Cat Channel / Cat Chat / Cats and Kittens / What breed am I? / Latest Posts

RE: What breed am I?

vettechgirl — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:03:38 GMT

Russian Blues are called such because of their steely gray colored fur and teal colored eyes.

If your cat's eyes are more yellow than greenish teal, there is the possibility that he is a mix, however, he could be a Russian Blue that is not very good stock and that is why he ended up in the shelter. It's really hard to tell without actually having your hands on the animal. Some of these cats, like persians, Blues, Manxs and Japanese Bobtails are very difficult to tell if they are the real deal without feeling the contour of their body and watching the way they walk and behave, which are characteristics of breeds.

Regardless, as long as you love your kitty, that's all that matters!

RE: What breed am I?

jenc55555 — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:42:15 GMT

Well I do appreciate everyone's help. I will start researching foods and see which one he likes the best.

RE: What breed am I?

Ocimom — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:46:43 GMT

I don't see any Burmese in him - at least American type of Burmese He's more Russian Blue then Burmese.

RE: What breed am I?

jenc55555 — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:39:07 GMT

Thank you, What makes you think Burmese?

RE: What breed am I?

slegned — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 06:43:44 GMT

Can't help wondering if he has some Burmese in his makeup.

RE: What breed am I?

slegned — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 06:41:47 GMT

I think he is a very handsome cat.

RE: What breed am I?

Ocimom — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 04:57:34 GMT

I stay away from almost all fish. I think its also bad if your cat is prone to UTI's too. They get a small bite of fish we broil, or a little tuna juice from the can, but I don't feed them any cat food that is fish based. Never have. Cats can get hooked on tuna and not eat anything else.

RE: What breed am I?

Maria3 — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:07:54 GMT

My cats don't like salmon but they love tuna. Perhaps you should try another kind of fish. They usually love tuna or mackerel.

RE: What breed am I?

Ocimom — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:05:21 GMT

Personally i think FF is junk food - like 9Lives or Meow Mix. Many cats get addicted to it; thankfully mine don't even want to touch the stuff....lol

But I'd look into Max Cat, Natural Balance, Nature's Choice, for better canned foods. My guys really like the Venison and Green Pea and the Duck and Green Pea. They mainly get chicken based or lamb based. They don't like fish flavors - tried to get them to eat Salmon and they don't touch it.

RE: What breed am I?

cats_dolls — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:09:53 GMT

Ocimom - I'm feeding a two-year-old mixed breed cat, a 16-month-old Ragdoll, and a 16-month Scottish Fold. They get Royal Canin dry food, it's always available for them but I do measure it out and watch their weight. And twice a day, partly as a treat and partly because I have heard conflicting reports that dry food is better/wet food is better, they share a can of Fancy Feast. All three kitties are indoor-only, fairly to very active, and in good health. No one's overweight, underweight, or has any health issues.

I'm confident enough of the RC food, but what about the Fancy Feast? Is it OK, especially since it's used more as a supplement, or is there a better wet food I should be feeding them? Again, I'm not seeing any problems, but these kitties are my babies and I want to be sure they're getting the good nutrition they need and deserve.

RE: What breed am I?

Ocimom — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:55:42 GMT

Young Russian Blues (as kittens) have ringed tails. Basically ALL cats are some form of a tabby and the lighter colors such as blue and cream will show the stripes more then black. Reds and creams will almost always have some tabby markings.

For quality foods, try Royal Canin, Natural Balance, Max Cat. And maybe he would eat the moister pouch foods if he doesn't like canned. Canned is actually better for them. Many cats live a long time on dry only, so if he will not eat canned, then get the best dry food you can afford

RE: What breed am I?

Maria3 — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:15:44 GMT

I can't help you with the food because I don´t know what you have there. But the money you save with cheap food you usually pay later in health.

It's a very good idea changing for a better one.

Usually the best ones aren't as palatable to the cats as the worst ones (because of some additives). A good trick is mixing the new food with the old food and putting less proportion of the old food little by little. In the end they usually accept the new food.

That's also necessary because cats can vomit when they eat something they aren't used to

You should try some different kinds until you find one he likes. So in the beginning buy the smaller pack

Perhaps your vet can help you selecting a good one.

RE: What breed am I?

jenc55555 — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:56:22 GMT

Thanks for your help...I was feeding him cheaper food and am trying to find a better quality to feed him. I also tried wet food but he is not having it. Any suggestions?

On my cat I do notice a very faint ring on his tail, RB's don't have any rings do they? I haven't noticed it in a while.

RE: What breed am I?

Ocimom — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:55:55 GMT

Bascially in a litter you have pet quality and show quality kittens. Some breeders will also divide into another catagory (breeding) but that' not the normal. Pet quality only means the kitten doesn't quite meet the written standard for showing. The ears may be too small or too big, the color or stripes might not be quite as good. In the case with Birmans, the white on the feet have to be marked in a certain way - if not, the cat is not show quality.

Doesn't mean the kitten/cat is a bad one, just that its not up to show quality. For those not interested in showing cats, pets have their place - you have a quality cat but not as expensive

As far as coat; what are you feeding now? Some foods will affect the coat (dry it out, etc.). If feeding a high quality food, the cat may have other problems or he may just be in the shedding stage for a few weeks. Personally I use a comb to get to the skin on a long or short hair cat - never a brush.

RE: What breed am I?

jenc55555 — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 07:31:38 GMT

Ocimom - You said you bred RB's. There is a difference between pet quality and regular RB's? I will check the denseness of his fur. He's a sweet cat and of course I love him just the same whether he is a RB or a mix, just curious. He is over 2 years old, so I'm sure his eyes will stay how they are now. However, his eyes do change between being more yellow to more green day by day. They are the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen.

I know all cats shed, but his seems to be bad. I have been trying to brush him daily to help. Are there any other things I can do?

RE: What breed am I?

Kenogirl — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:11:58 GMT

This is lengthy, but it's interesting, it gives some history of the Russian Blue:

Little is known about the origin of the Russian Blue, however, stories and legends abound. Many believe the Russian Blue is a natural breed originating from the Archangel Isles in northern Russia. Legend has these beautiful animals trapped for their plush double coats which are sometimes compared to the coat of a beaver or seal. Originally known as the Archangel Cat or Foreign Blue, it is believed that they were brought by sailors from the Archangel Isles to England and Northern Europe in the 1860s. Rumor also has the Russian Blue as a descendant of the Royal Cat of the Russian Czars and as a favored pet of Queen Victoria.

First shown in 1875 at the Crystal Palace in England as the Archangel Cat, the original Russian Blue competed in a class for all blue cats. It was not until 1912 that the Russian Blue was given a class of its own. From its early origins until after World War II, English and Scandinavian breeders worked to develop the foundation bloodlines for the contemporary Russian Blue. Although Russians were imported to the United States as early as 1900, there is little recorded work with the breed in America until after World War II. American breeders combined the English bloodlines with their plush, silvery coats and Scandinavian bloodlines with their emerald green eyes and flat profiles to produce the Russian Blue we know today. In the 1960s the Russian Blue began to gain popularity and has become a favorite both at cat shows and at home.

The Russian Blue is a gentle, affectionate cat easily distinguished from other breeds. One of the most outstanding features of the Russian Blue is a short, dense coat of an even, bright blue color with each hair dipped in silver. This silver tipping gives the Russian a silvery sheen and lustrous appearance that can best be appreciated in natural light. Russian Blues come in only one color, blue, and one coat length, short.The density of the coat causes it to stand out from the body and allows patterns to be traced in the coat which remain until you smooth them away. In lovely contrast to the blue coat, the Russian Blue has large, rounded, wide-set eyes that are a vivid green. The head is sometimes described as cobra-like which aptly describes the broad, medium wedge and flat profiles. The large, pointed ears are wide at the base and set rakishly toward the side of the head. The body of the Russian Blue is fine-boned, long, and firmly muscled. The clean lines and graceful carriage of the Russian Blue give it a regal appearance all its own.

Those attracted by the physical beauty of the Russian Blue find the disposition of these unassuming cats equally appealing. Russian Blues are quiet, clean cats who are playful and loving companions. Despite their shy nature, Russians are devoted and quite affectionate towards their loved ones. They are very intelligent and have been reported to open doors and teach their owners to fetch. Sensitive to the mood of the house, Russians will ‘clown' to quiet a crying baby or sit patting your face to chase away the blues. They get along well with children and other pets.

A Russian Blue is a good choice for the modern home because their undemanding nature fits perfectly into today's busy schedules. They will entertain themselves if left alone for the day and be a contented companion upon your return. The Russian requires a minimum of grooming with periodic nail clipping and a coat that can be kept looking good by frequent petting and an occasional combing. Many Russians seem to enjoy being combed or brushed as it allows them additional time with their owners.

While the Russian Blue may at first glance look like any other grey cat, a more careful look will show them to have a special appearance that is all their own. They have been said to look as if they are smiling and that the reason for that smile is known only to themselves. But beyond appearances, the real pleasure of the Russian Blue is its unique personality which sets it apart from other cats and makes it an interesting, entertaining and affectionate companion to its owners and friends.

RE: What breed am I?

Ocimom — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:45:07 GMT

I bred RB's and I think he looks a lot like a pet quality RB - pet quality would probably have a little yellow in the eyes. The eye color does take time and if under a year old, he may get greener.

If the coat has silver tipping in it, rather then a solid color, then RB is there. Also their fur is dense and you can actually draw lines in the coat and it stays that way.

BTW ANY cat that has fur will shed; some shed less but whoever told you that RB's don't shed was wrong. I also bred and showed Cornish Rexes (with the very short curly coat) and they do shed a tiny bit during shedding season

RE: What breed am I?

renosteinke — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:45:01 GMT

Folks at animal shelters are often rather inspired as to cat breed identification. While the Russian Blue is certainly a gray cat, it is one of the largest of cats. Other gray cats include the British Blue and the Chartreaux.

Indeed, Cat fancy recently ran a picture of an all gray - no discernible points or markings - Siamese.

This caught my interest, because one of my cats (Greycloud) looks quite a bit like yours, and has something of the build of a Siamese. Except for a little white bib, he's an even gray all over.

RE: What breed am I?

SuperCat — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:41:26 GMT

The vast majority of cats are random-bred (often referred to as domestic) cats belonging to no particular breed whatsoever. This does not make it a lesser cat, but that it simply is not a member of a defined breed. We can see characteristics from different breeds in random-bred cats and we all have a tendency to want to group things such as our cats into a breed group.

I looked up the Russian Blue and they have a very distinct appearance and several unique identifiers. The easier identifiers are:

. One coat length - short

· Green eyes (not yellow, blue, or orange but a dark bottle green)

· One color - blue. Solid blue all over with just the tips of the guard hairs being silver and producing a shimmering effect. Domestic blue cats will lack this tipping and be a flat blue. There are no white or other color markings whatsoever, except for the occasional white locket on the throat (considered a disqualifiable fault)

· A thick double coat. The first coat consists of the longer guard hairs. The second is the undercoat, which is very soft and gives the Russian Blue coat its unique feel. Looked at closely, these fine hairs appear wavy

· Mauve footpads*. Most domestic blue cats have slate gray pads

*wow Mauve footpads - I've never seen that!

Russian are one of the oldest cat breeds produced by Mother Nature. I really like to see/hear this! Too many breeders nowadays "designing" cats and causing great health problems!

I love all cats and wish I could have one of each!

Here are two pictures of Russian Blue Champions that I found:

What breed am I?

jenc55555 — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:05:41 GMT

Hello everyone,

I adopted my cat from a rescue who told me he was a Russian Blue...I was wondering if anyone could tell me if he is, or if he is possibly mixed? He has yellowish green eyes, medium length hair, and is very vocal. He is shedding pretty bad and my research has said that Russian Blue's don't shed bad. Here are some pictures of him.