On the History of the Breed

Its origin, clouded in legends, is mysterious, like the Russian soul. Russian tsars and tsarinas loved these cats very much. Peter the Great’s cat, named Vaska, is even mentioned in historical documents. Peter’s daughter, Elizabeth, personally took care of these cats.

Catherine the Great presented Russian Blue cats to ambassadors as gifts to their rulers. Other representatives of this breed came to Europe on merchant ships that brought goods from Arkhangelsk.

No matter where fate brought them, they were considered native. The Maltese called them Maltese. The Spaniards called them "Blue Spanish"; the French, "Blue Chartres". But their origin is undoubtedly Slavic.

From Arkhangelsk itself, in 1893, the English factory owner, Karen Cox brought Lingpop and Yula, with whom began the selection and breeding of Russian Blues, which are now highly valued throughout the world.

Russian Blues are currently bred in Czechoslovakia, Sweden, Denmark, and Holland. In France and Germany, they are still rare. In Italy, there is only one breeder. And in England and the USA, Russian Blues enjoy great popularity. In Russia also, the breed has begun to attract greater attention.