How to distinguish a Russian Blue from a common cat? - briefly
To distinguish a Russian Blue from a common cat, look for its distinctive features: a dense, blue-gray coat and bright green eyes. Additionally, Russian Blues often have a muscular build and a slightly rounded head.
How to distinguish a Russian Blue from a common cat? - in detail
The Russian Blue is a distinct and elegant breed of cat, known for its unique features that set it apart from common domestic cats. To accurately distinguish a Russian Blue from a typical domestic cat, one should consider several key characteristics:
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Coat Color and Texture: The most notable feature of the Russian Blue is its short, dense coat with a rich blue-gray color. This color is unique to the breed and results from the presence of a specific gene that affects melanin production. In contrast, common domestic cats can have a wide variety of colors and patterns, including tabby, calico, and tortoiseshell. The texture of the Russian Blue's coat is also distinctive—it feels plush and velvety to the touch, unlike the typical short-haired cat's coat.
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Eye Color: Russian Blues are known for their vivid green eyes, which are often described as emerald or greenish-yellow. This eye color is a result of the same genetic factor that affects the coat color. Common domestic cats can have a variety of eye colors, including blue, yellow, green, and heterochromia (two different colored eyes).
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Body Type: The Russian Blue has a medium to large build with a muscular body type. They are known for their athletic and agile physique, often described as "foreign" in conformation. Their legs are of medium length, and they have a long, tapering tail. In comparison, common domestic cats can vary greatly in size and shape, from petite to robust, with different leg lengths and tail proportions.
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Head Shape: The Russian Blue has a distinctive wedge-shaped head with prominent cheekbones and large, pointed ears that give it an alert and elegant appearance. Common domestic cats can have a range of head shapes, from round to long and narrow, with varying ear sizes and positions.
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Temperament: While physical characteristics are the most obvious way to distinguish between breeds, temperament also plays a role. Russian Blues are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They are often described as reserved with strangers but very loyal and devoted to their owners. Common domestic cats can have a wide range of temperaments, from outgoing and playful to more independent and aloof.
By examining these characteristics—coat color and texture, eye color, body type, head shape, and temperament—one can effectively distinguish a Russian Blue from a common domestic cat.