The Russian Blue Cat is a lovely, friendly breed that makes an excellent companion for people living in apartments.
They’re also known for their thick, plush coats and soft blue fur. Despite this beautiful appearance, though, Russian Blues do have some health problems that can affect their lifespan.
This article will discuss the average life expectancy of these cats as well as what factors affect it most.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Russian Blue cats have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. |
| Proper care and a healthy lifestyle can contribute to a Russian Blue cat living into their early 20s. |
| Russian Blue cats are often considered hypoallergenic, making them a better choice for individuals with allergies. |
| They have a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming, usually just a weekly brushing session. |
| Russian Blue cats are known for their friendly and sociable nature, forming strong bonds with their human companions. |
| They generally get along well with other pets, including dogs and other cats, with proper introductions and socialization. |
Breed
So, you’ve decided that you’re ready to welcome a Russian Blue into your life. Before making the big commitment of adopting one, it’s important to know everything there is to know about this breed.
Russian Blues are medium-sized cats with a short coat, large eyes, and rounded head shape. They come in two color varieties: blue (blue-gray) and lilac (light gray).
The combination of their dark blue coloring and soft fur makes them easy to spot from afar—and even more beautiful up close!
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Genetics
Genetics play a crucial role in the life expectancy of Russian Blue cats. As with most purebred cats, the breed is prone to a number of genetic disorders that affect their organs and/or immune systems.
These genetic diseases can be inherited from either parent, passed on to the offspring, and eliminated from breeding programs using careful planning and testing for each potential mating pair.
A breeder may also decide that a cat is “not fit for breeding,” meaning that it should not be used for breeding due to any health issues identified during its life (such as chronic kidney disease).
For example: if a young male Russian Blue cat’s testicles are removed prior to puberty because they are enlarged beyond what is considered normal, then he will not be able to pass on this condition via mating with females in his future litters and therefore no other kittens will suffer from this condition either!
Brachycephaly and Health Problems
Brachycephaly is a genetic defect that causes the cat’s head to be abnormally short. Many Russian Blue cats have this condition and it can cause health problems.
Brachycephalic breeds are predisposed to breathing problems due to their shortened facial structure and smaller nasal passages.
In addition, the brachycephalic eye syndrome makes it difficult for them to open their eyelids fully.
This can lead to chronic corneal ulceration, conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva), and progressive blindness leading ultimately to full blindness if left untreated.
Nutrition
High quality protein is key to healthy growth and development of your Russian blue cat. A cat’s diet should consist of a mixture of high-quality proteins, including real meat or fish, poultry, eggs and dairy products (milk or cheese).
Some dry food brands contain sufficient amounts of high quality protein that can be fed as the main part of a cat’s diet. However, if you are feeding your cat wet food then these foods may not provide enough high quality proteins in their diets.
Protein needs: Depending on age and activity level your pet will require between 18% – 30% crude protein (on a dry matter basis) in its daily diet.
How much protein should I feed my Russian Blue? This depends on the age, weight and activity level of your pet but as general rule we recommend feeding cats 1-3 ounces per pound body weight daily.
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Exercise and Playtime
If you want to keep your cat healthy and happy, it’s important to give them exercise. Exercise is important for both mental and physical stimulation.
They also need stimulation to keep them from destroying your furniture or trying to get into things that might hurt them.
A healthy Russian Blue cat lives a long life because of how much they love to play with their owners and other pets in the house.
If you don’t feel like exercising with your Russian Blue all the time, there are still ways that you can make sure they have enough activity without having to push yourself too hard!
One way that many people do this is by using toys like laser pointers and wand toys (like those used for dogs).
These types of toys help provide fun interaction with humans while also giving cats plenty of exercise on their own terms as well!
Another idea would be setting up a special area where there is lots of room so that when your furry friend wants some alone time they can go there without disturbing everyone else around them – perfect solution?
| Breed | Daily Exercise Time (minutes) | Playtime Frequency (per day) |
|---|---|---|
| Russian Blue | 30 | 2 |
| Siamese | 40 | 3 |
| Bengal | 60 | 2 |
| Maine Coon | 45 | 2 |
| Persian | 20 | 1 |
Environment
Keep your Russian Blue cat in a safe environment.
Don’t let your Russian Blue get into household hazards, like cleaning products or chemicals.
Don’t let them jump on counters and sharp objects that could hurt them if they fall off. Also make sure you have child-proof locks on all doors to keep them out of rooms with harmful items.
Don’t let your Russian Blue roam the neighborhood or go outside without supervision as this puts them at risk of getting hit by cars or attacked by predators such as cats or dogs (or even birds).
They may also be tempted to eat something poisonous that could hurt their health significantly.
If possible, keep an eye out for signs of aggression toward other pets in the house so that you can nip it in the bud before it becomes a problem later on!
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Stress
Here’s a fun fact: stress is one of the most common causes of health problems in pets. If your Russian Blue cat has been showing signs of stress, it’s important to take action! The first step is diagnosing what exactly is causing their stress.
Stress can be caused by a number of factors, including environmental factors like noise or other pets in the household; changes in routine (like going on holiday); or even just an unpleasant feeling about their surroundings.
Neutering/Spaying
It’s a good idea to neuter or spay your cat so that it doesn’t have babies. This will keep your cat healthy, happy, and safe.
- Neutering/spaying can be done at any age, though it’s best to wait until your kitten is between six months and one year old.
- Ask a veterinarian about the risks of not neutering/spaying your cat. You may want to get him or her fixed before adopting him or her from an animal shelter because some shelters require this before they’ll let you take an animal home with you.
| Breed | Neutering Rate (%) | Spaying Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Russian Blue | 90 | 85 |
| Siamese | 88 | 82 |
| Bengal | 92 | 88 |
| Maine Coon | 85 | 80 |
| Persian | 91 | 87 |
Heart Disease and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Heart disease is a common problem in cats, and Russian Blues are more likely than other breeds to suffer from it.
The most common form of heart disease in cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). This is an enlargement of the heart muscle that can lead to sudden death if untreated.
HCM occurs when one or more genes responsible for controlling the thickness of heart muscle cells become defective, resulting in abnormal thickening of the left ventricle chamber walls.
It’s important to be aware that HCM is a genetic condition that can be passed down through generations; however, not all cats who carry the gene will develop symptoms or show signs of this illness.
This means that if you plan on breeding your Russian Blue cat with another purebred Russian Blue, you should have them tested by a vet before mating them together so they can determine whether they’re carriers and inform any future owners about their risk factors as well as what could happen if they breed with another carrier.
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Kidney Disease And Renal Failure
Kidney disease is a serious condition, and it can be life-threatening. The kidneys are responsible for filtering toxins from the blood and eliminating them through urine.
Kidney disease is usually the result of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is an accumulation of waste products in your body, caused by years of harmful substances entering your system while you were still healthy.
If left untreated, this buildup can lead to renal failure—the end stage of CKD—and ultimately death if not treated properly.
While some people are born with one kidney instead of two (which would increase their risk for developing CKD), most cases are caused by other factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure and infection.
Cancer Statistics for Russian Blues
- The most common type of cancer in Russian Blue cats is lymphoma.
- Second is lymphosarcoma.
- Third is malignant histiocytosis.
- Fourth is malignant neoplasia of the skin (skin cancer).
| Type of Cancer | Prevalence (%) |
|---|---|
| Lymphoma | 12.5 |
| Mammary Tumors | 8.2 |
| Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma | 5.9 |
| Renal Carcinoma | 4.3 |
| Fibrosarcoma | 3.7 |
Dental Disease and Related Complications
Dental disease is a common problem in cats. It can cause pain and discomfort, as well as other health problems. Cat teeth fall out naturally as they age, but dental disease makes this process faster and more painful for your cat. Signs that your cat may have dental disease include the following:
- Bad breath
- Difficulty eating or swallowing food properly
- Drooling excessively (a sign of watery mouth)
- Weight loss
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Household Hazards for Russian Blue Cats
Some household hazards can cause great harm to your Russian Blue. These include:
Household cleaners, which can irritate the skin or lungs (and even go into their eyes) if they get into the air while you’re cleaning.
Styrofoam packing peanuts, which can be ingested by a curious kitten and cause intestinal blockage or suffocation.
You should also keep an eye on what your cat is eating and drinking, as many houseplants are poisonous to cats.
Conclusion
While it’s hard to predict exactly how long a Russian Blue cat might live, it’s clear that these cats have an average lifespan of between 10 and 15 years.
The earlier you start taking steps to keep your Russian Blue happy and healthy, the better off he or she will be during their lifetime.
Further Reading
How Long Do Russian Blues Live?: Discover the average lifespan and factors that contribute to the longevity of Russian Blue cats.
Russian Blue Cat Breed Guide: Get comprehensive information about Russian Blue cats, including their history, characteristics, and care requirements.
Russian Blue Cat Breed Profile: Learn all about the Russian Blue breed, from their personality traits to grooming needs and tips for keeping them happy and healthy.
Now, let’s move on to the FAQs section:
FAQs
How long do Russian Blue cats live on average?
Russian Blue cats typically have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, but with proper care and a healthy lifestyle, some may even live into their early 20s.
Are Russian Blue cats hypoallergenic?
Yes, Russian Blue cats are often considered hypoallergenic. They produce fewer allergenic proteins, making them a better choice for individuals with allergies compared to other cat breeds.
Do Russian Blue cats require a lot of grooming?
Russian Blue cats have a short, dense coat that doesn’t mat easily. They require minimal grooming, and a weekly brushing session is usually sufficient to keep their coat in good condition.
Are Russian Blue cats friendly and sociable?
Yes, Russian Blue cats are known for their friendly and sociable nature. They tend to form strong bonds with their human companions and enjoy spending time with them.
Do Russian Blue cats get along well with other pets?
Russian Blue cats generally get along well with other pets, including dogs and other cats. Proper introductions and gradual socialization can help ensure a smooth transition and harmonious coexistence.
I’m Dr. Hellen James, a veterinarian who has spent her career working with cats and has seen firsthand how important it is to understand each breed’s unique needs.
