The Russian Blue is a naturally occurring breed that may have originated in the port of Arkhangelsk in Russia.

[4] However, Harrison Weir writing in 1895 reported that the early show cats under the Russian Blue name were British-bred grey tabbies, with separate grey cats arriving from Archangel in Britain in the 1800s with features consistent with the modern breed.

Guard hairs are distinctly silver-tipped giving the cat a silvery sheen or lustrous appearance.

The Russian Blue has bright green eyes, pinkish lavender or mauve paws, two layers of short thick fur, and a blue-grey-black coat.

As loving and easy going as Russian Blues are, they do not like change, and prefer predictable, routine schedules.

[10] Russian Blue kittens are energetic and require adequate playmates or toys as they can become mischievous if bored.

They have an excellent memory and will learn the hiding place of favorite toys and lead their owners to them when they want a game.

They also have a keen ability to remember favorite visitors and will race to greet familiar faces even if quite some time has passed between visits.

[citation needed] They are small to moderate-sized cats with an average weight of 3.6 to 6.8 kg (8 to 15 lb) when fully grown.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the Russian Blue may be better tolerated by individuals with mild to moderate allergies.

There is speculation that the Russian Blue produces less glycoprotein Fel d 1, one source of cat allergies.