Russian Blue vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison

Russian Blue vs American Shorthair - Breed ComparisonAmerican Shorthair is originated from United States but Russian Blue is originated from Russia. Both American Shorthair and Russian Blue are having almost same weight. Both American Shorthair and Russian Blue has same life span. Both American Shorthair and Russian Blue has same litter size. Both American Shorthair and Russian Blue requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

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United States
Russia
Weight Male:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
15 - 20 Years
15 - 20 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
Domestic Shorthair
Archangel Blues
Colors Available:
Many colors and patterns
Blue with silver
Coat:
Shortish hair
Short, thick double coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

american shorthairOften sailors of old would keep cats onboard to protect their stores from mice and rats, and so it was when settlers sailed from Europe to North America.

They had cats onboard and once onshore they interbred. But in the 20th century, a selective breeding program began to bring out the best qualities of these cats.

The American Shorthair is one of these cats – a pedigreed cat that is accepted by all North American cat registries. At first, the cat was known as the Domestic Shorthair but it was renamed in 1966.

russian blueIt is believed that this beautiful cat originates from Russia, and more specifically the Archangel Isles.

It is also thought that these cats descended from cats that were kept by the Russian Czars and that they arrived in England and Northern Europe during the 1860s. It appeared in cat shows and by 1912 it was given its own classification.

The cat was also introduced to the United States in the early 1900s and today it is a popular domesticated pet.

Description

american shorthair kitten - descriptionThe American Shorthair is a large, sturdy cat with a round face and short ears. Their coats can come in many different patterns and colors. They shed so the fur will need to be brushed from time to time.

They stand at about 20 – 25cm in height and they weigh between 5 and 7kg.

Temperament:

The American Shorthairs are easy, no-fuss cats. They’re also low maintenance, healthy, amicable cats, ready to even be friends with strangers and your dogs.

He is an intelligent cat too so it will be important to provide him with toys that challenge him to think. These good-natured cats make perfect famiy companions.

russian blue kitten - descriptionThe medium-sized Russian blue cat is slender, strong, and muscular with long legs. He can weigh between 3 and 6kg.

He has a beautiful blue, soft double coat that is short and thick. The coat is an even color with silver tips. What is an attractive feature of this cat too is that his double coat doesn’t shed much. The cat has a triangular-shaped head with yellow to green eyes.

Temperament:

The Russian Blue is such an amicable, sweet-tempered cat that likes nothing more than to be in the company of his human owners, He is calm and independent. They do well living with their human families but they do tend to form a deep bond with that one special person.

He will even follow his owner everywhere and is a loving, loyal companion. The Russian Blue is a social cat but also enjoys some quiet time out just to chill. He also isn’t too fond of visitors and may run away and hide if the occasion becomes too large and noisy.

This is a cat that will miss you when you’re at work all day but he is able to quietly wait for your arrival back home. Then he will appreciate some playtime.

Characteristics

american shorthair cat - characteristicsThe American Shorthair is a playful cat and is quite capable of amusing himself, but will welcome your games too. He’s a big cat so make sure he gets enough exercise to avoid him becoming obese.

He is a low maintenance cat and you don't have to be worrying about him too much as he just likes to get on with life. He loves being well-fed, getting your attention and lying in the sun.

This is one cat that doesn’t need a lot of attention so being easy to care for, independent, playful, and affectionate, you’re going to have one of a kind companion and friend.

russian blue cat - characteristicsYour Russian Blue is such an intelligent cat and for this reason, when you bring one into your home, you’ll need to provide him with lots of stimulating toys and fun play times.

This is also a low maintenance cat and a brush once a week will be all that is required.

These are cats that love their mealtimes and you’ll want to work out a special eating program to ensure he gets all the nutrition he needs without over-eating.

Respond with lots of love and attention to your vocal Russian Blue, and you’ll soon see what a precious jewel this cat is as a companion and friend.

Health Problems

american shorthair kittens - health problemsWith good nutrition and a loving caring lifestyle, the American Shorthair can live to be 15 – 20 years of age and even longer.

Their flattish faces also make the American Shorthair prone to respiratory issues.

russian blue kittens - health problemsBecause the Russian Blue is a naturally occurring breed, they are fairly healthy cats. Watch out for obesity and urinary tract infections with your cat.

Obesity:

Obesity shortens a cat’s life. It puts extra pressure on the cat’s joints and it makes them more likely to develop disease. Then again, it is dangerous to suddenly put your obese cat on a strict diet so that he loses weight too quickly.

Your cat requires a gradual decrease in body weight. If you’re worried about your cat’s weight, rather speak to a veterinary surgeon who can explain to you and also draw up a weight loss program for your cat.

Remember too, that cats are carnivores and they simply have to have meat in their diet. Commercially manufactured cat foods of the highest quality are high in protein and low in carbohydrates.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease:

Feline lower urinary tract disease is no joke for a cat. This disease affects your pet’s lower urinary tract – the bladder. Causes include bladder stones or bladder infections and inflammation in the urinary bladder.

You may notice your cat battling to urinate. Your cat will also no doubt cry out while trying to urinate and this is because the process is so painful. There may also be blood in the urine.

You may notice that your cat isn’t using his litter box but urinating elsewhere. Your cat will need to get to the vet as soon as possible. It may not be a life-threatening disease but it can be highly uncomfortable for your cat.

Caring The Pet

american shorthair cats - caringYour American Shorthair will benefit greatly from regular brushing and he looks forward to this grooming period and being pampered by you for a few minutes.

It helps to remove the dead hair from his coat and this is important so that he doesn’t ingest the loose hair. While you’re brushing him, you can also run your fingers over him to make sure there are no unusual lumps. Anything odd or any sign of illness you should take your cat to see the vet immediately.

Diet:

Make sure your American Shorthair has access to the best quality food there is. There are many commercially manufactured cat foods available and your vet can advise you on the best one to choose.

Cats are carnivores so aways choose food that is high in proten. Food must be provided in accordance with the cat’s age and energy levels. Certainly a generic cat or one with a medical condition will need a certain type of food than a young, frisky kitten. Make sure your cat always has access to fresh, cool water.

Make your cat comfortable:

Make sure your furry feline friend has everything he needs to ensure he is comfortable. This includes feeding bowls, toys, a litter box, soft bedding, nutritious food as well as scratching post and climbing equipment.

Desex your cats:

Have your pet neutered or spayed if you don’t want kittens from your cat. These procedures have enormous health benefits for your pet and it prevents even more kittens coming into a world that already has far too many unwanted pets.

Vaccines:

Make sure your cat is up to date with all his vaccines because without being vaccinated your cat can succumb to any one of the life-threatening cat illnesses there are. Kittens need to have their first vaccines at 8 weeks of age.

Transporting your cat:

If you have to take your cat to the vet you need a carrier basket so that your cat feels comfortable and safe inside it.

You can’t just put your cat on a leash and take him to the vet as inside the car he will lurch around and cause you to lose attention. A transport box that is familiar to your cat will be the best way for you and your cat to travel.

russian blue cats - caringThe Russian Blue’s beautiful blue coat is short and thick and will do well with a brush once a week. The cat just thrives on the attention during brush time too.

Trim your Russian blue’s nails regularly.

Provide your cat with everything he needs to make his life pleasant. Food and water bowls, a litter box, a collar and tag, a nice soft bed, grooming accessories, climbing tree, and a scratching post.

Make sure he has his cat vaccines and is treated for parasites.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. American Shorthair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  2. American Shorthair vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  3. American Shorthair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  4. American Shorthair vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  5. American Shorthair vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  6. American Shorthair vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  7. American Shorthair vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  8. American Shorthair vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  9. American Shorthair vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  10. American Wirehair vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  11. Applehead Siamese vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  12. Ashera vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  13. Asian vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  14. Asian Semi-Longhair vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  15. Australian Mist vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  16. Balinese vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  17. Bengal vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  18. Bicolor vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  19. Birman vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  20. Blue Russian vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  21. Bombay vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  22. Brazilian Shorthair vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  23. Bristol vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  24. British Longhair vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  25. British Shorthair vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  26. Russian Blue vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  27. Russian Blue vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  28. Russian Blue vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  29. Russian Blue vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  30. Russian Blue vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  31. Russian Blue vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  32. Russian Blue vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  33. Russian Blue vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  34. Russian Blue vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  35. Russian Blue vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  36. Russian Blue vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  37. Russian Blue vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  38. Russian Blue vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  39. Russian Blue vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  40. Russian Blue vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  41. Russian Blue vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  42. Russian Blue vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  43. Russian Blue vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  44. Russian Blue vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  45. Russian Blue vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  46. Russian Blue vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  47. Russian Blue vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  48. Russian Blue vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  49. Russian Blue vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  50. Russian Blue vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison