The Russian Blue is another breed of obscure ancestry, but the thick fur suggests that the development took place in a cold climate where a coat of this density would be needed for warmth. The outer coat stands up stiffly but is also short and thick. Sleek and graceful, the Russian Blue's coat is slate blue to an almost lavender shade, the color uniform over the entire body in show cats. The oval eyes are bright green; the pointed ears are thin-skinned, almost transparent. Because of the narrow, flat skull, the forehead recedes. The neck is noticeably long.

Agile, the Russian Blue is active if given an opportunity, preferring the outdoors but also adapting to sedentary apartment life. Even-tempered, affectionate, and intelligent, the Russian Blue is normally silent. It is one of the few breeds that allows itself to be led on a leash. It is generally aloof to strangers.