Russian Blue vs British Shorthair is a difficult choice. At first glance, even the resemblance between the two cat breeds is unreal. With a blue coat and warm nature, you may find it difficult to clarify who is who. Today, I am here to clear the differences between these two felines.
Sure, both the Russian Blue and British shorthair have beautiful blue coats. And sure, both are pedigree cats with brilliant physical features. Moreover, both are of a warm nature that can melt you in an instant.
However, there are differences between these two felines as well.
British Shorthair cats are thicker and rounder in shape than Russian Blue cats. While Russian Blue has vivid green eyes, British Shorthair is blessed with copper-colored eyes.
British Shorthair has a chilled and placid disposition. The Russian Blue is also laid back and chill, although needing some playtime here and there.
In simple words, British Shorthair is kind of introverted, while the Russian Blue is extroverted towards the owners.
By reading the article below, educate yourself on the differences between the two cat breeds.
Which Cat Is The Best: Russian Blue Or British Shorthair?
Well, this question shouldn’t even exist. That is because the Russian Blue and British Shorthair are adorable in their unique ways.
However, you can choose your favorite feline by reading this article to determine your choice between Russian Blue vs. British Shorthair.
Comparing the History Of British Shorthair And Russian Blue
Both Russian Blue and British Shorthair have their own unique history. Read more to find out.
The British Shorthair’s history starts in the first century.
As we go back to history, the Britishers were invaded by Romans. The invading Romans wanted a feline friend to remove mice, snakes, and insects from their home. The Romans in Britain then bred these felines with European wildcats to produce domestic cats.
After some time, people decided to make a pedigree of this domestic cat which we now know as the British Shorthair.
Russian Blues have a fascinating history that I love!
The origin of Russian Blue is rather hazy. But this feline is allegedly from the Arkhangelsk Isles of Russia.
The sailors from Archangelsk brought this feline to Britain and northern Europe in the 1800s. And from then on, this feline developed and prospered in Britain and became the beloved Russian Blue.
Nevertheless, Russian blues became nearly extinct after World War II; thus, there was breeding with other varieties of Russian Blues.
Another fascinating theory is that Russian Blues had healing powers. People believe that this magical feline once saved a prince from dying. Thus, the royal family kept this beloved cat in their palace. Russian Blue cats, therefore, have a royal lineage.
Looks At British Shorthair Vs Russian Blue
Both cat breeds are blessed with brilliant looks that can charm any person around.
British Shorthair cats look thick and round because of the plush blue coat. Their coat is almost crisp in texture because of the lack of an undercoat.
The face of the British Shorthair is round with wide cheeks. Altogether, this feline has a teddy-bear physique and is thus also called Teddy-bear cat! You would really want to pet and cuddle this feline.
British Shorthair looks intimidating too. Looking at their broad, thick chest and thick legs, I think of cowering behind something to protect myself.
British Shorthair is such a paradox! I want to pet as well as hide from this cat. British Shorthair holds such power over me.
Although the blue color is really common, British Shorthair comes in Tabby and colorpoint too. Other colors like Black, white, red, cream, silver, golden, cinnamon, and fawn are also accepted as the color standards.
The eyes of British Shorthair are copper orange which also adds to their intimidating looks.
Like the “blue” in their name, Russian Blue cats come only in two colors in the range of blue. The coat color ranges from light shimmering silver to a dark slate grey.
The coat is also dense and soft and leaves a mark when you trace lines on it. This feline has a double coat which adds to the soft texture. Moreover, the tipping on the upper coat gives a shimmering effect.
The eye color of Russian Blue changes as they mature. Russian Blue is born with gold in its eyes, which matures to emerald green into adulthood.
Russian Blue has a slightly upturned mouth that looks like a smile. This feline always looks happy with this lovely smile.
The body of Russian Blue is athletic and bony compared to the British Shorthair. No wonder why Russian Blues are so energetic and always down to play.
Personality Of British Shorthair Vs Russian Blue
Both of the breeds are similar in personality, but differences exist as well. Both are intelligent and can learn tricks easily. Read to find out more.
British Shorthair is very easygoing and easy to live with.
British Shorthair doesn’t require constant play, although the occasional play is entertained. You can keep this feline busy with fish poles, laser beams, and hunting toys like a mouse, fish, etc.
Unlike Russian Blue cats, a British Shorthair likes its alone time a little more. This doesn’t mean that this feline isn’t loyal and affectionate. British Shorthair will snuggle beside you when you’re home working away on your laptop. However, this feline is calm and collected and doesn’t act clingy.
Russian Blue cats are also gentle cats with warm temperaments.
However, the playful nature makes Russian Blue cats an extrovert. Russian Blue love playing more than anything, especially with fish poles, laser beams, cat toys, you name it. This playfulness isn’t destructive at all, though.
The love Russian Blue cats have for their owners is immense. If a Russian Blue trust and loves a human, the feline will be ready to dedicate lots of time to the human. This results in sleeping on the lap, cuddling, purring, and playing.
Russian Blue cats are dignified and can stay indoors while you go to work. But, once you come home from work, be ready for the Russian Blue to follow you wherever you go.
Russian Blues are borderline clingy, which is a good thing. This is because the love this feline shower on you is a blessing.
Another important thing is you should shower your Russian Blue with lots of attention. Lack of attention is a nightmare for Russian Blue cats.
Comparing the Weight And Size Of British Shorthair With Russian Blue
Initially hard to notice, Russian Blue and British shorthair are of different sizes and weights, which you can read below.
British Shorthair is larger than Russian Blue Cats, meaning that British Shorthair is a relatively large breed. The thick plush coat adds to their large size.
British Shorthair cats mature at a slow pace, sometimes having a growth spurt even at 4 years. However, the average time to reach full physical development is 3 years.
The dimorphism is clearly visible in this feline. Male British Shorthair weighs 9-17 pounds, while females weigh a little less, from 7-12 pounds.
Russian Blue cats are a medium-sized breed. This feline grows pretty fast. Thus, you have to fulfill the nutritional requirement early on in your diet.
Dimorphism isn’t clearly visible in this breed. The Russian Blue weighs 7-15 pounds, be it male or female. However, males tend to be slightly larger than females.
Russian Blue cats have a voracious appetite, thus gaining weight in the later years once they stop growing.
Russian Blue cats are bony and muscular, unlike the Coby British Shorthair. Thus, Russian Blue appears smaller and more athletic.
Health Of British Shorthair And Russian Blue
Both the Russian Blue and British shorthair are a natural pedigree. Thus, the two cat breeds don’t have any genetic problems and live fairly for a century or two. Read to find out more about their health.
Although a natural pedigree, British shorthair cats do suffer from diseases that other cats suffer from.
An old British Shorthair can suffer from cataracts and Glaucoma. Arthritis and gout are also common in old British Shorthair.
British Shorthair cats are more susceptible to developing Hemophilia B and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). Hemophilia B can be detected through a DNA test. At the same time, HCM can be detected through symptoms like leg swelling, shortness of breath, and tiredness.
Other than that, British Shorthair lives for 14-20 years and are relatively healthy cats.
Russian Blue is similar to British Shorthair and has lived for 14-20 years. I have heard that some Russian Blue cats lived to be 25 years old. I don’t recall any genetic problem in this feline.
However, Russian Blues suffer from diseases like any other normal cat. So, you should look out for any problems with their health. Especially Glaucoma, cataracts, and arthritis in old age.
Since Russian Blue cats love food, obesity can be a problem. Obesity can cause hypertension and cardiac diseases, which are harmful to their health.
Compatibility With Owners, Other Pets, And Kids
Here, we will discuss how the Russian blue vs. British shorthair breed behaves with owners, kids, and pets.
British Shorthair Cats can be patient with the kids, occasionally exiting the room when the kid is petting them harshly. A British Shorthair would rather exit the room in a dignified way than nip on the kid’s fingers.
A British Shorthair can also socialize with friendly kids, always following the kids to ensure no harm befalls their way.
With owners, British Shorthair likes to snuggle on their side and accompany the human.
British Shorthair is also good with dogs and other pets as long as the pets are not rabbits, mice, insects, fish, or anything that urges a hunting instinct.
An overly friendly or rather aggressive dog can make your British Shorthair very anxious and stressed out. Anything overwhelming should be out of British Shorthairs’ boundaries.
Although British Shorthair is family-friendly, you need to guide kids and pets to be gentle with this feline.
Russian Blue cats, although less patient than British Shorthair, tend to get on with children pretty well. As long as the kids are not too harsh, Russian Blue can be really friendly. Russian Blue can sometimes use their wit and leave the room if any harsh patting occurs.
With owners, Russian Blue is very warm and affectionate, even sitting on a lap and purring constantly. Russian Blue is so sweet that following its owners is like therapy. Yes, Russian Blue might get clingy at times, but if you are getting lots of love, then it feels good.
Russian Blue cats are very playful and can get along with playful kids who are careful while playing. Likewise, playful and cheerful dogs get along with Russian Blue as well.
However, sometimes, the attention is too overbearing for Russian Blue, so this feline tends to go quiet. Occasionally, it goes hiding in a corner to recharge the energy and starts playing again.
Maintenance Of British Shorthair Vs Russian Blue
British Shorthair and Russian Blue are both low-maintenance cats. Read below to find out more about how they differ in maintenance.
British Shorthair cats are like any other cats. This feline needs grooming, bathing, brushing, and maintenance like a normal cat.
Also, British Shorthair needs to brush their teeth at least once a week. Furthermore, you should brush their coat twice a week so that the excess fallen hairball is cleaned.
Perhaps the most important thing is exercising for British Shorthair. You can buy this feline a scratching post and a cat tree house to spend their time.
British Shorthair isn’t aggressively playful. Thus, you have to buy catfish poles, laser beams, and other toys to maintain the muscles and stay fit.
Russian Blue cats love their food and can get really fat. Thus, you have to play with your Russian Blue with laser beams, fish poles, feathers, and so on to shed their gained weight. Moreover, you can provide premium cat food with low calories to your Russian Blue.
Russian Blue is also a very clean cat and very fussy about hygiene. This feline cannot tolerate a dirty litter box and, generally, a dirty house. That is why it is extremely important to clean the litter box, and good food, and a clean house for Russian Blue cats.
Still, water in a bowl will seem like poison to Russian Blue cats! That’s why you should let Russian Blue drink from a fountain that looks like a continuous stream of fresh water.
Like any other cat, a weekly brushing of coat and teeth, feeding on time, and grooming is to be done for the Russian Blue cat. You can bathe Russian Blue maybe once a month.
Price Of British Shorthair Vs Russian Blue
Pedigree cats like Russian Blue and British Shorthair are really expensive. Read below to know about their price.
British Shorthair’s price depends on the availability of this feline in an area. Different countries have varying price points according to the breeders.
The average price of British Shorthair is around 1000$-2000$. Sometimes, you can get lucky if you can buy a British Shorthair for less than 1000$.
A show-quality British Shorthair can have a high price, unlike a pet-quality British shorthair, which costs a bit less.
Russian Blue cats come at a lower price than British Shorthair. This low price doesn’t amount to Russian Blue being less precious than British Shorthair in any way.
Russian Blue cat costs around 600$-1000$ for a pet quality cat. In contrast, the show-quality cat may cost around 1500$ or even more.
Especially, a white patch in a Russian Blue coat deems them less pricey. This doesn’t mean that the flaw in the coat of the Russian Blue is less worthy. It just means that the Russian Blue is not of show quality.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about “Russian Blue Vs British Shorthair.”
Are All Blue Cats The Same?
There are several breeds of blue pedigree cats like Russian Blue, such as Chartreux, British Shorthair, Nebelung, and Korat.
All of these felines have their distinct physical features and distinct personality.
Although all of these felines have a blue (Grey in normal terms) coat, not all are the same.
Are All British Shorthair Cats Blue?
British Shorthair is also called British Blues. This is because the blue British Shorthair is more popular.
However, since British Shorthair was domesticated with European wildcats, several color standards are accepted.
The colors are fawn, lilac, tabby, colorpoint, black, red, cream, silver, Cinnamon, etc.
Conclusion
I hope I was able to clear up your confusion about the two cat breeds.
I also hope I helped you to decide on your favorite cat breed. I’m sure you have had a lot of trouble choosing your favorite one; after all, both cat breeds are so lovely and so endearing.
