
The Siamese and Russian Blue cat breeds have been man’s companions for centuries. They are both incredibly beautiful cats, and are easy to live with. But which one of the two is friendlier and more affectionate?
When you have had a long tedious day, sometimes all you want is to come home, snuggle up on the couch and sip on some hot cacao. A warm ball of fur purring next to you is easily the best addition to your quiet time. Cats have a way of giving comfort, and you will agree with me when I say that a cat’s affection can be one of the best feelings in the world, especially when you are a cat person.
There are many cat breeds out there that love living with humans. They differ in many ways, right from their physical, temperamental and behavioral characteristics. We mostly select cat breeds that we find beautiful, and different people have different preferences. A good number of people love massive cats with long fur, while yet others love smaller breeds that have short fur. A cat’s a cat, none the less, and they make awesome companions.
The Siamese and Russian Blue cat breeds are two of the most popular and beautiful breeds. They are both average sized cats with short fur. But they have quite a number of differences. So which one of the two would make a better and friendlier companion?
What are the differences between Siamese and Russian Blue cats?
Cat Breed |
Siamese |
Russian Blue |
Physical Characteristics |
Light or dark body shade, dark brown patch on face, dark feet, ears and tail |
Blue-grey coat, green eyes |
Temperament |
Playful and affectionate |
Quiet and affectionate |
Life Span |
8 – 15 years |
10 – 20 years |
Siamese vs. Russian Blue Cats – How do they compare?
Physical characteristics
A Siamese fur coat can range from a white shade to a dark brown one depending on the cat. There are cats that are predominantly dark, sporting fur coats that are a dark shade of brown that could at times boarder on black. Others have a really light shade that almost looks white. The most consistent pattern on Siamese cats is a dark patch around the nose and eyes. The ears are also dark, along with the feet and tail.
The pigmentation in a Siamese cat is dictated by a modifier gene that keeps pigment from developing in the fur, but only within a 100 – 102 degree temperature range. The cat’s fur darkens as it gets colder, and that is why the face, ears, feet and tail are darker since they do not have a lot of heat.
They are usually long and somewhat muscular, with short fur coats and blue eyes.
The Russian Blue cats have a blue coat that may at times look like a dark shade of grey. It is usually beautiful and luscious, with the whole body covered in the same shade.
They have beautiful eyes that are green which is rare in cats.
Temperament
Siamese cats are known to be playful. They like to jump around and play with toys, and they also enjoy playing with humans. They are not aggressive, though, and they are rarely violent. They have no problem being around other pets, and are highly affectionate towards family.
The Russian Blue are more quiet and collected. They prefer to stay calm and relax. But they can get playful, especially when they are with their most trusted humans. They do not like to be around strangers, and they just might leave when someone they are not conversant with is around. They have a good tolerance for kids and other pets.
Lifespan
A Siamese cat lives about 8 to 15 years when they are given good care.
A Russian Blue can live longer than the Siamese and has a lifespan of 10 – 20 years.
Siamese vs. Russian Blue Overview
Siamese cats
These are some of the most beautiful cats around. They have muscular athletic bodies that are long and somewhat trim. They are short fur cats that are easy to groom because they shed little fur.
A Siamese cat is born predominantly white, and they have a modifier gene that keeps the fur from getting dark at a 100 – 102 degree temperature range. The fur darkens when the environment gets cooler. This is why the face, ears, tail and feet are dark. They have less heat than other body parts.
They are very playful cats and are deeply affectionate, especially towards family and small kids. They are likely to be found jumping around and playing with toys. They are highly intelligent ad easy to groom.
Siamese cats are prone to developing cardiovascular, respiratory and liver complications as they age, and they have a lifespan of 8 to 15 years.
Pros
- They are playful and affectionate
- They are pet friendly
- They are easy to groom
Cons
- They are prone to a range of health complications as they age
Russian Blue Cats
These are some of the most unique looking cats around. They have a fur coat that is blue and luscious, and it may at times look like a dark shade of grey. They do not have distinctive patterns on them like the Siamese since their whole bodies are covered in the same shade.
They have beautiful green eyes which are quite rare. Their bodies are long and athletic, and they have short fur coats.
They are predominantly calm and quiet cats, but they can get playful around close family. Russian Blue cats are shy in the face of strangers, but they have no problem being around other pets. They have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years.
Pros
- They are incredibly beautiful
- They are affectionate
- They are calm and collected
Cons
- They are really shy
Conclusion
Both of these cats are ideal for a domestic environment. However, the Siamese cat seems like a better fit for a person that likes a friendly, playful and deeply compassionate cat. The Russian Blue may be beautiful, but you may not be able to interact with it as much as you would like.