It’s hardly surprising that Russian Blue cats are so popular among cat people. The Russian Blue cat breed has existed for centuries and it originated from Russia, where it is believed they were owned by Russian Czars.
They appeared for the first time in one of the cat shows in London under the name Archangel cats. Ever since then, they have captured the hearts of many cat lovers.
Russian Blue cats are beautiful as well as being one of the most intelligent cat breeds. They’re known for their beautiful gray/blue coat color and big yellow or green eyes.
The best thing about these cats is that they’re very loyal and friendly, so if you choose a Russian Blue to be your pet companion, you won’t regret it.
However, when getting a Russian Blue cat, you should prepare yourself as the prices may be high. The price usually depends on several factors that we will discuss in this article.
So, read on to find out everything you need to know about this cat breed and check out our Russian Blue cat price guide as well. In addition, I will also give you some brilliant money-saving tips that can be helpful for every cat owner.
If you’re sure that a Russian Blue is the perfect pet for you, then it’s worth every penny. So, stick around and see how you can prepare yourself for this purry adventure.
Russian Blue Cat Price Range
Russian Blue cats are a very popular breed of cat, recognized by both The International Cat Association and Cat Fanciers Association.
If you’re looking for a Russian Blue Cat, you probably won’t be able to find one cheap. Prices for a Russian Blue are generally high, but the price can vary depending on a number of factors.
First of all, if you choose adoption from a shelter, you may save some money. However, if you want a healthy, purebred cat, this can be hard outside of a professional breeding center. Of course, it’s not impossible to find purebred cats in rescue and adoption centers.
Moreover, it’s a kind and worthy act to save a homeless feline and give her a lovely new home. However, if you’re looking for a purebred Russian Blue cat, with all the relevant documentation, then you should look for reputable breeders.
If you’re looking for a pet quality animal, you may expect to pay $500 to $800 for a Russian Blue. However, you should remember that these cats can only be pets, they cannot be used for breeding. There’s no doubt that they’ll make you a great pet and be fantastic company.
Furthermore, if you come across fully registered Russian Blues, you may choose between two options:
• Russian Blue cats with normal family records – this refers to breeders that are not famous. Here, you can pay somewhere between $800 and $1100 for a cat.
• Russian Blue cats with premium family records – this refers to well-known and reputable breeders who own top-quality cats. These breeders are more expensive, and the average price for a Russian Blue is between $1100 and $3000.
The Average Price Of Russian Blue Kittens
As is the case with adult cats, the average Russian Blue kitten price will also depend on several factors.
You can try looking in adoption and rescue centers, where you may be able to save some money. However, if you want a kitten from a breeder, you can expect to pay between $800 and $1200 for a kitten.
However, if you decide to buy your kitten from a famous reputable breeder, the price may be higher, between $1200 and $3000.
Russian Blue Breed Info
| Height | 9-11 inches |
| Weight | 7-12 pounds |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years |
| Temperament | affectionate, friendly, loyal |
| Intelligence | high |
| Coat Color | solid blue/gray |
| Coat Length | short |
| Shedding | minimal |
| Activity Level | low |
Appearance
Russian Blue cats have a stunning appearance. They have beautiful short, solid gray/blue coat colors accompanied with yellow or green eyes. According to the breed standard, this is the only possible coat color for this breed of cat.
When Russian Blue kittens are born, they have blue eyes, as do most other cat breeds. As they grow up, their eye color changes to yellow, and finally when they mature, their eyes are usually green in color.
Normally, these are medium-sized cats that may weigh somewhere between 7-12 pounds, and can reach the height of 9-11 inches.
The Russian Blue’s coat, besides its gorgeous color, is famous for its double coat that is extremely soft. Most importantly, these cats produce low levels of a protein called Fel d1 which causes symptoms in allergy sufferers.
So, even though there are no 100% hypoallergenic cats, the Russian Blue breed is often considered a hypoallergenic cat. Also, they experience minimal shedding, which means they produce fewer allergens than other cats.
Remember, even though they produce low levels of the protein Fel d1, that doesn’t mean that these cats cannot trigger allergy symptoms at all.
So, if you suffer from allergies, make sure you find a way to spend some time with a Russian Blue cat before getting one.
Personality
If you’re looking for a friendly, loyal cat, then a Russian Blue cat could be your perfect match. As well as their loyalty and friendliness, these cats are characterized by their sweetness, playfulness, confidence, and affection.
Once they click with their owner, it’s very hard to break that bond. When in a new environment, in the beginning they may be a little shy, but after they get used to it and become comfortable there, they make perfect pets.
Even though adult cats are usually calm and not very active, you can still enjoy playtime with your feline friend, as well as cuddling and petting. However, kittens and younger cats may be more active.
They adore interaction with their owner and other family members, and they enjoy playtime. So, if you ever cannot spare the time to play with them, then make sure you provide your feline with a lot of interesting toys that will keep them busy.
Even better, provide them with scratching posts and cat trees, so that they can enjoy the activities that cats adore the most.
Russian Blues are very friendly cats, which makes them perfect family pets. They’re good with small children and even with other pets.
The only thing is that they can become uncomfortable around unknown people or in the unknown environment, which is completely normal.
Some people may think that Russian Blue cats are aggressive. What do you think? Are Russian Blue cats aggressive?
Any aggression has nothing to do with the cat breed. Of course, every cat breed may have certain behavior issues if it’s not socialized and trained properly, especially from a young age.
Aggression in Russian Blue cats occurs mostly when they’re scared, uncomfortable or in pain. However, no matter what cat breed you choose, it’s highly important to train it from a young age in order to avoid unwanted behavior.
Russian Blues may be vocal sometimes, so don’t worry because they will soon inform you about everything that they want or need by meowing.
These cats are very smart, loyal, and friendly; if you choose this cat breed, be sure that you’ll have a great life companion.
Suggested: 300+ Russian Blue Cat Names You’ll Absolutely Adore
Health & Lifespan
In general, this particular breed of cat is very healthy, evident from their lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
However, every cat breed has certain health issues which are characteristic of the breed and the Russian Blue breed is no exception. Some of the health conditions that can develop in Russian Blue cats include:
• Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) – kidneys develop certain fluid spaces that prevent them from working properly.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – degenerative deterioration of the retina.
• Obesity – this is not usually a serious problem. However, if you don’t pay attention to it, it can become very serious, and may also lead to other problems.
Although Russian Blue cats are very healthy, they are prone to these health issues. This is another reason why it’s very important to find a reputable breeder when you are sourcing your Russian Blue kitten.
Every reputable breeder offers healthy, tested, vaccinated, and vet-checked kittens with all the relevant documents and a health guarantee.
Always put your cat’s health first, and take her to vet check-ups regularly in order to be sure that your cat is healthy, or if there’s a problem, that you can treat it on time.
Grooming & Nutrition
When it comes to grooming, Russian Blue cats don’t need any special treatment. They have short coats that are easy to maintain. They need to be brushed at least once a week in order to minimize the amount of shedding and keep their coats healthy and soft.
Russian Blues also require bathing every once in a while. This will help reduce loose hair and keep fur soft, clean, and healthy.
Don’t forget ear cleaning and nail care. Trimming your cat’s nails is very important. Even when you provide your cat with scratching posts, you still have to trim its nails regularly. On the contrary, scratching posts will only make the cat’s claws sharper.
Outdoor cats don’t have these problems because they naturally shorten their nails by running or jumping on different surfaces.
However, indoor cats don’t have that opportunity, so it’s very important to trim your cat’s nails often in order to prevent cat claw infection or other claw problems.
Russian Blue cats are very smart and they are fast learners. You likely won’t have issues while training them or teaching them how to do certain things such as using the litter box or similar. However, it is so important that you start training your Russian Blue kitten from a young age.
When it comes to nutrition, you should know that all cats are obligate carnivores. This means that your cat’s diet should be healthy and balanced, consisting mostly of meat and protein.
Make sure you give your feline top-quality cat food, and be careful with your pet’s food intake as the Russian Blue is prone to obesity. Make a feeding schedule, or consult with your vet about the best way to feed your Russian Blue cat.
It’s very important to remember that cats should drink only water, no matter if cats like milk or not!
Remember to provide your feline friend with plenty of fresh water and a clean water bowl all the time. It is best to place a few water bowls in a few different locations so your pets can have easy access to it.
The Average Russian Blue Cat Cost
As previously mentioned, the average Russian Blue cat price will depend on several different factors.
It depends on where you are getting a kitten from; are you buying your new pet from an adoption center, or from a reputable breeder? Furthermore, breeders are likely to charge different prices for different qualities.
In general, you can expect to pay between $500 and $800 for a pet-quality Russian Blue. Then, Russian Blue cats with normal family records will usually cost between $800 and $1100, and finally those with premium family records may cost between $1100 and $3000.
Bear in mind that the cost of your new pet doesn’t include just buying the cat. It also includes many other things, especially if you’re a first-time pet owner.You will also need all the necessary supplies such as food, vet visits, pet insurance, medications, toys, grooming equipment, and other possible additional costs.
To make it easier for you, read on to find out the approximate amount of money that you will need to spend on a Russian Blue cat in the first year, and how much upkeep will cost per month.
Getting A Russian Blue Cat
There are few options when it comes to finding your perfect Russian Blue cat. If you want to do a good thing, you can look for a Russian Blue kitten in rescue and adoption centers and provide a needy cat with a cozy home and a loving family.
However, if you want to be sure that you bought a purebred Russian Blue that is healthy, vaccinated, and vet-checked, then you will have to look for reputable breeders near you.
However, believe it or not, you can even get a Russian Blue kitten for free. Read on to find out how!
Adoption
Cost: $100 – $250+
If you’re lucky, you might find a purebred Russian Blue cat or kitten in an adoption or rescue center. However, sometimes they may not be purebred which is not ideal if you really want a Russian Blue with good bloodlines.
Cats you find in adoption or rescue centers are usually already spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and checked, so you can be confident that you are adopting a healthy cat.
If you choose adoption, not only will you save some money but you’ll also get a loyal (and grateful)furry companion. You can visit adoption centers local to you or you can check on popular pet adoption sites.
The most popular websites include the following:
• Petfinder – this is a site that connects you with almost every animal shelter or rescue center in the United States. This makes it so much easier to find the cat breed that you’re looking for, and most importantly, you’re doing a good thing by adopting a pet.
They have new pets arriving all the time, so perhaps you can find a Russian Blue for yourself there.
• AdoptaPet – this is probably the largest site that helps different rescue centers and animal shelters all around the United States.
They help over 20,000 rescues and centers to secure the perfect loving homes for their animals. When adopting, you may come across a lot of mixed breeds, but it’s not uncommon to find a purebred cat or even kittens.
Breeders
Cost: $500 – $1500+
If you really want a perfectly healthy purebred Russian Blue kitten, then you need to look for reputable Russian Blue breeders in your state or nearby.
If you cannot find Russian Blue kittens or breeders in your locality, don’t be afraid to look for them in other states. Many breeders offer shipping of the kitten or a pet nanny service that delivers the kitten to the nearest airport.
It pays to be careful when looking for breeders. Ask them all the necessary information about the kitten, including their current health as well as the health guarantee offered. It is important to ask about the breeding cats, and if you can see them.
If you notice anything that is outside the breed standard (such as white or tabby markings), you can be sure that the kitten or cat is not a purebred Russian Blue.
This breed of cat isn’t very rare. On the contrary, it’s very popular, so it shouldn’t be a problem to find a kitten as there are many reputable Russian Blue cat breeders.
To help you, here are some of the best Russian Blue cat breeders:
• Exclusive Blues – this cattery provides you with the most beautiful and the healthiest Russian Blue kittens with a European bloodline. They’re located in North Carolina. All of their kittens cost $3000, however that price includes spaying/neutering, vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, TICA registration and many other things before the kitten’s departure for its new home.
• Royal Blues Cattery – this is a TICA registered, small home cattery in Ohio, that produces special Russian Blue kittens. The price for a kitten is $2950, and all of their kittens are spayed/neutered, microchipped, tested, checked, vaccinated, and come with a health warranty.
• Righteous Russian Blues – this is also a small closed cattery that produces perfectly healthy Russian Blue babies with the European bloodline. They’re located in North Carolina. Their kittens cost $2950 which includes all the important things such as vaccinations, spaying/neutering, microchipping, deworming, etc.
There are a lot of Russian Blue cat breeders all over the United States, so these are just some of the places where you can find your future friend.
Before you make a decision, make sure you check the breeders, their websites, feedback from previous clients, and most importantly, feel free to contact them and ask them about anything you are interested in finding out.
Free Russian Blue Kittens
You may also see ads for free Russian Blue kittens. Of course, it’s usually too good to be true, so don’t get too excited. Usually, this refers to kittens from accidental litters, and now the owners are giving them away for free.
Although it sounds great, you should be careful because these kittens are usually not purebred cats and may have health complications.
For peace of mind, it’s better to look for a reputable breeder and buy a purebred Russian Blue kitten.
First-Year Expenses
The first year of owning a cat may be the toughest as far as expenses are concerned, especially for a first-time cat parent.
Many people think that when you buy a kitten, that’s it, you just have to enjoy it. However, that’s not entirely true; there are many additional costs, including food, vet visits, toys, and other equipment.
Check out this list of the first year expenses, and find out what awaits you in your cat’s first year.
• Spaying/Neutering – this surgical procedure refers to the removal of a cat’s reproductive organs, making it unable to breed. The surgery isn’t very complicated and it’s highly recommended to prevent unwanted kittens. The average price for this procedure is $100 – $200. Fortunately, most reputable breeders spay/neuter their kittens before they leave for their new homes.
• Vaccinations – kittens should be vaccinated so that they are protected from diseases, as they’re the most vulnerable at a young age. They receive certain vaccinations in the catteries and then others are required later. The average price you’ll pay for vaccinations is $60- $100.
• Vet check-ups – although your kitten was regularly vet-checked while in the cattery, you should continue with regular check-ups, because kittens less than a year old are prone to various health issues. When their immune system is still developing, they are very vulnerable. Regular vet visits are very important and you should expect to spend between $200 and $400 on this.
• Food, litter, and other supplies – make sure you feed your cat top-quality cat food. You’ll have to buy new food and water bowls, cat beds, grooming equipment, litter box and litter. Also, don’t forget about cat toys, scratching posts, and cat trees that will keep your kitten busy. When you calculate all of that, you can expect to spend around $950 and $1800 on these things.
• Pet insurance – pet insurance is very important and can come in very useful, especially if your kitten develops any serious health issues. The price of pet insurance depends on the type of cover you want, but you can expect to pay $250 – $500 on pet insurance per year.
Summary Of First-Year Expenses
| Russian Blue Kitten | $1000 - $2500+ |
| Spaying/Neutering | $100 - $200 |
| Vaccinations | $60 - $100 |
| Vet check-ups | $200 - $400+ |
| Food | $500 - $1200+ |
| Litter | $250 - $350+ |
| Other supplies | $200 - $300+ |
| Pet insurance | $250 - $500 |
| Total cost | $2560 - $5550+ |
|---|
Russian Blue Cat Costs Per Month
Cost: $30 – $250+
After you get your cat and buy all the necessary supplies, you can start tracking your monthly expenses. These expenses will vary according to your choices; how much you want to spend on the cat, what brands you like, and similar.
Monthly expenditure also depends on any health conditions the cat may have, her vet visits and any prescribed medications.
However, when you calculate your monthly expenses, don’t forget about any sudden or unexpected additional costs such as emergencies.
So, read on to get a better idea of the Russian Blue cat price range per month, and see what you need to factor into your costs.
Food
Cost: $20 – $75
When choosing the best food for your blue feline friend, you have plenty of choices. The best thing is to read reviews and decide on the best quality food for your Russian Blue, or consult with the vet about your feline’s diet.
Just make sure that the food is based on real meat and that it is rich in protein. The price of top-quality cat food may vary too, so you can choose between different prices. However, make sure you buy the food that suits your cat the most.
Health
Cost: $15 – $200+
Health care includes vaccinations and vet visits, treatment for fleas and other parasites, dental care, and medications when necessary.
Russian Blues are usually healthy cats and they don’t require a lot of special treatment. It’s enough to take your feline to the vet regularly.
However, you should always be prepared for sudden emergencies, such as poisoning, injuries and similar, where you must take your cat to the vet, as events like this can incur additional costs.
Luckily, there’s pet insurance which is a very good idea for any pet owner. By paying pet insurance for your feline, you don’t have to worry about unexpected medical costs.
Grooming
Cost: $0 – $15
When it comes to the Russian Blue cat, you won’t have to spend a lot of money on grooming. Russian Blues have a beautiful short coat, consisting of a double coat, that doesn’t shed a lot and therefore doesn’t require much attention.
It’s best to buy one quality brush, and brush your feline at least once a week. Don’t forget about baths, even though they don’t need to be frequent.
Essentially, invest in a good nail clipper, and make sure that you trim your cat’s nail often, to keep your feline’s claws perfectly clean and healthy.
Pet Insurance
Cost: $5 – $25+
As previously mentioned, pet insurance can be a great thing, especially when it comes to emergencies which can be stressful situations without the added stress of financial worries.
It pays to compare a few different types of insurance from different providers and see what suits you the best. If you take out pet insurance for your feline friend, you will spare yourself from sudden and unexpected costs in case of emergencies.
Environmental Supplies
Cost: $15 – $100+
Environmental supplies may be one of the largest expenses after the cat food supplies. It’s very important to buy a litter supply for your cat every month. Make sure you change your cat’s litter often and provide them with fresh litter and a clean litter box.
The price of litter will vary depending on the brand and the type of litter you choose. However, it’s better to invest in a more expensive litter that will last longer and prevent odors.
You can also check for alternative cat litters as they may have more advantages than traditional clay litter.
Toys And Entertainment
Cost: $0 – $50+
Toys are not highly necessary every month, especially because the Russian Blue isn’t the most active cat. However, toys are important to keep your cat entertained. Russian Blue cats are highly intelligent, and they need something that will keep them busy.
If you don’t have enough time to play with them, then provide them with different toys and cat trees, that will keep them occupied. You should also provide your feline with a new scratching post every once in a while in order to prevent your cat scratching the walls and furniture.
Additional Costs
Monthly costs may vary from owner to owner. It depends on your lifestyle, the brands you use, your cat’s health condition, possible emergencies, etc.
As far as annual costs are concerned, as your cat grows up you can expect to spend way less than you did in the first year of owning a cat, somewhere between $850 and $1650. However, that still depends on the owner.
As previously mentioned, you should be prepared for e sudden additional costs, and always keep them in mind.
Some of these additional costs may include:
• Pet nanny service – if you’re going on a vacation and your cat’s not going with you, you can’t just leave her alone. If you don’t have any family or friends that can take care of the cat for a few days, then you should look for a pet nanny service that will cost you between $30 and $50 per day.
• Emergency treatments – if you don’t have pet insurance, then you should be prepared for unexpected costs. If your cat gets injured, you can expect to pay a lot of money, depending on the type of injury and treatment required.
• Household damages – your cat may damage your furniture or other things around the house and it may cost you a lot of money to repair or replace them. That’s why it’s important to train your cat properly and provide her with scratching posts and other interesting toys that will redirect her attention from the furniture.
• Behavioral training – if you don’t know how to train your furry companion properly, and you cannot control its behavior, then the best thing to do is to invest in behavioral training.
Money-Saving Tips For Russian Blue Owners
It’s important to know that owning a Russian Blue cat is very expensive. However, don’t worry because now we are going to look at some useful money-saving tips. So, read on to find out!
• Pet insurance – the best way you can save money is to invest in pet insurance. Without it, you always have to be prepared for emergencies and unexpected bills. However, with pet insurance you can rest assured that you won’t have unexpected vets bills..
• Get supplies in bulk – buying supplies in bulk can save you a few dollars because many pet stores give a discount on bulk orders.
• Don’t go to pet salons – Russian Blue cats are very easy to maintain, and there’s no need to take them to the groomer. You can brush and bathe them at home, and it’s not hard to learn how to trim their nails.
• DIY pet toys – nowadays, you can find a lot of instructions for DIY pet toys that are easy to make, and save some money on real toys. Moreover, Russian Blues aren’t very active cats so they don’t need a lot of toys.
FAQ
Are Russian Blue Cats Rare?
No, Russian Blue cats aren’t very rare. However, they are in demand, so you should be very careful when you are trying to buy a purebred Russian Blue kitten.
Are Russian Blue Cats Aggressive?
Russian Blue cats aren’t necessarily aggressive. They’re rather calm, friendly, and affectionate cats. However, just like with every other cat breed, you should start socializing and training them from a young age.
Sometimes, they may show signs of aggression but this usually only happens if they’re not trained properly, when they’re scared, or in pain.
Are Russian Blue Cats Friendly With Other Cats?
Russian Blue cats are very easy-going animals. They are very friendly and they can be friendly with other cats and even other pets. It’s normal for them to need some time to get used to new roommates, but eventually they will accept them.
Are Russian Blue Cats Good Family Pets?
Russian Blue cats are excellent family pets. They’re sweet, friendly, playful, and affectionate and this makes them perfect with other pets and children.
While they can be good with every member of the family, Russian Blues tend to form a special bond with one person in the family. They may be uncomfortable around strangers.
Why Are Russian Blue Cats So Expensive?
There are many reasons why Russian Blue cats are so expensive. This is one of the most popular cat breeds; their sweet personalities and stunning appearance mean most cat lovers would like to have one.
Also, they’re expensive because they come with pedigree and they have a coat that is nearly hypoallergenic which is great for those who suffer from allergies.
Final Thoughts
It’s not a surprise that the Russian Blue cat breed is one of the most popular in the world. They have an easy-going personality and gorgeous appearance thanks to their short coats in solid blue/gray color and their stunning yellow or green eyes.
As their coat is nearly hypoallergenic, they are a great choice for allergen-sensitive owners. They have a lifespan of 15 to 20 year, which means that they’re very healthy cats. So yes, they can be very expensive, and you should be careful when buying one and always look for a reputable breeder.
Moreover, you should be prepared for the responsibility of a new companion, as the expenses don’t end after buying a kitten. On the contrary, they continue to grow!
You should be aware that you need to buy all the necessary equipment for your cat, especially if you’re the first-time cat owner. Moreover, you need to pay attention to food supplies, health care, environmental supplies, grooming, pet insurance, and similar things.
Luckily, this article provides you with some money-saving tips that should be helpful to every Russian Blue cat owner so that they can have a purrfect life with their furry friend.
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