The Russian Blue is a naturally occurring breed that originated in the port of Arkhangelsk, Russia. They are also sometimes called Archangel Blues. It is believed that the cat was brought to England by Russian sailors in 1860.

The Russian Blue has a very unique coat known as a 'double coat.' The only other cat known to possess this kind of coat is the French Chartreux.

The Russian Blue produces less glycoprotein Fel d 1 and is much less of an allergen source than other breeds of cat. This would suggest that the Russian Blue breed may be hypoallergenic, yet others point out that no cat is truly free of allergens.

During and following World War II, due to a lack of numbers of Russian Blues, some people started cross breeding it with the Siamese.

Although they have been used on a limited basis to create other breeds (such as the Havana Brown) or add type to a breed in creation (the Nebelung), Russian Blues themselves are short-haired, blue-grey cats.

The Russian Blue has an average life span of 10-15 years. Like humans, some will have shorter or longer lives than the average.

The Russian Blue is known for being a very intelligent and active animal. They have been known to open doors/windows, play fetch, and are sensitive to basic human emotions.

Russian Blues have on average between two - four kittens; however, they can have as few as one and as many as six.

The Russian Blue requires a minimum of grooming with periodic nail clipping and a coat that can be kept looking good by frequent petting and an occasional combing. Many Russians seem to enjoy being combed or brushed as it allows them additional time with their owners.

The Russian Blue is generally a very hardy cat with no inherent genetic problems and is usually not prone to illness.