specific characteristics!
In the late 1800s, the first Russian Blue cats were brought from Russia to Britain. This breed is named for its coat with a bluish hue because of an excess of black pigment. Let’s look at some of the cat breeds from Russia!
Cat Breeds From Russia
Here are five cat breeds from Russia; apart from the Peterbald, with his short fur, the rest of the cats have long, thick coats to keep them warm in this cold continent. The Russian Blue, Siberian cat, Siberian Colorpoint, and Neva Masquerade are all cat breeds from Russia.
1. Russian Blue
This breed is named for an excess of black pigment in its coat that gives it a bluish hue. The Russian Blue cat is said to be the most enigmatic breed, and many people believe they are not like other cats. They form strong bonds with their owners and are often described as being dog-like. This breed is very affectionate and will only show its true personality if it feels comfortable in its surroundings.
Russian Blues have become a favourite breed of royalty worldwide, and the cats were loved by Russian Czars and Queen Victoria. The breed originates from the Archangel Isles in Northern Russia and is now kept as family pets across the globe.
2. Siberian
Siberian cats are an ancient breed that goes back as far as the 13th century. This breed of cat has a relatively short body and short legs. They also have a unique temperament, which is often described as dog-like. They can easily be trained to walk on a leash and even fetch!
The beautiful coat of this cat breed is thick and long, giving them a distinctive appearance that makes these cats look larger than they are. This cat breed is medium in size and has long fur, which needs regular grooming to keep the coat in good condition. They are also extremely intelligent, easy-going cats that will adapt to most homes with ease.
3. Siberian Colorpoint
This breed of cat has an appearance that is very similar to the Siberian; they are slender, muscular, and medium in size with striking blue eyes. This cat’s coat can be any color or pattern with darker fur on the muzzles, tail, and feet. The Siberian Colorpoint was officially recognized in the 1980s in Russia, but it is still very rare outside its country of origin.
4. Peterbald
This breed was brought from Russia to Europe in 1994 and has been recognized by many cat registries since then. The name “Peterbald” means bald from Peter. This cat breed is a cross between Don Sphinx and the Oriental shorthair cats. This is a medium to large-sized cat with an average weight of between 6.5 to 9 pounds (3-4 kg).
Their short coat is often compared to the Don Sphinx, but the Peterbald has a more traditional cat body shape. Their coloring can be any color or pattern with white points on the muzzle, tail, and feet. They also have hairless ears and require little grooming.
The Peterbald is known for having a very friendly personality, making them great family pets! They are affectionate, intelligent, playful, and gentle cats that adapt easily to new surroundings.
5. Neva Masquerade
Neva Masquerades are known for their beautiful coats; they have a light undercoat and darker guard hairs. The name Neva Masquerade comes from the breed’s resemblance to the face masks worn by aristocrats during dances in 18th-century France!
This cat has striking blue eyes but can also have green or amber eyes. Neva Masquerades are medium in size, females weighing between 7 to 12 pounds and males weighing between 8.5 to 13 pounds.
Final Thoughts
Russia is home to a diverse range of cats, from the short-furred Peterbald to the fluffy Siberians. Check out some of our other articles that list cat breeds from their countries of origin below.
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