American Shorthair vs. Russian Blue Cat: Key Differences Explained

They’re both intelligent, playful, and loyal to their human family. Their lifespans are long, which means they have a lot to offer while they’re alive. While one is a bit more reserved, the other is more sociable. While each breed has its distinctive set of traits, individual cats have unique personalities that may defy even some of these well-known characteristics. Discover the key differences between the American shorthair vs. the Russian blue cat!

American Shorthair vs. Russian Blue Cat

American Shorthair vs. Russian Blue Cat: Overview

Although they’re the same species, American shorthair cats and Russian blue cats are different in a variety of ways. For example, when it comes to their appearance, American shorthairs have different patterns and colors and boast a muscular build whereas Russian blues have a distinguishing bluish-gray coat. They’re a lot slenderer than American shorthairs and have a graceful appearance. While American shorthair cats are super friendly and adaptable, Russian blues take their time forming bonds. Their lifespan is similar and American shorthairs usually weigh a little bit more than Russian blues. They reach maturity around the same time, and both have short coats that require minimal grooming.

American Shorthair vs. Russian Blue Cat: Appearance

American shorthair cats can be either medium or large. They have muscular bodies, strong legs, and a broad chest. Their heads are rounded, and they have short, dense coats. Their patterns and colors differ wildly. Russian blue cats, on the other hand, have much more slender, medium-sized builds. They have big ears, gorgeous emerald-green eyes, and a bluish-gray coat color, which helps you distinguish them easily.

American Shorthair vs. Russian Blue Cat: Temperament

American shorthair cats are pretty laid-back felines. They enjoy their playtime as much as they enjoy their chill-out time. Their temperament can be described as friendly. These cats are independent and adapt well to people and their surroundings. They’re great around kids and other pets in the home. Russian blue cats have a more reserved personality. But they’re gentle. It just takes them a little while longer to warm up to strangers. However, once they are warmed up, they develop strong bonds with their family. These cats are highly intelligent, endlessly curious, and affectionate.

American Shorthair vs. Russian Blue Cat: Lifespan

Both American shorthair and Russian blue cats have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. However, each type of cat can live longer than 20 years, assuming good health and diligent care from their human family.

American Shorthair vs. Russian Blue Cat: Weight

American shorthair cats are a bit stockier than Russian blue cats. They can weigh up to 15 pounds whereas Russian blue cats typically top out at 12 pounds. They are the slimmer of the two. Plus, while Russian blue cats are typically medium-sized, American shorthairs can be medium-sized or grow larger.

American Shorthair vs. Russian Blue Cat: Growth Cycle

Both American shorthair cats and Russian blues develop quickly during their first year. However, they don’t reach their full size until age two or three. When they’re kittens, they stay close to their mothers so they can protect them and feed them. Their development process occurs primarily during their first year of life. They typically wean off their mother’s milk around three or four weeks of age. During the first several years of life, cats remain rather playful. As they get older, their behavior may shift, and they may lounge more. After age 11, both American shorthair and Russian blue cats enter their senior years, and at age 15, they reach their geriatric years.

American Shorthair vs. Russian Blue Cat: Grooming Requirements

American shorthair cats have short, dense coats that you can maintain with weekly brushing. This helps to minimize shedding and keeps their coat in good condition. With Russian blues, grooming requirements are similar. Removal of loose hair on a regular basis helps to keep them healthy. They don’t shed a lot and don’t produce a lot of dander like some other cat breeds.

The photo featured at the top of this post is ©