Russian Blue vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

The first thing to know is that a Bicolor cat isn’t in fact a breed. Bicolor is just a term that describes a certain look that a cat has with its coat. It’s a cat with two colors such as red and white or black and white.

A popular name for bi-color cats is also Piebald or Tuxedo, and in fact many cat breeds can produce bicolor kittens, or black and white kittens such as Cornish Rex, Maine Coon, Manx, and others.

There are different coat color combinations when it comes to bicolor cats and the black and white markings may be more common but there are other color combinations too such as orange and white.

Nobody seems to know the origins of the Bicolor cats so we are going to assume they come from the USA.

It 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.

Regardless of the breed they belong to, information on these cats suggests that they can have many different looks. Look at the amazing Turkish Van cat for instance – each of these cats is recognizable for its long, luxurious fur. You’ll find a few touches of color on the cat's ears and tail, making in a Bicolor. They also have an interesting characteristic – being fond of water!

These Bicolor cats weigh in the region of 3 – 7kg, and can tend towards the smaller or larger size. Some of them can have short or long hair, larger or smaller ears and green or yellow eyes.

Temperament:

Coming from different cat breeds, the bicolor cat can have a mix of wonderful characteristics – they can be vocal or quiet or confident or shy.

They’re always wonderful though and can be curious, intelligent, playful, loving and loyal. They make great companions who just love the interaction they have with their human owners.

The 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.

The Bicolor cat is such a steady, reliable cat-friend to have. When you start looking as these cats as your companion, you're going to get a smart, funny, adoring, playful family member who will be there for you whether you go to work each day or stay at home.

They’re such easygoing cats, with no airs and graces. They’re happy, relaxed, and uncomplicated cats and when you make a Bicolor your pet and friend, your life just becomes that much more meaningful.

Your 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.

By providing your kitty cat with a loving home, you can ensure that he stays as healthy as possible. Unfortunately though, cats can get sick, regardless of how well you take care of them and then as a responsible pet owner, you will be able to take your pet to your local vet.

Some of the common cat problems you get can be kidney disease, ear infections, dental disease, parasites such as heartworm, cancer or something like feline immunodeficiency virus.

Whether your cat has a virus or an infection, remember that getting your cat to the vet can mean nipping the problem in the bud before it gets more serious.

Because 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 for your Bicolor cat is much the same as with any other cat. Your Bicolor will shed, so brushing him will tickle him pink, especially if you do it lovingly and gently – it’s like a bonding session. The weekly brushing will get rid of loose hairs and dust and keep the coat healthy and shiny.

Spay or neuter your pet to avoid unwanted kittens. Stay up to date on veterinary visits and vaccinations.

Provide your cat with stimulating toys as well as all the equipment he needs to be comfortable – food and water bowls, litter box, grooming equipment, bedding, climbing- and scratching equipment.

All cat owners, whether their cats eat homemade food or wet- or dry food should read cat food labels and understand the nutrients content.

Certainly, as a carnivore, cats require certain vitamins, minerals, and proteins that only meat can provide.

Understand how to work out if the cat food is balanced or not and not packed with too many grains and carbohydrates.

How much your Bicolor eats will depend on his age and his activity levels. Be careful not to overfeed your cat as overfeeding is dangerous. When cats put on too much weight, it leads to problems such as diabetes, heart- and joint disease.

The 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.