Russian Blue: grooming and care

CFA's standard asks for a short, dense, fine and plush coat, a double coat that stands out from the body because of its density, with guard hairs distinctly tipped in silver to give a silvery sheen. CFA adds that if you run your fingers through it, they leave little footprints behind. VCA describes the same double coat as feeling like silk, with each hair dipped in silver for a shimmering look.

Dense as it is, this coat sheds lightly. VCA scores shedding 2 out of 5, and CFA calls Russian Blues clean cats that require very little grooming, with combing two or three times a month enough to keep shedding under control. VCA goes further and says daily petting goes a long way toward keeping the sleek look. A fine metal comb used lightly lifts what loose hair there is without flattening the stand-off.

CFA says Russian Blues have large appetites and, without frequent interactive exercise, are at risk of becoming obese, so it advises monitoring food intake carefully. It describes a medium-sized cat, with males rarely above 10 pounds and females from 5 to 8, while VCA gives a range of 7 to 13 pounds. Ask your vet what a healthy weight looks like for your own cat, and weigh it every month or two at home.

Cornell's Feline Health Center estimates that probably half the cats seen at veterinary clinics are overweight, if not obese, and advises that any weight-reduction plan be carried out under a veterinarian's direction, with gradual loss. Measured meals, a puzzle feeder and a daily play session do more for this cat than any grooming service. Our page on grooming an overweight cat covers what changes on the table once weight has crept on.

CFA notes that a Russian Blue's coat may occasionally turn oily or greasy and benefit from a bath. A bath is the right answer when the cause is ordinary. When the grease keeps coming back, sits in one patch, or arrives with flakes, scabs or thinning hair, ask your vet first. The same goes for a cat that used to hide only from guests and has started hiding from you.

CFA describes the breed as not known to have specific genetic problems, while noting that some believe its relatively small gene pool may make the cats more susceptible to certain diseases. That is a conversation for your vet's annual check-up. For an evening or weekend problem on Cape Ann, the City of Gloucester lists local veterinary offices, and Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital in Woburn is open around the clock.