Russia is home to various common cat breeds as well as some unusual felines. For example, the Russian blue is a popular cat breed all around the globe. However, a unique breed like the Ussuri is seldom regarded as a companion animal. The look and temperament of Russian cat breeds vary greatly. Many were evolved in various locations in Russia; therefore, their lineage is rather unique.
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| Top 10 Russian Cat Breeds |
Here are some fantastic Russian cat breeds.
Tip
Before purchasing a unique or unusual cat breed as a pet, it's best to engage with a feline representative of that species. You'll be able to determine if some of the breed traits are appropriate for your lifestyle.
1. Donskoy's
The Donskoy developed in Russia in the late 1980s when a breeder combined a cat with a dominant hairless gene with a local tomcat. Donskoys are loving, intelligent, and gregarious. They would rather have company for most of the day. And, since they lack fur, they need protection from both cold temperatures and sunburn.
Overview of the Breed
- 11 to 12 inches tall
- 6 to 12-pound weight range
Physical features include a muscular frame, little to no hair, and wrinkled skin.
2. Kurilian Bobtail
The Kurilian bobtail is a wild breed that has not been carefully developed. For nearly 200 years, these cats have resided on Russia's Sakhalin Island and Kamchatka Peninsula. They have also been discovered in the Kuril Archipelago, which connects Russia and Japan. They may have the appearance of a wild cat, yet they are surprisingly gentle and friendly. They do, however, have a strong hunting drive and energy level due to their wild origin.
Overview of the Breed
- 9 to 12 inches tall
- 11- to 15-pound weight range
Soft, silky, short or semi-long coat; unique bobtail; frequent hues are red or gray with stripes.
3. Mekong Bobtail
The Mekong bobtail, formerly known as the Thai bobtail, was named after the famed Southeast Asian river. Although the species existed naturally in Asian nations near the Mekong River, it was not legally created as a breed until it was transported to Russia. These cats are currently noted for being amiable, lively, inquisitive, and social.
Overview of the Breed
- 7 to 9 inches tall
- Weight: 8 to 10 lbs
Physical Description: Athletic physique; resembles a Siamese with a bobtail; short, sleek coat with a range of pointed colors
4. Russian Blue
The exact origin of this breed is unknown; however, it is usually assumed that it is native to Russia. Russian blues were appreciated by Russia's tsars throughout the 19th century due to their athletic and elegant look. These cats have quiet personalities and might be distrustful of strangers, but once they get to know you, they form powerful attachments. They're kind, friendly, and playful, yet nevertheless autonomous enough to be left alone for a few hours each day.
Overview of the Breed
- 8 to 10 inches tall
- Weight range: 7 to 12 pounds
Short, thick coat that ranges from silver to dark gray in color; brilliant green eyes
5. Siberia
The Siberian taiga, a huge wooded subarctic area in eastern Russia, is the origin of this breed. The Siberian cat has a highly thick, semi-long-haired triple coat to keep it warm during the region's long, severely cold winters. Siberians are known for being loving and like spending time with their owners. They're also fun, energetic, and intellectual, and they need a lot of stimulation to avoid boredom.
Overview of the Breed
- 8 to 10 inches tall
- Weight range: 8 to 15 pounds
Physical characteristics include a muscular frame, a semi-long hair coat that varies from coarse to soft, a thick collar ruff, and a broad spectrum of colors.
6. Karelian Bobtail
The Karelian bobtail is a rare Russian cat breed that was recognized for the first time in 1994. It's a pleasant and easygoing cat that may fit into a variety of families, including those with children and other animals. Karelian bobtails love spending time with their families, but they are also normally calm and do not need a lot of care.
Overview of the Breed
- 8 to 12 inches tall
- Weight: 10 to 15 lbs.
Solid body; rear legs taller than front legs; bobbed tail; short to long thick coat in a variety of colors and patterns
7. Peterbald
The Peterbald was created in Russia in the 1990s by the crossbreeding of a Donskoy and an Oriental shorthair. Other cat breeds have now been introduced to round out the appearance. These cats are highly intelligent and like receiving attention. They often follow their favorite person from room to room and will not pass up the opportunity to get on your lap.
Overview of the Breed
- 8 to 10 inches tall
- 6 to 12-pound weight range
Physical features include a long, slender body, a long tail, a triangular head, huge, almond-shaped eyes, and the ability to be hairless, have a light coat, or have a full coat.
8. Toybob
Toybobs initially appeared in Russia in the 1980s as a result of a spontaneous genetic mutation. A bobtail cat was mated with a cat with a short, kinked tail, resulting in an abnormally petite kitten with a short tail. Toybobs may always be the size of a typical kitten, but they have tremendous personalities. They like playing and are fairly nimble, yet they are also pleased to snuggle on someone's lap.
Overview of the Breed
- 4 to 6 inches tall
- Weight: 4 to 7 lbs
Physical features include a petite body, a short, kinked tail, huge eyes, and a short to semi-long coat in a range of colors.
9. Ussuri
The Ussuri is an extremely uncommon cat breed whose origins are unknown. Domestic cats most likely mated with wild forest cats in Russia's Amur River area, resulting in this unusual hybrid. These cats are athletic and energetic, and they have a high prey drive. They are not the most sociable or outgoing cats, but they do build close bonds with one member of the household.
Overview of the Breed
- 9 to 11 inches tall
- 11- to 15-pound weight range
Physical features include a muscular frame, short hair, and a wild cat-like coat with spots and stripes.
10. Neva Masquerade
The Neva Masquerade cat is a Russian breed that is essentially a long-haired Siberian cat. These cats are also somewhat bigger than Siberian cats. They are typically pleasant and lively, and they may be fairly talkative. And they need regular grooming to keep their coat neat and free of matting.
Overview of the Breed
- 8 to 12 inches tall
- Weight range: 8 to 18 pounds
Long hair; colors vary but usually feature a light body with dark brown to black points (color on the paws, tail, ears, and nose).