History asserts that cats spread across the territory of the Russian Federation simultaneously with the settlement of tribes. Only towards the end of the 20th century purposeful work on breeding was started. Disputes about the belonging of some breeds to Russian breeding are still going on today.
Russian Cat Breeds
- Russian Blue;
- Siberian;
- Neva Masquerade;
- Don Sphynx;
- Peterbald;
- Kurilian Bobtail;
- Uralian Rex;
- Altai blue-eyed;
- Usurian.
The Main Features
The basis of breeding has always been “inbred” cats, some individuals have been crossed with wild cat species, which is reflected in their appearance and character.
An important feature of Russian cat breeds is also considered to be their short pedigree (with the exception of Siberian). It is rather difficult to find a cat with a history of more than four generations, for this reason some cat breeds are not considered to be “conserved”.
Very often purebred kittens are sold without documents, and as a result there is a great risk of buying a pedigree animal. When buying a purebred, you should always ask for documents and pedigree.
Русская голубая кошка
Russian Blue
This breed is considered one of the most famous and beloved in the world. Its main value lies in the fact that no breeders were involved in its breeding, humans only maintained the population. According to tradition, several centuries ago Russian English sailors staying in the port of Arkhangelsk took as a souvenir on board cats with a unique gray-blue shade of hair.
Wool is short, thick, shade is always the same – gray-blue, slightly shimmering, the character is soft and quiet, kittens are affectionate, playful, and sometimes cats can show willfulness and stubbornness.
Much of the Russian Blue cat price, which typically ranges between $800-$1200.
Siberian
Russian cat breed originated in Siberian forests as a result of crossing domestic breeds with wild steppe cats. Siberian cats are distinguished by a strong build and a thick, dense coat; due to these two factors, individuals look like real giants.
The weight of an adult animal can reach 12 kg, the size of cats is somewhat smaller, but they are still quite sturdy, with harmoniously built cats.
The main feature of the breed is considered hair. It is long, the undercoat is short, dense and thick, perfectly protecting the individual from cold weather. Obligatory attributes of the breed are considered thick pants and collar, fur between fingers, tassels on ears, Siberian cats are distinguished by self-sufficiency, intelligence, strong and bright character.
On average, Siberian cat prices range from $1200-$2000 from a breeder.
Neva Masquerade
Neva Masquerade is considered a descendant of the Siberian cat. The name appeared because of the unusual face color, as if it wore a carnival mask.
The advantage of the breed is also considered a non-standard color-point shade of hair with bright eyes. Neva cats are very affectionate and sensitive, taking their position among the favorite pets.
The cost starts with $600 for a kitten without a pedigree and ends with $2500.
Don Sphynx
The first Don Sphynx kitten with a bald back was snatched from children in the street by a resident of Rostov-on-Don; the first offspring of Varvara was also hairless, which gave grounds for a new breed. As a result of further breeding, another line of Sphynxes, unrelated to the Canadian one, appeared.
Representatives of this breed at first glance are very similar to their foreign counterparts, but a professional breeder or an experienced amateur will immediately notice the differences due to a different set of genes.
Kittens can be born completely bald, covered with short down or dense, thick fur. The body structure is also lighter compared to Canadians, this breed is distinguished by a different eye shape and other little things, it is a true Russian breed, which has earned worldwide recognition.
A kitten can be purchased for $500-$1200.
Peterbald
Descendants of the Don Sphynxes are St. Petersburg Sphynxes – Peterbalds, cross-bred with oriental cats. Wool can be absent at all or present some types, among them brushed, velour, and flock.
Peterbalds are smart animals with a good nature, characterized by activity and intelligence, are very fond of their owners. Such cats will never clash with people, will find an approach to other pets, and will be patient with the obsessive attention of children.
The average price of a pet is $900.
Kurilian Bobtail
Kurilian Bobtail also belongs to the category of aboriginal, its homeland is considered the Kuril Island. The breed became widely known in the eighties when felinologists began to visit Russia. They came to admire the cat, resembling a wild lynx in miniature.
The animal is characterized by wild blood and a hunter’s temperament, it is affectionately attached to its owner, very fond of games. Its appearance is really wild, a massive individual with an arched back, curly tail, tassels on the ears, breeders recognize short-haired and long-haired types of cats, the cost of the kitten varies between $700-$1000.
Ural Rex
Stories about curly-haired cats living in the Ural countryside turned out to be unexpectedly true, it appeared as a result of a mutation. Such cats look like regular short-haired cats, but with a “scribbly” hair, this factor determines the belonging of the animal to the breed, other features like eye color or hair are not very important.
You can buy a kitten for $800-$1000.
Altai blue-eyed
Blue-eyed cats are not very common, but they do occur, all of them belonging to the Oriental group. In other cases, blue eyes are considered an accidental genetic mutation, but in the Altai region a whole group of cats with such eye color has been found, this trait is steadily passed from generation to generation.
The main feature of the breed is considered to be blue eyes, otherwise, the cat may look like a strong healthy short-haired cat. It is worth noting that almost simultaneously in the U.S. began breeding blue-eyed mutant individuals, the breeders gave them the name “Ojos Azules”.
The average cost of an Altai blue-eye is $1200-$1500.
Usurian Cat
The hybrid breed was bred naturally, all the best was inherited from Amur leopards and common pets. The breed is not numerous, but it has already gained popularity, and breeders continue to work on its stabilization and preservation.
Because of the small population, the price is set on an individual basis, on average $2000.
