Male vs. Female Russian Blue Cats: 4 Key Differences

When you think of a Russian blue cat, a few adjectives might come to mind. Elegant, adorable, loving, and intelligent are some of the most common terms their owners use to describe them. If you’ve set your heart on adding this wonderful breed to your family, how do you know which gender is better suited to your home? Today, we discuss four differences between male and female Russian blues that will help you answer this question.

Russian Blue Cats: A Brief History

The Russian blue is a revered breed of cat that has origins that date back to the 1800s. As their name suggests, these cats originated from Russia, specifically the Archangel Isles, and they were called “Archangel Blues” during this period. Much like ancient Egyptians, Russians held these cats in high regard and treated them with respect. As time wore on, this breed began to become more widespread, and their popularity grew as they worked their way through Asia and Europe.

Physical Characteristics

Generally speaking, this breed is characterized by its thick grey fur and piercing green eyes. Among Russian blues, coat color can vary from light silver to a deep bluish grey. However, the stature of each Russian blue differs slightly based on gender. Females have slender builds, whereas males are stockier and more muscular. In addition, males are larger overall, weighing about 12 to 16 pounds. Females typically weigh roughly 8 to 12 pounds. Both genders grow to be between 8 and 12 inches tall.

Response to Training

Although the subject of training cats isn’t nearly as discussed as training dogs, Russian blues are highly trainable. These cats have exceptional intelligence which gives them the ability to learn and remember a wide variety of words and commands. However, their willingness to oblige their owners varies from cat to cat, and there are slight differences in responsiveness based on their gender. Male Russian blues are eager to please and tend to be more food-motivated than females. Because of this, keeping treats on hand to reinforce the behavior that you’re seeking can be very effective. Females, however, can be more aloof and independent. Clicker training and repeating their names and positive phrases like “good girl,” or “good job,” will help to solidify their understanding. Both genders are very smart, so with proper effort, training your Russian blue should be a breeze.

Behavioral Differences

As we touched on above, males and females have slight differences in their personalities that affect their trainability. These traits can be seen in every area of their life. Males are a touch more social, and they enjoy spending their days with their families. They’re more inclined to be lap cats, so if you’re looking for a big snuggler, a male might be the right choice. Females are a bit more independent and enjoy their alone time. They’re gentle and good-natured, but they have the tendency to be a bit moodier overall. If you’re away from home quite a bit, a female may be a better fit for you. However, they still spend a great deal of their time with their human companions.

Both genders are well-suited for homes with young children and other animals. However, a high foot traffic household may overstimulate this breed. Although they enjoy socializing with their immediate families, they are slow to warm up to strangers. As always, there are exceptions to these generalities and either gender has the capability to have any type of personality.

Health Considerations for Russian Blue Cats Depending on Their Gender

As a general statement, Russian blues tend to be very healthy animals and congenital disorder is rare if purchasing from a reputable breeder. However, as with any pet, there are some gender-specific health concerns that owners must be aware of. Male Russian blue cats are vulnerable to diseases like testicular cancer and females may develop ovarian cancer as they age. However, the chance of your cat developing one of these conditions is greatly mitigated by spaying or neutering. Unless your cat is being used for breeding, it is highly recommended that they undergo these procedures in order to prevent these diseases.

The benefits of spaying and neutering don’t stop there. According to Animal Health Clinic, “Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your cat is likely to develop. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays to check for dysplasia or a thorough dental exam to look for stomatitis, these procedures can be conveniently performed at the same time as the spay or neuter to minimize the stress on your cat.” Both genders are susceptible to dental issues, kidney disease, obesity, and sight problems. It is recommended to schedule an annual vet check-up to preserve the health of your cat, even if they seem perfectly healthy. Cats are excellent at hiding their pain, and by the time symptoms begin showing, their disease may have progressed too far.

Final Thoughts

Russian blues are one of the greatest cat breeds available. The gender best suited for your household depends on many factors, such as the animals you already own, the number of hours you work, and the amount of foot traffic in your home. On average, this breed will live to be between 15 and 20 years old, so this is a long-term commitment. In essence, both genders are exceptional and are sure to brighten any household with their presence. You simply can’t go wrong with this breed!

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