If you drop these two onto the dance floor in a lively environment, one quickly becomes the life of the party while the other retreats to an advantageous position to observe their surroundings. Which is which? Discover the key differences between Russian blue vs. Burmese cats!
Russian Blue vs. Burmese Cat
| Russian Blue | Burmese Cat | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Medium-sized; upturned mouth corners; muscular, long legs; bluish-gray double coat | Rounded head, long bodies; rounded ear tips; oval feet; athletic build; expressive eyes; multiple coat colors including chocolate, champagne, blue, and more |
| Temperament | Calm, curious, intelligent, loyal, and affectionate | Friendly, clever, playful, and curious |
| Lifespan | 15 to 20 years | Nine to 16 years |
| Weight | Seven to 12 pounds | Eight to 14 pounds |
| Growth Cycle | Eyes open at around two weeks of age; they reach adulthood around two or three | Fully grown at two to three years old, reaching their adult size |
| Grooming Requirements | Minimal shedding; weekly brushing required | Little grooming required; brushing once per week keeps fur healthy |
Russian Blue vs. Burmese Cat: Overview
Both Russian blue cats and Burmese cats are medium-sized with short coats. They require minimal grooming. However, they do look different, behave differently, and have different life spans and reputations. Typically, Russian blue cats are a bit more reserved and can take a little while to warm up whereas Burmese cats are happy to be the center of attention. Russian blues live a little bit longer than Burmese cats but they both display intelligence, curiosity, and affection.
The Russian blue cat is often reserved at first and later warm up to others.
©Michael Kalinin/Shutterstock.com
Russian Blue vs. Burmese Cat: Appearance
A Russian blue cat is distinguished by its muscular build. They are medium-sized and have upturned mouths, which makes these cats look like they’re smiling. Their legs are long and their double coat is a distinctive bluish-gray. They carry themselves with grace and their eyes are large and green. This is the type of cat that needs plenty of mental stimulation. Burmese cats, on the other hand, are distinguished by their rounded heads. Their bodies are muscular like Russian blues and they might be blue too! They have a silky coat that could also be chocolate, cream, red, or lilac. Their expressive eyes are yellow or golden.
Burmese cats have expressive yellow or golden eyes and a silky coat that could be chocolate, cream, red, or lilac.
©Julija Sulkovska/Shutterstock.com
Russian Blue vs. Burmese Cat: Temperament
Russian blue cats can be quite gentle. They’re often reserved at first, taking time to observe strangers before deciding if they can warm up to them. They’re quiet, cautious, but with their owners, they develop strong bonds. Interactive puzzles and toys are a must as these cats are both playful and highly intelligent. Burmese cats are definitely the extroverted cats between these two types. They’re outgoing, sociable, and playful. They get along well with their owners and any other pets in the home. Typically, Burmese cats are quite vocal as well, using their voices as well as their eyes to fully express themselves. While the Russian blue is more like a wallflower at first, the Burmese cat happily takes center stage.
Burmese cats are sociable and love being the center of attention.
©Ivanova N/Shutterstock.com
Russian Blue vs. Burmese Cat: Lifespan
Russian blues have a bit of a longer lifespan than Burmese cats, often living between 15 to 20 years and even more with great care. Burmese cats, on average, live between 12 and 16 years. However, like with Russian blues, their lifespan may be extended with proper care.
Russian blues have a bit of a longer lifespan than Burmese cats, often living between 15 to 20 years.
©Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH/Shutterstock.com
Russian Blue vs. Burmese Cat: Weight
Russian blue cats are a bit smaller than Burmese cats, averaging between seven to 12 pounds when fully grown. Burmese cats have an average weight of eight to 14 pounds, making them just a bit stockier.
Russian Blue vs. Burmese Cat: Growth Cycle
Both Russian blue cats and Burmese cats have a typical growth cycle for cats. When born, they’re quite tiny and helpless, looking to their mothers for sustenance and safety. Their eyes begin opening around 10 days or two weeks of age. At around two or three years old, they have reached their full-grown size.
Russian Blue vs. Burmese Cat: Grooming Requirements
Both Russian blue cats and Burmese cats require minimal grooming. The Russian blue cat has a short, dense coat. These cats take great pride in their self-grooming practices. They can be pretty fastidious about keeping themselves clean. However, regular brushing does help to keep their coats healthy. Because of the type of coat they have, it doesn’t tangle easily. Burmese cats also have short coats and regular brushing keeps them in tip-top shape. Being that this cat is so sociable and affectionate, grooming sessions double as bonding moments for Burmese cats, which seem to thoroughly revel in the grooming process.
