When choosing a cat breed to adopt and introduce to your home it’s always a good idea to find a breed that meshes well with your own personality and the dynamic of your home.
The Russian White is a lovable, intelligent, friendly, and beautiful looking breed. Most people are more familiar with the Russian Blue, the White is just as you’d expect – a Russian with a white coat.
They are rarer than the blue but carry all the same personality traits, read on to find out more about the Russian White and see if they are exactly what you’re looking for from a kitty companion.
Russian White Cat Personality Traits
It’s their unique personalities that attract most people to Russian cats, and once someone has spent time with one of these wonderful animals they are hooked.
Just ask anyone who owns a Russian Blue, White, or Black. Their owners are notorious for wanting to tell you how clever they are, some of their funny stories… and so on.
This is because they are known for being intelligent and friendly. A great combination if ever there was one for a loving cat.
You can teach a Russian White some cool little tricks like fetching a toy, opening a door, moving things out the way to find treats and other little things that have a reward at the end.
They also remember people a lot better than most cats. They will great people they are fond of, just as they will remember those who don’t give them treats.
Although they are friendly, generally speaking, they are also quiet and reserved. If you want a noisy, social cat, I recommend a Siamese, because you’re not going to get much vocalizing from a Russian.
Which, for those of us who have had a cat yowling at night this is a huge plus – yes, I’m talking from experience.
So, to summarize some of the personality traits of a Russian White, they are best described with the following words:
- Intelligent
- Friendly
- Curious
- Loving
- Energetic
What Does A Russian White Cat Look Like?
Russian White Cat Facts and Interesting Information
Allergies – While not mentioned in lists of hypoallergenic cat breeds, Russian Cats have thick coats that are believed to keep the allergens closer to their skin and create less airborne particles.
Life Expectancy – The Russian White has a life expectancy of around 10-20 years. They have few health problems because they have no real genetic issues and are not prone to any illnesses.
Weight and Size – Fully grown adult Russian Whites are average sizes and weight. You can expect them to weigh between 6-12 lbs (2.5-5.5 kg).
Comparison Between Russian Blue and Russian White Cats
| Feature | Russian Blue | Russian White |
|---|---|---|
| Coat color | Even bright blue, with silver-tipped guard hairs | Pure white |
| Coat texture | Short, dense, and plush | Medium-length, silky, and soft |
| Eye color | Bright green | Blue or green |
| Body type | Lean and muscular | Medium-sized and sturdy |
| Personality | Intelligent, curious, and playful | Sweet, affectionate, and calm |
| Grooming needs | Low-maintenance, requires occasional brushing | Moderate, requires regular brushing and occasional bathing |
| Health issues | Susceptible to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and urinary tract issues | Susceptible to deafness and skin allergies |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years | 10-15 years |
| Origin | Russia | Australia |
| Popularity | Ranked 7th most popular cat breed in the US by the Cat Fanciers’ Association | Not as popular as the Russian Blue, but gaining popularity in recent years |
Note: This table is based on general breed characteristics and may not apply to all individual cats. It is important to research and understand the specific needs and characteristics of each cat before adopting or caring for them.
What Are Russian White Kittens Like?
In a word – energetic!
Ideally, you will have another kitten or cat of a similar age to help keep your Russian stimulated and give them someone to play with.
Russian White kittens require a lot of interaction from humans, playmates, or toys, of they can get bored. Which means they might turn their focus onto more mischevious activities, such as damaging furniture around the home!
They are incredibly athletic too. Don’t be surprised if you find them climbing your curtains, jumping from the highest pieces of furniture, darting around at an incredible pace, and so on.
It’s very entertaining and fun to witness. But can be a bit of a handful for inexperienced cat owners.
All those moments when you play together and see some intelligent puzzle solving is priceless though. I’ve never experienced it quite the same from any other breed of cat.
In my opinion, the Russian White is a truly unique and magical breed of cat. I recommend taking a closer look at speaking with local breeders if you’re interested.
I hope this introduction to Russian White cats has helped connect at least one person to one of these special kitties. Or at the very least raised some awareness of this rare breed of cat.
If you have any personal stories about your Russian White, any questions or comments, or just want to say ‘Hi,’ feel free to drop a note below. Thanks!
