Have you ever encountered a beautiful blue cat but did not recognize the breed? Although small, there is a possibility that the cat is a Russian blue cat breed. Here are ways that can be used to identify a Russian blue cat.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Recognizing the Characteristics of a Russian Blue Cat
Step 1. Learn about this breed of cat
The Russian blue cat is a purebred or pedigre breed of cat. The origin of the breed is unknown, but it is thought that this cat came from the Archangel Islands in Northern Russia. The climate there is harsh in winter, which may be the reason the Russian blue cat developed its thick, fluffy coat as an insulator.
These Peranakans began to spread to other parts of the world in the second half of the 19th century, and reached the United States (USA) in the early 20th century
Step 2. Observe the size of the body
The Russian blue cat has a shoulder height of 25.4 cm. The average weight is 5.44 kg. However, please note that these cats can have different heights and weights depending on their living habits, diet and activities.
Russian blue cats have an average life expectancy of 10-15 years
Step 3. Get to know his general appearance
The Russian blue cat has a sleek, long and elegant appearance. This cat has a long, flexible neck that can be stretched, but because of its thick fur, it can appear short.
His body was slender with good bones and slender but stocky muscles
Step 4. Observe the eye color
The Russian blue cat has striking green eyes. At four months of age, this feature begins to appear as a green ring around the outer circle of the iris, the part of the eye that gives it its color. All Russian blue cats are born with blue eyes, but their eyes will turn green with age.
Step 5. Observe the shape of the head
The Russian blue cat has a triangular face and is often described as resembling a cobra with seven surfaces. In comparison, cats generally have a more rounded head and an apple-like skull. These traits make the Russian blue cat significantly different from other breeds.
Step 6. Check the color of the fur, nose and treads
The most unique and striking feature of the Russian blue cat is its silvery gray fur. Usually, the color is also described as blue. His body is thick, thick, and double-layered.
- If you examine the strands of fur one by one, you will find the base is grayish with a gray or silvery tip.
- The muzzle of the Russian blue cat is black and the tread is purple.
Step 7. Observe his behavior
Russian blue cats tend to be shy in front of strangers, but are very affectionate once they recognize their owners. This cat is gentle and loves to play, very suitable for beginner cat owners. One of its unique features is that the Russian blue cat likes to play catch and throw – a trait not usually found in cats but often found in dogs.
- The Russian blue cat is known to have a quiet voice, in contrast to other breeds of cats that have an oriental look and oval face like the Siamese or Havanese cats which tend to be loud and squeaky.
- The Russian blue cat likes to silently observe things around him. Like most breeds, this cat likes quiet and will go to a quieter place when noise - such as the sound of a vacuum cleaner - is nearby.
Step 8. Check the pedigre files
Unless there are pedigree files to prove it, a cat cannot be recognized as a particular breed. You can't claim that a beautiful blue cat is a Russian blue cat if you don't have documents that prove it. In the absence of a file, a cat is usually referred to as a short-haired domestic cat-the official term for a non-breeding cat.
This doesn't mean a cat doesn't deserve a nice home. However, you obviously won't be able to claim it as a Russian blue cat before the breeders or cat performance judges
Step 9. Consider the cost
The Russian blue cat is a rare breed and is often sold for very high prices. In Europe, the cost of reserving one from a good cat shop could be as high as 1000€ in 2012. The average price of a Russian blue kitten in the US is $400-$600. Most of the “Russian blue cats” found in shelters are really just domestic short-haired cats because it is unlikely that the expensive Russian blue cat will be abandoned.
- Breeders will usually have strict standards and will often refuse to sell Russian blue cats to families who cannot commit to the cat.
- All quality Russian blue cats are sold in neutered conditions to prevent them from reproducing and the market is flooded with Russian blue kittens – something that could reduce the exclusivity of this breed.
Method 2 of 2: Performing a DNA Test
Step 1. Consider a DNA Test
If you are unsure about your cat's breed and no files are available, try a DNA test. All animals have DNA-specific genetic code that defines the type of offspring. DNA can be likened to fingerprints which will show the genetic origin of an animal breed. This test, carried out using the same technology that law enforcement officials have, is now available for application to pets.
This test will look for genetic traits that can indicate the breed from the mother of an animal. Good DNA testing sites will compare their data with those of the International Society of Animal Genetics to get the most accurate results
Step 2. Choose the test site well
One of the things that can indicate that a DNA testing site is of high quality is if it is staffed by veterinarians. Usually, good testing sites also offer genetic testing to check for health conditions and inherited diseases. Often, these sites also carry out ancestry testing to a high standard of quality.
DNA testing kits can also be purchased online. However, first, check with the seller before buying. Make sure you are not wasting your money and that the results obtained will be accurate
Step 3. Take samples for testing
The sampling method from your cat is very simple. In the genetic test kit box, there are two cotton swabs. Insert a pin into the cat's mouth until the cotton swab touches the inside of the cheek, then twist it and rub it over the surface for five seconds. Remove the pin from the cat's mouth and air dry for fifteen seconds. After that, put it in the box. Repeat with a second cotton swab on the other side of the mouth.
- Make sure your cat is not eating or drinking at least fifteen minutes before sampling to ensure accuracy.
- Send the box containing the sample to the laboratory. Once the lab receives it, you'll usually get the test results within four or five days by mail or email.
