What to look for before you fall in love with a photo.
A healthy, well-raised Russian Blue kitten looks a lot like any other adorable grey kitten in a photo. The difference shows up in the paperwork, the parents, and the answers you get when you ask questions. Here is what actually separates a good kitten from a risky one.
What to check
Five things that matter
Health testing on both parents
Ask for proof of general wellness screening and, where the breeder tests for it, cardiac and genetic health checks on the mother and father. A reputable breeder will hand this over without hesitation.
Age at homecoming, 12 to 14 weeks
Russian Blues are naturally reserved, and extra time with their mother and littermates helps them build confidence before they meet a new home. Walk away from anyone offering an 8-week-old kitten.
TICA or CFA registration
A registered litter means the pedigree is on record and the breeding cats meet a registry's standards. Ask to see the litter registration or the individual kitten's pedigree paperwork.
A written health guarantee
This should cover genetic conditions for a defined period, typically one to five years, and spell out what happens if a covered issue shows up. Read it before you pay a deposit, not after.
A kitten raised in the home
Kittens raised underfoot in a family living room, exposed to normal household noise and handling, socialize better than kittens raised in an isolated cattery room. This matters even more for a naturally reserved breed. Ask to video call the kitten in its everyday environment.
What to avoid
Red flags worth walking away from
A guaranteed hypoallergenic promise
No breeder can guarantee a specific kitten will not trigger a specific person's allergies. Treat that promise as a warning sign, not a selling point.
Multiple litters always available
A small, careful breeding program has occasional litters, not a constant rotating inventory.
Payment only by wire transfer or gift card, no contract
A legitimate breeder uses a written sales contract and standard payment methods.
Refusal to let you video call or visit
Reasonable biosecurity limits on in-person visits are normal, but a flat refusal to even video call is a warning sign.
What Russian Blues typically cost
Expect a range of roughly $1,000 to $2,500 for a pet-quality kitten from health-tested lines, sometimes higher for show-quality cats. A price well below that range, paired with little or no health testing, usually means corners were cut somewhere.
Still weighing a Russian Blue against another low-shedding breed? Read the honest Russian Blue vs Siberian cat comparison, including where the Siberian's allergen research genuinely gets the edge.
Once your kitten settles in, see the full day-to-day care guide for grooming, diet, and vet schedules.
See kittens raised the right way
Every kitten featured comes from health-tested parents with paperwork to match.
