Russia is a large country with extraordinarily unique and beautiful cat breeds. The fact that Russian cats are expensive cat breeds might have already hinted to you that they are on a different level.
These cats have developed and adapted themselves to the harsh weather of Russia. If you are fond of Russian cats for whatever reason, here are the top 10 adorable native Russian cat breeds you must know about.
1. Russian Blue
Russian Blue cats are breathtaking with their shimmering blue-gray coat and captivating emerald eyes. Their gentle and reserved nature makes them ideal pets.
These fluffy cats can be expensive due to their rarity, meticulous breeding, health screenings, and high demand. With a rich history tracing back to Russia, they were treasured as royal companions, further enhancing their allure.
2. Siberian Cat
Siberian Cats are stunning Russian cat breeds having luxurious semi-longhair fur and expressive colorful eyes. Their robust and playful nature makes them wonderful pets.
They have a deep-rooted history in Russia and were cherished for their hardy nature in the Siberian wilderness. Their combination of beauty and affable personality continues to make them a prized and beloved choice for cat lovers worldwide.
3. Peterbald
The Peterbald cat is a Russian cat that was developed in St. Petersburg in the mid-1990s through selective breeding of Oriental Shorthairs and Donskoy. Peterbald has an extremely affectionate and sociable nature. This breed craves human attention and loves to be a part of family activities.
Its beauty lies in its slender and muscular body. They are among the cats with green eyes. The Peterbald can have various coat types, including hairless, brushed, velour, and straight.
4. Donskoy
Donskoy is a Russian hairless cat often referred by the name Don Sphynx. Unlike some other hairless breeds that were selectively bred for their hairlessness, the Donskoy's trait appeared spontaneously.
The breed originated in the city of Rostov-on-Don, which is where the name "Donskoy" comes from. Its a relatively new breed that was developed in the late 1980s.
5. Ural Rex
Ural Rex is a rare cat breed more commonly found in its region of origin, the Ural Mountains in Russia, but its presence outside of Russia is limited. They have a distinctive curly coat, similar to the well-known Cornish Rex and Devon Rex breeds.
The breed is relatively new and is still developing its recognition and popularity outside of Russia. They make wonderful companions for cat lovers who appreciate their unique appearance and affectionate disposition.
6. Karelian Bobtail
Karelian Bobtail are medium-sized Russian cats with distinctive bobbed tails. The breed has its origins in the Karelia region of Russia near the border with Finland. They are naturally occurring cats with bobbed tails that later developed into a recognized breed.
Karelian Bobtail cats were highly revered in the past. In the folklore and local legends, they were often believed to bring good luck and protect households from evil spirits. Some also say that the bobbed tail of these cats was associated with fertility and prosperity.
7. Moscow Semi-Longhairs
Moscow Semi-Longhairs have a history dating back to the 1980s when they were selectively bred in Moscow. They were created by crossing native Russian shorthair cats with Siberian cats to produce a semi-longhair breed.
They look similar to Siberian Forest Cats but Moscow cats have more slender and graceful appearance. Siberian cats are larger and more robust while Moscow cats tend to have a more delicate and medium-sized build with a softer and somewhat less dense coat.
8. Neva Masquerade
Neva Masquerade is a colorpoint variety of the Siberian cat breed and is named after the Neva River in Russia. These white cats have blue almond-shaped eyes and point coloration on their ears, face, paws, and tail.
The breed was fully recognised in January 2011 and apart from having a different coat pattern and blue eyes, many other features of Neva Masquerade is the same as the Siberian.
9. Toybob
Toybob is one of the smallest domestic cat breeds which typically weighs between 2 to 6 pounds. This Russian cat breed is believed to have been naturally occurring for centuries. It was developed into a recognized breed in the late 20th century.
Their adorability is undeniable because of their diminutive size, round face, and often tailless appearance. Moreover, they have a friendly and affectionate nature making them irresistibly cute.
10. Ussuri
Ussuri cat is a term used to describe a naturally occurring feline hybrid found in the Ussuri. Ussuri is in the north of the Amur River region of Russia. It typically refers to a crossbreed between domestic cats and the small wild Amur leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilura).
Ussuris can exhibit a range of physical characteristics and behaviors influenced by both domestic and wild cat genetics. While they are not a recognized breed, Ussuri cats are of interest to researchers and enthusiasts for their unique blend of domestic and wild traits.
Petjurni Team
