Russian Blues: Temperament Of Russian Blue Cat

temperament Of Russian Blue Cat

Russian Blues are soft cats, both, emotionally as well as physically. When you touch the soft blue coat of a Russian Blue, you’ll be filled with love for these cats. But, because of their sensitive temperament, it might make it difficult to live with a Russian Blue cat. Don’t get me wrong! Russian Blues are lovely cats, but the temperament of Russian Blues might complicate things a bit. Yes, Russian Blues also get aggressive.

I’ve heard many people describe Russian Blues as aggressive. But, I believe that it all comes down to how the Russian Blues are brought up in their environment.

If you give your Russian Blue a calm and secure environment, then Russian Blues are one of the most loyal companions you’ll ever have! On the other hand, if you act negligently in caring for your Russian Blue properly, then you are in for a bad time.

The Temperament of Russian Blue cats is shy and reserved. However, Russian Blues bond like superglue with their owners and family. With such a hard-wired internal clock, Russian Blues follow a routine like bees follow flowers.

Russian Blues take a lot of time to warm up to changes; whether it is changing new people, places, or pets. That is why Russian Blues might seem a little aggressive to some people. But, Russian Blues are truly a loyal cat who can return love and affection right back at us.

See, you should keep one thing in mind. Russian Blues are the MOST sensitive cats you can ever imagine! You might think it’s hard to take care of your feline friend. But, no, it’s easy.

All you need to do is give a Russian Blue a calm environment where they can relax and be their authentic selves. Yes, that’s all that Russian Blues need.

Today, you will understand about different types of aggressive behavior that Russian Blues show, and how you can calm them. You will also know about a Russian Blues temperament; their hard-wired internal clock, whether they scratch furniture. Lastly, whether Russian Blues are good companions for traveling. Everything boils down to their temperament. Let’s get into this!

Is Russian Blue Cats’ Temperament Aggressive?

Yes, the temperament of Russian Blues might turn out to be aggression. Aggression in a Russian Blue cat is not common but not impossible either.

The aggression might range from a slight hiss to a full-on attack that might injure your body and health severely.

Your Russian Blue might show aggression in various situations which we will discuss below.

Understanding Cat Body Language

For pet parents, understanding a cats’ body language is extremely important. Especially for a sensitive cat, like Russian Blue.

Although Russian Blues are calm cats, the felines may get aggressive in various situations. If you can understand your cats’ body language, then you can interact with your feline friend in a non-threatening way.

Here, we will discuss how to analyze your Russian Blues body language to assess the situation.

Offensive Posture

  • Ears are upright
  • Eyes (Pupils) are constricted
  • Piloerection, which means the hair stands up. The Russian Blues’ body takes shape of “n” and it might look like your cat has an electric shock.
  • Stares directly at you
  • Growls in a menacing way
  • Swats their paws at you

Defensive Posture

  • Piloerection again
  • Tails are tucked in between your cats’ legs
  • Crouching position
  • Your cat might not make eye contact but sideways glancing
  • Hissing
  • Pupils are dilated

Dangerous Posture (Run!)

  • Swats their paws and scratches you
  • Tries to Bite you
  • Chasing you and trying with all its might to hurt you

Types Of Aggression

See, there are many types of aggression shown by your Russian Blue. And, aggression can be caused by many reasons.

Now that we have understood Russian Blues body language, let us understand the types of Aggression your Russian Blue might show.

Territorial Aggression

Cats normally display territorial aggression towards other cats, dogs, and people.

Your Russian Blue might also display this; especially a male cat more than a female. Your feline friend might urinate, rub the chin on their territory and claim the area as their own. A Russian Blues’ territory might include a room, yard, or any place they feel like their own.

Russian Blues hiss and may even attack anyone who enters the territory. The following situations may trigger your Russian Blues’ territorial aggression:

  • It is seen when kitten Russian Blues reach sexual maturity. So, you should neuter your feline friend.
  • When you move houses or places.
  • When any new person, pet enters your feline friends’ territory.

Maternal Aggression

Every mother in this world, whether it be for cats or dogs and even humans, love their kids to death. If a mother feels like some harm might befall on their kids, the mother does whatever is in her odds to prevent that harm.

Similarly, in cats like Russian Blues, the maternal instinct to protect their kittens is very strong. Especially during the time of the birth of her kittens. Mother cats become especially aggressive to other male cats, animals, and sometimes even you!

So, if your Russian Blue has born some kittens and is acting aggressively, don’t worry too much! It might be maternal aggression. It is for the best if you don’t handle the kittens for some time.

After some months, the kittens will grow up and the maternal aggression will go away. For now, just watch the adorable Russian Blue kittens from afar, won’t you?

Fear-Induced Aggression/Defensive Aggression

Russian Blues are sensitive cats. Any changes in a Russian Blues’ environment or even introduction to new pets and people trigger fear in them.

Russian Blues show defensive posture like dilated pupils, crouching, tails between legs, backward ears.

And sometimes even aggressive posture (when your feline friend can’t escape whatever is causing fear). Many times, you’ll notice your Russian Blues hair standing up and slight hissing, growling, and yowling trying to appear intimidating to whatever is causing fear.

What you should do, is remove anything from a Russian Blues’ surrounding which might be causing such threat.

Predatory Aggression

Since the beginning of time, cats have been excellent hunters. The sharp eyesight, ability to detect scents, and ears that can hear even the tiniest sound, makes cats good hunters. The cats hunt down mice, vermin, and pests to prevent the spread of the plague. They also hunt small animals they can dominate in the wild.

Predatory aggression is nothing to worry about because your Russian Blue won’t harm you. Your feline companion just wants a fun time to become their authentic selves like in the old days.

A Russian Blue will quietly survey their prey, twitch their tail, and then pounce on their prey. A combo hit that will save you money, instead of buying for a rodenticide.

Russian Blues might not be hungry to act this way. In simple words, Russian Blues are built to be pest control. Truly, your feline companion is born to be a professional hunter.

Playful Aggression

Playful aggression is the type of aggression that cats display towards their owners. A Russian Blue can scratch and bite you lightly as a kitten. Russian Blue kittens are also severely hyperactive.

Don’t worry. A Russian Blue kitten (or adult) isn’t trying to cause harm to you. It’s just that a Russian Blues’ over-enthusiasm and love for you might convert physically into something your feline friend can’t control. And it might turn into scratching or biting lightly.

Someday, the kitten will grow up. And the adult Russian, while playing with you, might bite you with good intentions while playing. Your cat might even try a jump using your T-shirt as a place to claw and move up to your shoulder. This may create scratches on your back and arms.

What you should do when your Russian Blues’ playful aggression crosses boundaries? Simply, learn to say no to your Russian Blue! And it’s better if your Russian Blue is socialized properly as a kitten.

Petting Aggression

Who doesn’t like hugs and cuddles? Most animals love the warm affection that comes with petting and cuddling.

Russian Blues are sensitive though. Russian Blues can love it when their owners and family members pet them. However, a Russian Blue can feel threatened when some unknown person comes to pet them.

For example, visualize that an alien comes near you and tries to hug you. Yeah, that sounds like a scary (and crazy) visualization! Russian Blues feel the same way about new people. I’m not saying that you look like an alien but you get the gist.

Pet-induced aggression occurs when you rub your Russian Blue on the same spot repeatedly, despite your cats’ liking.

Sometimes, Russian blues can become aggressive even to their owners, when the petting is just painful and boring. Your Russian Blue kind of feels irritated. Just stop petting your Russian Blue when you see the following signs:

  • Dilating pupils and staring at you
  • Staring quickly at your hand
  • Your cat twitches tail or swishes tail to the left and right
  • Generally, acting uncomfortable while petting

How To Calm Your Russian Blue?

First of all, to calm down aggression, you have to know what kind of aggression your Russian Blue has. By understanding the temperament of Russian Blues including their posture, you can know where their aggression stems from. Then, read below to see how to calm down your Russian Blue.

Consulting The Veterinary And Experts

See, if your Russian Blue is acting aggressively beyond you can control, it’s time to take advice from Veterinarians and experts. This temperament of Russian Blues needs to be in control, otherwise, your cat can even give you injuries.

Your Russian Blue might be acting aggressively due to hormonal imbalances in its body. Yes, hormonal imbalance causes aggression!

Various Neurological deficit, joint pain, arthritis, and many health problems can cause aggression. You can check your Russian Blue if their aggression is caused by such medical conditions.

Sometimes, the aggression is merely genetic (passed from parents to offspring). Or Maybe the aggression stems from your surrounding where everything is chaos?

You should neuter your Russian Blue male cats, in case the aggression is caused by high testosterone levels.

Consulting with a professional and veterinarian ensures that your Russian Blue cat receives the best treatment possible. And maybe your cat might stop being aggressive. It’s a win-win situation if you visit your feline companion to the vet.

Calming Treats And Sprays Available For Cats

If your Russian Blue is acting aggressively, maybe a calming treat will calm them down! You can always try this and I bet that it will be effective most of the time. I’ve listed some calming treats you can buy online so you can calm down your Russian Blue cat.

Calming Treats
  • Vet Classics Stress Away Calming, Anxiety Aid for Dogs and Cats – Soft Chew Pet Health Supplement for Dogs, and Cats – Melatonin, Ginger
  • Pet Naturals of Vermont – Calming, Behavioral Support Supplement for Dogs and Cats, 160 Bite-Sized Chews
  • VetriScience Composure Behavioral Health Bite-Sized Cat Chews, 30 count
Catnip Sprays
  • Catit Liquid Catnip Spray, 3 Ounces
  • Feliway Cat Calming Pheromone Spray (20ML) | #1 Vet Recommended Solution | Reduce Anxiety for Vet Visits, Travel, Loud Noises, and More
  • Meowijuana | Premium Catnip Spray | Organic | High Potency | Use On Cat Toys, Teasers, and Scratchers | Grown in The USA | Feline & Cat Lover Approved

Is It In Russians Blue Cats’ Temperament To Scratch Furniture?

If you have seen a cat, you might’ve also noticed that cats love scratching anything they can get their hands (claws) on. And yes, your Russian Blues also love scratching furniture.

Some Russian Blues do it for play. While some Russian Blues just want a visual territory to claim as their own. Russian Blues, like any other cat, even leave their scent on the furniture through their cheek scent glands. Some Russian Blue cats do it to remove their worn out claws and sharpen their new growing claws.

No wonder why your furniture is worn out by your cats’ scratching!

How Can You Stop Your Russian Blue From Scratching Furniture?

You can stop your Russian Blue cat from scratching furniture, by directing their scratching into something else. Like a post or a cardboard, scratching post, etc.

You can buy the posts online or you can make the posts on your own. You can also use homeopathic remedies to prevent your Russian Blue from scratching your furniture.

Scratch Post

You can use cardboard, wood, sandpaper, sisal, or any material that your cat would love to scratch. Your Russian Blue might like the scratch post to be at a different position or one position only. It is better if you buy a long post so your Russian Blue can stretch.

Some Russian Blues also love a scratch post that they can lay on and scratch for a long time. You can buy a scratch post that remains stable no matter how much your Russian Blue shakes it. A sturdy scratch post!

Don’t force your Russian Blue physically into the scratch post, dragging their claws on the post. It might anger and irritate your sweet cat and bring out aggressiveness. And the worst part is your Russian Blue might not even take a second look at the scratch post.

You can buy a scratch post that has toys attached to them. So, your Russian Blue plays with the toy while simultaneously scratching the post.

You can gather catnip sprays on the scratch post so your Russian cat gets attracted to the scent and scratches the post. Maybe you can give them treats when they scratch the post.

Furthermore, keep the scratch post near your cats’ home (Cat treehouse). So, that’s the first thing they see when they wake up and the last thing they see during bedtime. Keeping the post near home can induce routine in your Russian Blue. You can also keep the post in a place that your Russian Blue likes to hang out.

Direct your Russian Blue to the scratch post in a calm way, and not forcefully.

Homeopathic Options

Cats, like Russian Blues, can claim your furniture as a territory. So, no matter how much you direct your cats scratching to a scratch post, your Russian Blue cat might ultimately only love the familiar feeling of your furniture.

So, to prevent your cat from scratching your furniture, do this. Make a solution of water, eucalyptus oil, and lemongrass oil. Then, spray or apply it to your furniture. Sure, the smell of the solution might enthrall you. But for Russian Blue cats, the smell is repelling!

Your Russian Blue will stop scratching on the furniture when they smell the scent.

But keep in mind NOT to spray the solution ON your cat. This might cause your sensitive Russian Blue startled and dislike being around you.

Should You Declaw Your Cat?

I will say no to declawing your Russian Blue. Because declawing doesn’t reduce your feline friends’ aggression in any way. See, declawing doesn’t mean trimming your cats’ claws. It is literal removal of the nail bed and claw! It is the amputation of the last digital bone.

Since declawing involves surgery, I think declawing your Russian Blue is inhumane.

There are far better options to prevent your cat from scratching furniture. Like, trimming your Russian Blues’ nails. Provide your Russian Blue with a scratch post. Or just apply the homeopathic solution (water, eucalyptus oil, and lemongrass oil) I told you about earlier, on your furniture.

Please don’t declaw your cat!

Russian Blues While Travelling

Russian Blues’ temperament is that Russian Blues hate changes. So, traveling with a Russian Blue can be a huge problem for you.

I have heard that some Russian Blues can tolerate moving houses and can travel to some places. But, those Russian Blues have been acclimatized since kitten age!

However, I have also heard on many occasions, that a playful Russian Blue can act aloof, anxious, and annoyed when switching homes. And a Russian Blues’ aloofness can remain for a long time.

Sometimes, you need to change homes and you need to bring your Russian Blue with you. So, what will you do?

You can use a carrier in which your Russian Blue feels comfortable. Use the carrier in your home for some time before shifting, so your Russian Blues’ scent gets attached to the carrier. You can also keep your Russian Blues favorite cat toys in the carrier for extra comfort. Then, carry the carrier to your new home.

I hope your Russian Blue gets less anxious this way. It is even better if you routinely shift your cat to different places using these methods starting from the kitten age. Good luck!

Russian Blues Follow Routine

Another temperament of Russian Blues is their routine to fall on time. Ah, Russian Blues have such a hard-wired internal clock.

You can’t help but wonder if a Russian Blue is a spy who can read a clock. Yes, everything a Russian Blue does has to be done on time.

Even a 5 minutes delay in a Russian Blues’ dinner, playing, sleeping, or any activity, in particular, is to be followed in a strict schedule. Otherwise, a Russian Blue tends to go anxious and haywire!

What you can do on your part to help a Russian Blue with their routine? Just feed, groom, play and do everything on time for your lovely cats. Otherwise, your Russian Blue will get moody and start being aggressive and distant.

Conclusion

Russian Blues are very loving cats in temperament. However, sometimes, some situations cause a Russian Blue to be aggressive. And yes, your Russian Blue cats scratch things. I hope you understood what to do when such situations arise.

I hope you also got to know how Russian Blue cats behave while traveling. And got to know everything about the temperament of Russian Blues!

Happy Petting!

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