There are 9 blue cat breeds worth knowing. Some are super common. Some are so rare you’ll wait a year to find one.
I’ve lived with 3 of them and researched all 9. Here’s what you actually need to know.
1. Russian Blue – The Elegant Shadow
What They Look Like
The Russian Blue is what most people picture when they hear “blue cat.”
Short, dense double coat. It doesn’t lie flat. It stands up and shimmers. In the right light, it looks like someone dusted them with silver powder.
And those eyes. Bright emerald green that seems to glow against the blue fur.
Personality
- Smart but reserved. They watch before they trust
- Obsessed with routine. Feed them late, and they’ll judge you
- Playful in 10-minute bursts, then 4-hour nap
- Can learn tricks. Mine knows “sit” and “high five.” “”
My friend’s Russian Blue hides when strangers come over. But with his person? He’s a purring shadow that follows them room to room.
CFA describes them as gentle and quiet. That’s spot on.
History
Probably from Arkhangelsk, Russia. Sailors brought them to Europe and Britain in the 1860s. They became popular with royalty because of that coat.
Best for: Quiet people who want a loyal, low-drama cat
2. British Shorthair – The Teddy Bear
What They Look Like
If a teddy bear came to life, it would be a British Shorthair.
Round face. Chubby cheeks. Thick, plush blue-gray coat that you want to bury your face in.
Big copper or gold eyes. They don’t blink much. They just stare at you like, “What?”
Personality
- Extremely chill. Nothing fazes them
- Loyal to family but not clingy
- Great with kids because they’re so patient
- Would rather nap than run
They’re independent. You can work 8 hours and come home to find them in the same sunspot.
CFA calls them easygoing. Understatement of the year.
History
Romans brought their ancestors to Britain as mousers 2000 years ago. Today they’re considered a national treasure in the UK.
Best for: Busy people who want low-maintenance company
3. Chartreux – France’s Quiet Treasure
What They Look Like
Medium-short coat that’s actually water-resistant. Monks needed that.
Deep orange or copper eyes. And that smile. Their mouth curves up naturally so they always look content.
Muscular, stocky build. They feel solid when you pick them up.
Personality
- Very smart. Learn routines in 2 days
- Whisper meow. You’ll barely hear them
- Affectionate but not needy
- Still have strong hunting instincts
History
French Carthusian monks bred them in the 1700s to catch mice in monasteries. They needed cats that were quiet and didn’t beg for attention during prayer.
Rare outside France. If you find one, you’re lucky.
Best for: People who want a quiet, intelligent companion
4. Korat – The Good Luck Cat
What They Look Like
Short, single-layer coat with silver tips. It looks like it’s glowing.
Heart-shaped face. Huge green eyes that are very expressive.
They’re medium-sized but very muscular.
Personality
- Velcro cats. Will follow you to the bathroom
- Bond to one person very strongly
- Playful and need puzzle toys
- Sensitive to loud noises and change
History
In Thailand, they’ve been considered good luck for 600+ years. Traditionally given as wedding gifts to bring prosperity.
One of the oldest natural breeds. No human did the breeding—they just showed up that way.
Best for: People who work from home and want a companion
5. Nebelung – The Creature of Mist
What They Look Like
Imagine a Russian Blue but with long hair. That’s a Nebelung.
Silky, semi-long coat with silver tipping. It floats when they walk.
Same striking green eyes as the Russian Blue.
Personality
- Loyal but shy with strangers
- Need calm, predictable homes
- Very smart. Clicker training works great
- Playful but never demanding
History
Brand new breed. Created in the US in the 1980s by breeding Russian Blues with long-haired cats.
“Nebelung” is German for “creature of the mist.” Fits perfectly.
Best for: Quiet homes with no small kids
6. Burmese – The Social Blue
What They Look Like
Most Burmese are brown, but blue is stunning.
Short, glossy coat that feels like satin. Soft blue-gray color.
Large gold eyes and a round head. Very expressive faces.
Personality
- Extremely social. Hate being alone
- Playful and energetic well into adulthood
- Love attention. Will climb in your lap uninvited
- Talkative. They’ll have conversations with you
History
From Burma. The blue color was developed on purpose in the US and UK in the mid-1900s.
Best for: Families who are home a lot
7. Oriental Shorthair – The Talker
What They Look Like
Sleek, short coat that lies flat. More than 300 colors exist, but blue is striking.
Huge bat-like ears. Long, angular face. Siamese body type – long and lean.
Personality
- Very vocal. Will tell you about their day
- Need people. Get lonely fast
- High energy and curious
- Bond deeply and get jealous easily
History
Bred in the UK in the 1950s by crossing Siamese with other breeds to get more colors. The goal was a Siamese personality in different coats.
Best for: People who want an interactive, chatty cat
8. Scottish Fold – The Owl Cat
What They Look Like
Those folded ears. They look like little owls.
Thick, plush blue-gray coat. Round face and big round eyes.
They sit in weird positions. Called the “Buddha sit.”
Personality
- Sweet and gentle
- Adaptable with kids and other pets
- Love cuddling on the couch
- Playful but not hyper
History
Folded ears were a genetic mutation found on a farm in Scotland in 1961. Blue became popular because it looks so soft.
Best for: Families who want a cute, easygoing cat
9. Persian – The Royal Blue
What They Look Like
Flat face. Huge round eyes. Long, flowing silvery-blue coat that needs daily brushing.
They look like they belong on a velvet pillow in a palace.
Personality
- Calm and gentle
- Love being pampered and brushed
- Low energy. Professional nappers
- Prefer quiet homes
History
From ancient Persia. Blue is one of the oldest Persian colors, bred for centuries.
Best for: People who don’t mind daily grooming
10. Ragdoll – The Floppy Blue
What They Look Like
Semi-long, soft coat. Bright blue eyes. Blue comes in pointed, mitted, and bicolor patterns.
Big and muscular but looks soft.
Personality
- Go completely limp when you pick them up
- Very friendly and social
- Love people and other pets
- Playful but relaxed
History
Developed in California in the 1960s specifically to be affectionate. CFA calls them docile and people-oriented.
See our Maine Coon Ragdoll Mix guide if you want a bigger version.
Best for: Families who want a cuddle buddy
How To Choose The Right Blue Cat For You
Ask yourself 3 questions:
- How much grooming? Persian = daily. BSH = weekly
- How much attention? Oriental = lots. Russian Blue = moderate
- Noise level? Burmese = chatty. Chartreux = silent
There’s no “best” blue cat. There’s just the best blue cat for your life.
Final Thoughts
Blue cats are special because the color is rare in nature but common in cats.
Whether you want the elegance of a Russian Blue, the chill of a British Shorthair, or the rarity of a Korat, you’re getting a cat that turns heads.
That silver coat in sunlight? Worth it.
FAQs
1. Are blue cats rare?
Not really. Blue is a dilution of black. But some breeds like Korat and Chartreux are rare.
2. Do blue cats have different personalities?
Yes. Color doesn’t dictate personality. Breed does. A blue Persian acts nothing like a blue Oriental.
3. Do blue cats shed a lot?
Depends on coat length. Short hair = less. Persian/Nebelung = more.
4. Are blue cats more expensive?
Sometimes. Rare breeds like Korat cost $800-$1500. Common breeds like BSH are $600-$1000.