How Long Does the Russian Blue Cat Live?

There are breeds of cats that we would like to own because of their unique qualities. One rare breed is the Russian Blue Cat which belongs to a pricier breed. You’ll be paying an acceptable amount because they are stunning cats. Their personality and appearance will make you rush into a breeder and buy one for yourself. However, you also need to research the important questions that you must ask in buying a cat. Not just the expensive breeds button every cat that you’ll be going to buy and nurture. One important question is how long does a Russian blue cat live?

If you want to have a Russian Blue Cat, you’ll be expecting it to be with you for 15 to 20 years. Of course, that still depends on their health status. As a fur parent, you’ll be responsible for keeping them healthy and alive until they die out of old age. However, there are reports that the breed can only live up to 13 years. But, with your cat, you can surpass that age when you make it a goal to provide excellent nutrition, environment, lifestyle, and regular vet checkups.

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Factors That Can Influence the Life of Russian Blue Cats.

To be more knowledgeable in raising your own Russian Blue Cat. You have to know these factors to better take care of and provide for your pet’s needs.

1. Nutrition

A healthy diet is important for Russian Blue Cats because you don’t want to risk them being overweight and underweight. Most diseases would come when they are in this state of body nutrition. Be choosy in selecting the right diet and food for your Russian Blue Cat especially when you have to spend an ample amount of money to get one. Cat’s diet is mainly carnivorous, consisting of meat, fish, turkey, and chicken. When you have Blue kittens, the right diet would be to give them calorie-rich foods so that they’ll be filled with the energy that they most needed in growing up. After kittenhood, Russian Blue Cats need to have a quality diet of proteins, fats, vitamins A, D, E, and K. In addition, your cat would also need minerals such as calcium, magnesium, chloride, and iron. It is also advisable to add around 10% carbohydrates for your cat to have energy but you have to control this because it is one of the reasons why pets are obese.

2. Exercise

Exercise is not just for dogs but for your feline pets as well. Although, they may not do it as an exercise but a playtime. To ensure that your Russian Blue is moving and not just sleeping all day. There are various things you can do to encourage them from being active:

Get another cat.

A cat that is living alone will be lonely and end up sleeping all day. When you get another cat, both of them can play and chase each other around the house.

Build Towers or Tunnels.

Your Russian Blue Cat is active and probably loves to have something that they can climb on so it would be nice to build a tower for your cat. Also, you can build a tunnel to entertain your cat in their meals or on the way to their bed.

Buy Hanging Toys.

Cats love hanging toys just like how babies love to play with them. Since it’s a hanging toy it will constantly move and it will keep your cat entertained for a time being. Also, you can buy moving toys that your cat can chase. You could also buy an artificial rat so that your cat will be motivated to chase them.

Play with Lasers.

Cats specifically love lasers and if you’ve watched videos about cats chasing laser lights then you’ll know that it’s funny to watch. You’ll be entertained as well as your cat.

Allow Them to Play Outside.

When you have a backyard that has fences and is safe from any animals. Then you can allow your cat to play outside but with your supervision, because they might climb the fences and go outside.

3. Veterinary Care Check-ups

To avoid any undetected health issues, you must always show up to your bi-annual appointments with your vet. In this way, if your cat is developing any diseases, your vet can give medications right away to prevent it from getting worse than it already is. Furthermore, do not hesitate to go to the vet if your cat is experiencing some injuries or wounds. You might think that you can cure it at home but it is still best that you consult your vet doctor on the phone to ensure that your cat is safe and free from pain.

4. Cat Environment

It’s very important that you pet-proof your home, which means you remove all the items and obstructions that can injure or kill your cat. Such instances are the poisonous pesticides, detergents,s and other harmful chemicals that your cat might ingest. In addition, you should also keep your medicines and human products intact and safe so that cats won’t have the idea of chewing or eating these products. The same goes for sharp objects, like knives, blades, and scissors. Not just that, you also need to ensure that the environment of your RussianBlue Cat won’t make them depressed, lonely, or threatened. If you have dogs around the house, you have to create a place wherein your cat will feel safe and secured. Also, try to avoid objects or people that can make your heart depressed, always introduce someone and remove objects that you don’t like.

5. Owner’s Attention

You can’t just allow your cat to do their thing. You have to be present and consider your Russian Blue Cat as a baby. Shower them with love, attention, and time so that they’ll feel loved and secure. Also, you have to always provide quality cat food and basic grooming. It means that despite your busy schedule you have to set time and effort to meet with your cat every day, check what needs to be done, and buy and play with them. The owner’s negligence won’t help in prolonging the life of your cat. Your love and care as their parent and owner will keep their lives longer and happy.

Do Russian Blue Cats Have Health Issues?

All cats may suffer from any health issues but you are lucky when you own a Russian Blue Cat because they are not prone to many diseases. The breed does not have any genetic issues but that does not mean that you can entirely prevent a cat from getting sick. Their average lifespan depends on how healthy they are. As a responsible owner, you have to increase the average life expectancy by fighting common health issues on your Russian Blue Cat but most especially preventing it all to happen to your cat.

Let’s figure out common health concerns pet owners might experience in raising Blue Cats.

1. Obesity

It is a common problem in any pet because once your Russian Blue Cat became obese, its full potential wouldn’t be unleashed. They’ll sleep more and will walk slower than usual. The immune system will most likely be affected and your cat will get any diseases faster than their normal weight. Obesity can be fought through proper diet and avoiding foods that are rich in carbohydrates. You could also minimize obesity from happening to your archangel cat by encouraging them to always move and have an active playtime.

2. Osteoarthritis

When your cat will become obese, one follow-up health concern is osteoarthritis. It will be painful and will end up with your cat in a sleeping mode always, they will lose weight, lose appetite, and will change their attitude because arthritis is getting rid of all the best things from their life. Walking, playing, climbing, and doing other stuff will be so painful. You will notice that they are suffering from osteoarthritis when they can’t jump to the usual spots they used to jump, also getting up and lying down would be slower as if experiencing some sort of pain.

You have to consult a veterinarian immediately so that you can plan a prompt action to ease the pain and to recover the cat’s current lifestyle if possible.

3. Hip Dysplasia

It is a health concern that would require surgery. In this state, your cat will have a dislocated ball and socket that will grind whenever they move. Your vet doctor needs to remove the head and neck of the femur. After this, a muscle will grow to make it a false joint on the hips. Usually, treatments and surgeries are successful and can make your Russian Blue Cat live their life to the fullest. However, despite this health issue being treatable, you have to also make an effort not to let this happen because it is expensive and would cause you worries and stress in the long run.

4. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

It is a common heart problem around cats and may happen on your Russian Blue. Medical care is important when this health issue occurs because the cat’s heart is thickening and the flow of blood is hindered as well as weakening the heart in pumping blood. It could be fatal and medical procedures must be done such as surgery to prolong the life of your cat. Preventive measures such as proper diet, exercise, low cholesterol, and sugar can help prevent the cause of this disease.

ASPA Points Out Common Problems Around Russian Blue Cat

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has shared common cat problems that can affect the average lifespan of your Russian Blue Cat.

Cancer
Diabetes
Worms
Upper Respiratory Infections
Ringworm
Rabies
High-Rise Syndrome
Heartworm
Feline Leukemia Virus

Pet Insurance for Russian Blue Cat

Prolonging your cat’s life will be possible if you get pet insurance. The purpose of this insurance is to help you with expensive veterinary medical bills that might occur in the future due to diseases on your Russian Blue Cat. You may think that you don’t need this but circumstances might happen and it’s always best that we are insured and our pet is insured so that we can still provide them other years to live. Also, it will prevent you from getting loans and looking for places to borrow money because the insurance company will guide you and will cover a portion of medical expenses so that you and your cat can go out of the hospital.

If you are interested you can check out the following top pet insurance company to help you what plan is suited for your cat.

1. More Than

2. Bought by Many

3. Direct Line

If your cat is mostly indoors and they are the active breed of cat. Then exercise will not be a problem and most probably they will not be obese as they get older. These cats won’t need pet insurance but just to be sure, create an emergency fund for your pets. That is the most practical way to help them in any surgery and medical treatments needed.

Indeed, the Russian Blue Cat breed is a rare beauty that can be found in a cat. It’s a given fact that when you own this cat you’ll be mesmerized by its quiet and affectionate personality. You’ll also enjoy its appearance as you get to witness its double silvery coat each day. They are low maintenance and with the right routine care, the cat can live up to 20 years. As their favorite person, you have to encourage healthy living towards your pet. That includes being choosy in cat food, treats, and activities that can harm your cat. Also, before you buy this breed you have to ensure that the breeder is certified and does not abuse its animals. Russian Blue may be expensive but they can be good pets that would put smiles and warmth in your heart and family.