Russian is a shorthair house cat. It resembles the Russian Blue cat in every attribute except for fur color.
A shorthair feline, the Russian resembles the classic Russian Blue
in every aspect apart for coat color. Russian is the term used to
include cats of white, black and tabby color. Genetic and anecdotal
evidence dictates that Russians used to exist alongside Russian Blues
in their native lands many centuries ago. However, the modern breeding
of Russians in non-blue colors started in nineteen seventies in
Australia when a domestic shorthair female of Siberian origin was
crossed with a Russian Blue male. The resulting litter included white
kittens of great beauty. These were developed with time to create the
modern Russian White. Today Russian Blacks and Russians in tabby color
also exist. Though not recognized universally, Russians are registered
in Australia and many countries of Europe as a distinct breed.
Physical
appearance of Russians mimics that of the Russian Blue. The sleek
elegant body is supported by graceful legs. Coat is double layered and
silky with a remarkable sheen. Head is triangular with widely set big
alert ears and almond shaped emerald expressive eyes. Puffy whisker
pads render a pleasant expression to the face. Russian Whites are
believed to have an underlying color beneath their coat and as kittens
they often have some dark colored hair on their forehead that disappear
with age to give an all white fur.
Russian Blacks possess great
appeal owing to their luxurious coat and regal overall appearance. They
have the same finely built structure as other Russians but their shiny
fur and bright green eyes add a certain majestic touch to their refined
presence. Russian Tabbies are blue or black Russians with tabby
markings. Tabby patterns occur on Russian Whites too, however they are
hidden underneath the dense white coat.
Russians are a sweet and
peaceful breed. They dislike loud noises and prefer a calm and quiet
environment. They are unassuming and intelligent and bond strongly to
the one person in the family who feeds and looks after them.
