British Shorthair vs Russian Blue: Breed Comparison (With Pictures)

For families that are seeking the purr-fect feline friend to add to their household, they may have considered purchasing either a British Shorthair or a Russian Blue. While both of these kitties are loving and patient breeds, they do have their distinct differences.

In this in-depth article, we’ll take a close look at what makes the British Shorthair and the Russian Blue so special, as well as give you some tips on how to pick the cat that’s ideal for your needs and wants.

Visual Differences

At A Glance

With chubby, cuddly bodies, thick fur, and big eyes, the British Shorthair and the Russian Blue are both adorable cats ready for a snuggle. However, there are some major physical differences between these two purebred felines.

The British Shorthair is an exceptionally large cat. Tipping the scale at up to 17 pounds in weight, these cats come in a variety of different colors, including blue, white, black, red, brown, cream, silver, smoke, and shaded. They typically have extraordinarily colored eyes, in such shades as blue, gold, and copper.

The Russian Blue, as her name suggests, is a silvery-blue colored feline with dark gray tips. Significantly smaller than the British Shorthair, a Russian Blue can weigh between 10 and 12 pounds They generally have deep, yellow eyes that are rimmed in green that develop into a bright green color once the cat reaches adulthood.

British Shorthair Cat Breed Overview

A powerful and large purebred cat, the British Shorthair was originally developed to keep large rodents out of houses and barns. They were also used by Romans at sea to keep the ship’s vermin population to a minimum. But don’t let this cat’s colorful history as a ratter fool you. Today, she makes a great companion who adores plenty of lap-time with her favorite human.

Personality 🐈

An easygoing and well-mannered cat, the British Shorthair is calm, cool, and collected. But don’t mistake her placid nature for a lack of love. The British Shorthair is actually a fiercely loyal and devoted cat who can develop a deep bond with her owner. She’s even been known to wait at the front door for you to return home from work or trot happily by your heels as you wander from room to room inside your home.

Despite her calm nature, the British Shorthair does love to play. Always be sure to provide her with plenty of toys to keep her sharp mind occupied. As her history as a hunter, the British Shorthair adores playing fetch or chasing down a catnip-filled mouse.

Health & Care 🏥

This curvy kitty is prone to obesity, so you must be mindful of what you feed her. Your British Shorthair also needs about an hour of exercise per day to keep her toned and healthy.

Because of her thick fur, your British Shorthair needs to be brushed every day, especially during seasonal changes. Brush her week a few times per week and trim her claws as needed.

Despite being a hardy breed, the British Shorthair is prone to some heritable conditions, including feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hemophilia B. This is why routine vet visits are essential to stay on top of any potential health issues that could develop into something more serious later in life.

With Dogs and Kids

The British Shorthair is an extremely tolerant and patient cat. If she doesn’t like how things are going, she’ll simply remove herself from the situation. This makes her a great fit for families with young children or dogs.

Suitable for 👪

The British Shorthair makes a suitable breed for families with young children, apartment dwellers, and people looking for a loving, sociable feline. If you don’t have time to brush and exercise your cat every day, this breed might not be great for you.

Russian Blue Cat Breed Overview

Because of her dense, double coat, the Russian Blue appears to be a gigantic cat. However, she will only grow to be about seven to 15 pounds. With an exotic, triangular face, slender body, and gorgeous silver coat, the Russian Blue is definitely a show-stopper.

Long ago, sailors bought these cats because of their rumored healing abilities. This trait earned the Russian Blue the nickname of “the Archangel cat.”

Personality 🐈

If you’re looking for an independent cat that is fine being by herself for long periods of time, don’t bring a Russian Blue home. This super sociable cat loves being the center of attention and is known to become clingy with her pet parents.

Shy at first with strangers, the Russian Blue will warm up to new faces right away. She also enjoys a good amount of daily playtime. Due to her strong hunting instinct, the Russian Blue will love chasing a feathered fishing pole toy or a small ball.

Much like her close cousin, the Siamese, Russian Blues are very vocal cats. She’ll always let you know exactly how she is feeling with a meow, purr, or howl.

Health & Care 🏥

The Russian Blue certainly loves mealtime and will generally eat a few small bites of her food throughout the day. Be sure to not overfeed your kitty by sticking to a routine feeding schedule and using pre-measured amounts of cat food.

A generally healthy breed, the Russian Blue can live to be up to 20 years old. The main health concern with this breed is obesity, so always be sure to regulate her diet as needed.

This thick-coated cat needs daily brushing to keep her fur-free from matting. Clean her ears, eyes, and teeth regularly.

With Dogs and Kids

The Russian Blue is a loving, social cat with a playful side. These characteristics make her the perfect partner for an enthusiastic child. However, the Russian Blue isn’t as patient as the British Shorthair, so always keep a close eye on her and your kids.

She is also very dog friendly. Although, she will make her irritation known by loud meows and hissing.

Suitable for 👪

The Russian Blue is a great pet for families who want an adoring, social, and very vocal cat. She also makes a great companion for apartment dwellers and seniors. However, you should be aware that this breed has an extremely long lifespan. If you get a Russian Blue kitten, expect to have her for about 20 years.

Which Breed is Right for You?

For folks looking for a patient, relaxed kitty who will tolerate the excitement of young children, the British Shorthair may be the perfect breed for you. These large lap cats love lounging around after a fun-filled play session. British Shorthairs need daily brushings and are prone to some health issues as they age.

On the other hand, if you want a devoted and social pet, the Russian Blue could be a great match for your household. This breed does need constant attention and may become clingy. They also will live for about 20 years.

Whichever breed you pick, be sure to provide your cat with plenty of love and affection and she’ll return the favor for many years to come.

Featured Images Credit: Pixabay/  CNuisin, Shutterstock