A snow-white cousin of the Russian Blue with the same plush double coat, emerald eyes and softly smiling face — shy with strangers but deeply devoted to its own people.
- Origin
- Russia / Australia
- Category
- shorthair
- Lifespan
- 13–20 yrs
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 3–5.5 kg
- Coat
- Short, dense double coat with plush guard hairs
- Colours
- Pure white
😺 Temperament
🏡 Best suited to
📊 Personality ratings
📜 History & origin
In the early 1970s Australian breeder Mavis Jones crossed a white domestic shorthair imported from Russia with Russian Blues, aiming to create white and black versions of the beloved blue breed. The result — Russian White, Black and Tabby — shares the Russian Blue's elegant build, dense 'stand-away' coat and gentle temperament, and is accepted by a number of registries in Australia, New Zealand and parts of Europe, though not by all of the major clubs.
🧼 Care & grooming
The double coat is easy to maintain — a weekly brush keeps it plush and cuts down on shedding. As with all white cats, check that the ears and nose are protected from sunburn if the cat has access to bright windows or outdoor runs. These are sensitive, routine-loving cats that dislike chaos and reward a calm home with quiet, steadfast affection.
🩺 Health notes
A robust and long-lived breed with no distinctive inherited disorders. Because the white coat can be linked to deafness in blue-eyed white cats, responsible breeders select for green-eyed lines, which carry a much lower risk. Routine dental care and annual check-ups are all most Russian Whites need.
