Skip to content

Oriental Shorthair vs Russian Blue

Compare two breeds

Pick two breeds to see them compared side by side.

First breed
Second breed
Oriental Shorthair photo

Category IV — Siamese and Oriental

Oriental Shorthair

The Oriental Shorthair has the Siamese-type body, lean, graceful and long-legged, with a wedge-shaped head and large ears, but its coat is short, smooth and close-lying, and it lacks the Siamese points. The breed was developed in the United Kingdom, and it comes in a great many colours and patterns. It needs the least grooming of the pair, as an occasional stroke with a hand or a rubber brush is enough. Adults typically weigh around 2.5 to 5 kilograms. Orientals are usually very talkative, active and seeking human attention, so they dislike being left alone for long. Life expectancy is typically around 12 to 16 years.

Russian Blue photo

Category IV — Siamese and Oriental

Russian Blue

The Russian Blue is characterised by a dense, plush, blue-grey coat with silver-tipped hairs and vivid green eyes. Its origin is traditionally linked to Arkhangelsk, but this is not known for certain. Adults typically weigh around 3 to 5.5 kilograms, with a graceful, long-legged body. The coat is double but easy to look after, and brushing a few times a week is enough. The breed is usually quiet, reserved with strangers and strongly attached to its own family. The standard calls for a solid blue coat without spots or patterns. Russian Blues are long-lived, typically reaching around 12 to 18 years.

At a glance

Oriental Shorthair Russian Blue
Weight (male) 3.0–5.0 kg 3.5–5.5 kg
Weight (female) 2.5–4.0 kg 3.0–4.5 kg
Life expectancy 12–16 yrs 12–18 yrs
Coat smooth, short plush, short

Temperament & Family Life

Oriental Shorthair Russian Blue
Family friendly
Good with children
Good with dogs
Friendly with strangers
Intelligence
Trainability

Activity & Living Space

Oriental Shorthair Russian Blue
Energy level
Playfulness
Hunting instinct
Apartment friendly

Personality & Communication

Oriental Shorthair Russian Blue
Affection
Independence
Vocality

Grooming & Shedding

Oriental Shorthair Russian Blue
Shedding
Grooming need

Trait scores (1–5) are editorial estimates, not measurements — every cat is an individual.