| ??: I'm allergic to long haired or badly shedding cats, first. Second, how expensive are pet Blues? How much food do they eat per day? Can a Blue live in North Carolina? How would they get along with a Labrador Retriever? Will it eat my other pets - birds, a lizard, fish, and a hamster? When is the best time to get one? How long do they live? A: All great questions, all ones you NEED answered before bringing in any cat. A breeder could tell you specifics about whether a Blue has been exposed to dogs or not. For the most part - as long as the dog isn't too nuts, it should be okay. As far as the other pets, it's certainly conceivable that a Blue (or any cat) would "stalk" them. However, Blues are notoriously bad hunters. Koshka proves that by "killing" her toy mice by sitting on them. They weren't bred for mousing, and it shows. My only concern is the lizard. If it's not in a tank, it could be a problem. It will very likely be chased. And, some lizards are venomous. You need to know that first! Anytime is a great time to get a Blue, as far as I'm concerned. However, they are very popular - you'll likely be wait listed. The first litters are ready in late spring, usually not before June. It's just a matter of calling around and finding a litter available. Their lifespan is the same as a typical mixed breed, estimated at up to 19 years. Blues have no known health problems associated with the breed, unlike many other purebreds. (For example, Labs commonly have hip dysplasia.) Plus, their nature helps them to avoid accidents - they control their curiosity and tend to stay on the ground, and eat what they're supposed to. I know, I'm doing this out of order. The fur on a Blue is fantastic for those with allergies - it's very short, and they don't shed much during the normal course of a year. They will shed in response to heat - this is a cold weather cat. North Carolina gets hot, but as far as non-shedders, this is one of the best you can do. There are breeders in the south, so it must not be too bad! And one of them can tell you how they react in a similar climate. Blues are expensive; they are in demand, as I mentioned earlier. A pet quality Blue will run upwards of $400; more likely $500. You can sometimes pick up a retired stud or queen, the price would probably depend on their show success. Now - don't let that send you running to that advertisement in the local paper selling Blues for $200. First off, they aren't a quality breeder. You could get a mix or an inbreed, and miss the traits you're looking for or worse, have an unhealthy cat. Please, keep in mind that it's estimated 40-50% of animals that go through shelters are purebred - that's where I got Kosh, for a bargain basement price. Many cat shelters can also tell you if they have particular breeds in house. Ah, the final question...how much do they eat? Answer - how much will you let them? Blues are notorious for overeating, and will quickly become overweight. Kosh is fed from a measuring cup, twice a day. It's worse with shelter adoptees - for the first few months, they tend to eat as though each meal might be their last. A female adult should be about 8-9 lbs., a male just barely more. They can eat 1/2 to 1 cup of food per day - it sounds small, but it's enough. ??: I have two five month old Blue kittens. I am finding quite a bit of their hair in my A/C filter. Is this normal? A: Normally, no. But, they're kittens, and they have fur stages just like they have eye stages. It's not typical for the adult Blue to shed a whole lot - but in warmer climates, they will drop fur. If the AC is on all the time, and they aren't in the sun all day...I start to worry. ??: What an amazingly beautiful cat. I think I have a Russian Blue now, I got him from a shelter. He has the smallest tuft of white on his bib. When did Koshka's eyes turn green? My boy is almost six months, and his irises have a ring of green, but are otherwise amber. Will they change? And he has a strange meow - it's a purr/meow, raspy, and rare! A: Yup, another found Blue. I'll start by saying Kosh is preening and considering you a friend for life, as she does everyone who comments on her lovely appearance. But I've seen this boy, and he's a Blue. The white is what disqualifies them from showing, lowers their value. The eyes depend on the cat. Some are emerald within a year, some take 2-4 years. Blues will be penalized if there is no green at all; some never go beyond that ring of green and the rest amber. Koshka's are still changing, and seem to become more green by the day. The meow is another clue, and it's where Kosh deviates from the norm. She has quite the mouth when she wants something. Of course, she also has the "sweet meow" - the nearly non-existent squeak she gives to guests. :p Brat. But Blues are not normally vocal at all. |
| Questions and Answers The Russian Blue Cat |