Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 13 and 20 years. A balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, regular activity and annual veterinary follow-up help preserve its quality of life, with more frequent check-ups in older cats.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its constitution is generally robust and its dense undercoat provides it with good protection. The absence of any reported specific predisposition does not exempt it from standard preventive monitoring or from particular attention to its weight.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Vigilance mainly concerns weight gain, oral and dental health, parasites and common feline diseases. Any decrease in appetite, weight variation, change in behavior or difficulty urinating warrants prompt veterinary advice.
Overweight: An overly generous ration or insufficient activity can promote weight gain; monitoring body condition and portions is important.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its double, dense coat provides good protection against cold and bad weather. Nevertheless, it prefers the comfort and safety of a calm indoor environment. In hot periods, it must have access to cool, shaded and well-ventilated areas as well as water at will.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The Russian Blue being able to be prone to overweight, its ration must be measured and adjusted to its age, its weight, its activity level and its body condition. Daily play sessions and regular weigh-ins help to prevent a gradual weight gain.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Regularly monitor weight and body condition.
- Keep vaccines and antiparasitic treatments adapted to the lifestyle up to date.
- Brush the coat every week and every day during shedding.
- Inspect the ears and maintain the claws regularly.
Vaccination
Russian Blue vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Russian Blue need? Like all cats, Russian Blues should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. Kittens receive their initial Russian Blue vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if they live indoors. Depending on their lifestyle (outdoor access, living with other cats, shows, travel), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Depending on lifestyle Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisDepending on lifestyle Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Russian Blue booster shots are given annually for feline herpesvirus and feline leukemia if your cat goes outdoors. For feline panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your cat's lifestyle.
Which boosters does your Russian Blue need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Russian Blue
An annual veterinary examination is recommended, more frequent in seniors. Monitoring includes in particular weight and body condition, teeth, heart, kidneys, skin and ears, as well as adapting the vaccination and antiparasitic program to the lifestyle.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
