How To Care For A Russian Blue Cat [Proper Parenting Guide]

How To Care For A Russian Blue Cat

No cat is perfect. Every breed of a cat requires physical and mental stimulation along with some of your attention and love and so, does the Russian Blue cat. Well, are you fond of the Russian Blue cat but worrying about petting it? If yes, then make sure you stick till the end of this article to learn more about your favorite cat. Here, I will be explaining to you how you care for a Russian Blue cat, which you should be aware of if you are thinking to pet one.

In simple words, it is not challenging to care for a Russian blue cat in comparison to other cat breeds. Caring for the Russian Blue cat includes proper training, healthy food or raw food, providing vaccinations on time, and preventing some dreadful diseases, and so on. But before getting into it, let me help you in knowing about the Russian Blue cat better, which will make you more confident while petting and following care methods about it.

About Russian Blue Cat

Russian Blue cat is relatively rare, not known well as compared to other cat breeds. It is a gentle and sensitive cat, which is even known as Archangel cat, Blue Russian, or Archangel Blue.

Though the Russian Blue cat is slightly shy, they can be extremely loyal and social around the family members once they get comfortable in the new environment. This cat is a great companion. But, they are very aware and keeps the distance from strangers until they decide either they are trustworthy or not.

Russian Blue’s life expectancy is 15-20 years. It is a medium-sized cat that has a stunning silvery blue coat and has beautiful green eyes. Due to the cats’ delightful nature, many cat lovers are fonding them in a huge.

Furthermore, you can also learn other mind-blowing facts about the Russian Blue cat that will amaze you and you will love them even more.

Training For Best Care Of A Russian Blue Cat

Russian Blue cat makes good pets for those people who work full time or stays more often outside the house as they can keep themselves entertained while you are away. To make them fairly independent while you are away, you must train them in some primary regulation in the initial stage of petting.

You need not worry about the training session because they require less practice as they are one of the most intelligent cat breeds. Thus, training them will not be a huge difficulty. But, it also depends upon how you deal with them. Here are some of the easiest ways to train them:

Keep Patience

You must have an adequate patience level while training your Russian Blue. You should not feel irritated if they don’t understand what you are trying to instruct. Don’t start scolding or beating them if any mistake has happened. It will make things even worse.

Reward Them

As soon as your Russian Blue cat does something good as per your instructions, you can reward them by providing healthy food or any of their favorite food as treats. Also, you can pat them for doing good. By doing this, they get positive support from you, which encourages them to learn quickly.

Play Games And Tricks

The Russian Blue is an active and playful cat. You can teach some tricks like doing a high-five and playing fetch. For fetch, you can throw a favorite toy of your cat out of reach and involve them in hunting skills. For a high-five trick, place his favorite food as a treat for your cat in high up and wait for him to touch it with his paw. In this way, you can boost your Russian Blue to learn some games and tricks fast.

If you start training the Russian Blue as a kitten, they will learn better and quicker. But if your Russian Blue is no more a kitten and has grown up then, they can adapt accordingly. Also, it depends upon your effort for better training of your Russian Blue cat.

Knowing General Health Information to Care For A Russian Blue

It is significant to know general health information about your Russian Blue. It will help you to care for your cat in a better way.

Russian Blue cats are generally healthy cats in comparison with other cat breeds. But sometimes, they suffer from some health diseases. As you care about your Russian Blue, I’m sure you want your cat to have a healthy life. Thus, you need to know about the health diseases which make your cat unhealthy.

Further information will assist you in creating a healthcare plan for your pet’s medical requirements. You should be aware of the below-mentioned requirements.

Vaccination To Keep The Russian Blue Safe

Like any other cat, the Russian Blue cats have a chance to get numerous viruses like rhinotracheitis, rabies, panleukopenia, and calicivirus. The prevention of these viruses is through vaccination.

There is an extreme risk of your Russian Blue to get infected with several infections. Thus, there is a vaccine named “core” vaccines to eradicate. Besides, some vaccines are available to protect your cat from the dangerous disease known as Feline Leukemia Virus(FeLV).

The vet prescribes the vaccines after analyzing the weight, age, and other risk factors of your Russian Blue cat.

Spay Or Neuter For Protecting And Caring A Russian Blue

If you are not planning your Russian Blue for breeding then, you can spay (in female cats) and neuter (in male cats). To avoid breeding, surgically removal of ovaries (in female cats) and testicles (in male cats) takes place.

Also, you can address any internal disease while performing the surgery if there is any.

Besides, an annual blood test is essential for Russian Blue cats over 8 years of age. Also, all age groups of the Russian Blue cat must attend a yearly examination.

Health Concern For Your Russian Blue Cat

Any cat owners worry about their cats when it comes to health problems. To prevent health problems, you must properly care for them. Some common health problems that affect your cat can be treated on time if you can detect them early. So, here are some general health pieces of information which include the disease and its easy minimizing idea that one must remember if you are willing to care for your Russian Blue.

Overweight

Overweight is one of the major diseases that affect your Russian Blue Cat. It leads to diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. The more weight your Russian Blue has, the more risk of having diabetes.

As per the researchers, carrying excess weight can decrease your pet’s life by as much as two years. Therefore, you need to maintain the diet of your Russian Blue and keep them active and more engaging.

Weight Care To Learn If The Russian Blue Is Overweight

Your pet often feels hungry when he does nothing but sleeps all the time. Keep your Russian Blue playfully active and engaging, which helps your pet stay healthy.

In some cases, you have to maintain your cat’s food intake too. You should quit giving a large quantity of food and start managing a high-quality adult food diet as per your vet’s advice.

Make sure you keep your Russian Blue cat active and engaging. It leads to a healthier and peaceful life.

Dental Disease

It is another general disease of a Russian Blue cat. Sometimes, few particles of the food get stuck on your cat’s teeth, which leads to the infection of the gums and tooth roots. It arises when you don’t brush your cat’s teeth on time.

Dental Care Of A Russian Blue Cat

You should immediately remove the leftover food particle from the mouth of your cat after he finishes eating. Don’t forget to brush your cat’s teeth on time. It helps in preventing dental disease.

If your Russian Blue is already suffering from dental disease, you have to take him immediately to the vet. In some serious conditions, your cat may even lose his teeth or go through internal organ injury. The treatment will be stressful for your cat.

Therefore, better to prevent the disease rather than curing it later.

Renal Failure

Renal failure is the incapability of the kidney to perform its functions. The kidney fails to perform its major role i.e regulating hydration and cleaning the waste in the blood. It is commonly found in the older Russian Blue cats as compared to the younger ones. But, there is no compulsion to find renal failure in every older Russian Blue cat.

In some situations, kidney disease is noticeable even in the young Russian Blue cats as it can be genetic. But, this happens in hugely rare conditions.

Recovery From Renal Failure

There are many improvement cases of renal failure. Some diets and medicines can help your cat to overcome the disease and live a long and happy life ahead.

To determine the renal failure in some young Russian Blue, you can take your cat for the screening of their kidney. If found, there are many surgeries available that can help to get rid of the kidney disease.

The above-stated diseases are the most common diseases that can affect your Russian Blue cat. Therefore, you should focus on preventing diseases rather than curing them later. As there is a saying, prevention is better than cure.

Essential Home Care For A Russian Blue Cat

Every cat requires attention and care from its owner and, so does the Russian Blue cat. There is no compulsion of advanced accommodation for your Russian Blue. Fulfillment of some basic care and needs are adequate for your cat.

Therefore, if you are willing to give your Russian Blue a healthy and happy life then, here are some basic home care listed below:

Enhance Your House For Safekeeping the Russian Blue

As Russian Blue often loves to play, hide, and rest in various spots inside the house, you need to provide enough space for them. A small closed room will create a problem for your cat as they must stay active by exercising and playing to control their body weight.

For enhancing your indoor environment, scratching posts, various toys, and a comfortable perching place is sufficient. Thus, it is essential to enhance your house while keeping your cat indoors.

Arrange Daily Play Sessions

Russian Blue likes attention along with some playtime from its owner. It is important to engage your cat in playing for at least 20-25 minutes per day. You can give them toys such as feather-like toys, bird mimicking toys so that they can chase and play around. Arranging daily play sessions can help to maintain your Russian Blue’s weight too.

Provide High-Quality Food

The Russian Blue loves food and sometimes, they try to trick you into overfeeding but, don’t let this happen. High quality dry and protein-rich canned food along with some available dry food is recommended for your cat. Providing canned food helps you to analyze your cat’s appetite too. Also, avoid giving too many treats to your Russian Blue because it can lead to overweight. Moreover, dry food can deliver your Russian Blue a different flavor.

Provide Sufficient Water

It is very essential to provide fresh and clean water to your Russian Blue. Due to the high water contain canned food, even a small amount of its consumption can lead to hydrate your cat.

After consuming dry food, their body may require adequate water, which is pretty great. Make sure you provide fresh and clean water to your Russian Blue. But, do not keep their water bowl empty.

Moreover, the Russian Blue cat loves drinking running water or water from the fountain. So, you can think of keeping a cat water fountain for your cat.

Care The Russian Blue’s Teeth By Brushing On Time

Brushing your cat’s teeth at least once a week is very necessary. You can purchase a feline toothpaste and toothbrush from a nearby pet store. If needed, you can talk to your vet and do as he advises. He will check your cat’s dental condition and provide toothpaste and toothbrush.

You should slowly introduce the brush and toothpaste to your cat for brushing, otherwise, they won’t feel comfortable. Brushing your Russian Blue’s teeth is a part of maintaining good health by preventing dental disease.

Keep The Litter Box Clean

Many people know that Russian Blue cats are one of the neatest and clean or hygiene cat breeds. Therefore, you must clean the litter box of your cat frequently and keep the environment tidy. Otherwise, your cat may not even enter into the litter box placed area.

You should keep the litter box in the areas such as the bathroom or laundry room to prevent odors in your living space. Also, you should put a litter box in such a section of the bathroom or laundry room where your cat can reach easily.

Care The Russian Blue’s Coat By Routine Grooming

Regular grooming your Russian Blue is also a part of caring for them. To maintain your Russian Blue’s beautiful thick coats, you should comb daily. For this, you can use a medium-sized small toothed metal comb. Routine grooming helps to increase your cat’s skin circulation and distributes dermal oils. It also prevents uncomfortable hairballs.

Socializing- Best Way To Care For The Russian Blue

Russian Blue generally loves to get along with new people in new places. They are initially shy and take time to adjust to new places with new people or pets. If you have another pet at your place then, don’t take Russian Blue cat nearer to them as they can feel discomfort in the beginning. Start introducing them slowly.

Once your cat gets comfortable with the other pets then, you need not worry later.

Additional Care Methods For A Russian Blue

Apart from some basic care for Russian Blue which includes feeding, brushing, cleaning, etc., there are few more cautions that you should not miss.

Look After The Russian Blue’s Ear

It is necessary to look after your cat’s ear more often. You should check if there are wax-build up or any other health issues. If you notice any, put some olive oil on a Q-tip and swab out the ear.

Some other signs that you should notice are- odors, redness or swelling, yellow or black discharge, scratching of the ears, and hearing loss. If you see these signs in your Russian Blue’s ear, you should immediately take your cat to the vet.

Look After The Russian Blue’s Eye

Looking after your Russian Blue’s eye is as important as examining their ear. The crust, tearing and inflammation are some health issues that are identifiable from your cat’s eye.

For this, check your cat’s lining of the eyelid by rolling them up. It should be in a pink color, not white or red. Russian Blue’s eyes should be bright and clear. Also, the pupil should be in white. Immediately consult a vet, if your Russian Blue has any different eye color or crust in it.

Trimming Nails

Many people don’t focus on the trimming nails of their cats. But, it is essential to trim your cat’s nail in every 2weeks to avoid breaking and splitting. Russian Blue has clear nails that make the pink vein easily visible, located half-way down of the nail. For trimming, you can purchase nail clippers from any nearby local pet store. Clip them in the nails but, don’t clip the pink vein. It will hurt your cat and can even bleed.

If you accidentally cut the vein, you can stop bleeding by using styptic powder, which is available in your local pet store.

Best Homemade Food To Care the Russian Blue Cat

Like other cat breeds, Russian Blue cats can eat nutritious homemade food. They like consuming different food flavors and dislike when the same food keeps on repeating.

The meal which is rich in protein is very suitable for Russian Blue. Chicken, fish, and other seafood are most beneficial for your cat. You can even feed some wet foods to your Russian Blue. It provides an extra form of water consumption, which is highly essential to the Russian Blue cat breed to reduce the chance of kidney disease.

Hence, there is no compulsion to make any special homemade cat food for your Russian Blue. You simply need to feed high-quality and fresh protein-rich food.

Raw Diet That Should Be Known

Russian Blue’s diet plan includes more wet foods and less dry foods. It is well known that your Russian Blue should consume more wet foods but, dry foods are equally important.

As owners, you should be careful when you provide raw food to your cat as raw food can hold some harmful bacteria. So, it will be more satisfying if you give the raw meats or diet to your cat after you consult a vet. Don’t forget to provide clean and fresh water to your cat after it finishes eating a raw diet.

Can Russian Blue Cat Get Food Allergies?

Yes, like other cats, Russian Blue can get food allergies. Food allergy weakens your cat and harms them. Also, allergy can be the fastest medians for catching undesired sickness. As a cat owner, you must recognize the allergic food that your cat should not consume. Many homemade foods can be allergic to your Russian Blue as well. Here are some common allergic food items:

  • Dairy products
  • Corn
  • Soy
  • Gluten etc.

How To Know If Russian Blue Has Food Allergy?

Allergies make your cat feel uneasy. There will be a sudden change in their habits which you can see easily. Few symptoms are visible when your cat has an allergy whereas some are only sensed internally. Some noticeable symptoms can be

  • Scratching
  • Itching
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting etc.

How To Care If A Russian Blue Has Food Allergy?

  1. Bathing your cat once or twice using a cat shampoo can help reducing external sickness.
  2. See your veterinarian and provide prescribed medication to your cat.
  3. You need to identify the food which is allergic to your cat. Avoid feeding them with allergic food items.

What To Watch For?

If your Russian Blue begins showing some unusual indications, you should be aware as it can be a sign of some serious illness or disease. You should not neglect if you notice any unusual behaviors of your cat.

You need to understand when to seek veterinary help and how certainly does your cat need help from you. The more healing help you provide, the less pain your cat will suffer from.

Conclusion

Russian Blue cats are very intelligent and sensible at the same time. Hence, being a cat owner, you should take proper care of your Russian blue. To pet them correctly, you have to care for your Russian Blue cat without any negligence. If you treat and train them well, they can be your best companion.

Starting from training to balancing a food diet, everything is important to look for while caring for a Russian Blue cat. By following the above-stated caution ways, you can help your Russian Blue to live a healthy and happy life.

Hope this article was helpful for you!

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