Breeds

Russian Blue Maine Coon Mix: Traits, Facts & Habits

The Russian Blue Maine Coon mix is a glorious feline. This rare mixed breed is magnificent in appearance, personality, and athleticism. Dive in to learn more about this amazing and rare crossbreed.

Danielle DeGroot

Last Updated: March 24, 2023 | 14 min read

Russian Blue Maine Coon Mix

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Though mixed-breed felines are common, some crossbreeds are not as common. One exceedingly rare mixed feline is the Russian Blue Maine Coon mix. This mixed breed is not one many people have likely encountered despite both breeds being popular.

This mixed kitty is one that many cat fans would go to great lengths to have due to its unusual appearance and amazing personality. These kitties can inherit traits from both parents and can be quite the conversation piece when folks who have never seen one of these beauties before.

We get into what makes the Russian Blue Maine Coon such a cool cat in this mixed breed profile. Remember when learning about this kitty that mixed breeds can be unpredictable in appearance and temperament. The information we present introduces this animal to help cat owners know what to expect. It is not a substitute for professional advice from your veterinarian or breeder. Let’s jump in and get to know what makes this mixed breed so special.

Russian Blue Maine Coon Mix
    • weight iconWeight9 - 18 or more pounds
    • height iconHeight10 - 16 Inches
    • lifespan iconLifespan12 - 20 Years
    • color iconColors Blue, Bluish Gray, Charcoal, White, Brown, Black, White, Cream, Charcoal
  • Child Friendliness
  • Canine Friendliness
  • Training Difficulty
  • Exercise
  • Grooming Upkeep
  • Breed Health
  • Kitten Costs

Breed History

There is not a lot of documented history of the development of this mixed breed. There are very few, if any, breeders that specifically developed this mix. Likely, the crossbreed developed naturally without any human intervention. Both breeds have interesting histories in their own right.

To fully understand a mixed breed is quite a challenge. We can look at both parent breeds to get an idea of some of the characteristics a crossbreed might have.

Russian Blue

Russian blue kitten is resting on the rug in the living room. Calm relaxed mood. Morning of the cat.
This breed is known for rich blue-hued gray coats.

The Russian Blue is a naturally occurring feline, meaning the breed was not started by a specific breeder. Instead, development happened through natural cross-breeding. These kitties are also known as Archangel cats. This is due to the theory that the breed originated in northern Russia on Arkhangelsk Island, an area that is close to the Arctic Circle. Arkhangelsk translates to Archangel, leading to an alternative name of Archangel blue. These cats are also called foreign Blues, Maltese, and Archangel cats. The long-haired variety is called Nebelung.

There is no confirmed theory of how this breed developed. Some stories suggest that they are distant relatives of cats kept as pets by Russian czars. Around the mid-1860s, the breed started appearing all over the world, having traveled as ship cats to England and northern Europe.

Not a lot of early documentation exists about the Russian Blue. One of the first known show appearances of a Russian Blue was in 1875 at London Crystal Palace. A Russian Blue was displayed there in an “Archangel Cat” exhibition. While the breed was present in America prior to World War II, it was not until after the war that they gained popularity. Around this time, breeding for pedigree and bloodline started in earnest, as the Archangel had been crossbred with Siamese cats for many years. The Siamese line was bred out, creating what we know as today’s Russian Blue cat.

Though the Archangel name was applied to this cat because of its original location, it can also describe the animal’s temperament. These felines are incredibly sweet with very reserved and quiet personalities. They are very well-behaved and do not like to test boundaries. Russian Blues sometimes get a reputation for being unfriendly or aloof. However, that is not the case. They will take time to get to know someone and establish a close bond. Once that happens, the Archangel becomes incredibly affectionate.

Russian Blues are born hunters who are incredibly smart and have a strong independent streak. If they cannot be outside hunting, they sit in the window all day and chatter at birds, squirrels, people, and other pets. These kitties also love to play and can be taught many different tricks and games.

Colors can range from a light silver color to a deep Gray. Archangel Blues have large, round, wide-set eyes. This breed is born with blue eyes that will turn yellow and then develop into rich emerald green. This is a fairly unique characteristic, as most other feline breeds are born with light blue eyes that will darken as they age. These cats have large, pointed ears, long necks, and flat skulls. They are a smaller breed that will reach between 7 to 12 pounds, though some can reach about 15 pounds. They live, on average, 15 to 20 years.

Maine Coon

Maine Coon Cat Walking on Snow
These cats are native to Maine and serve as the official state cat.

The Maine Coon is one incredibly popular fluffy feline. They are said to be the largest native domestic cat breed in the United States. This is another breed with many different urban legends and stories associated with where they came from. A widespread yet biologically impossible theory is that the cats are a crossbreed between wild raccoons and feral domestic house cats. This story claims that this mix explains the rugged cat’s long-ringed-like tale. But there is absolutely no way this hybrid would ever exist. The two species are too different from being compatible with reproducing.

The Maine Coon is also called the gentle giant because they are huge in size and have incredibly sweet personalities. These big kiddos can weigh between 9 and 25 pounds when fully grown. They live for a long time, between about 12 and 15 or more years on average. There are many Maine Coon cats and mixes out there that have lived much longer.

These kitties are incredibly playful in part because it takes them over two years to fully mature. They retain a kitten-like mentality well into their adult years. This is a breed that loves water and enjoys playing about in their water bowl as well as swimming. They are incredibly smart and can be trained to do many different things. These cats are so trainable that they are sometimes called puppy cats because they act a lot like dogs.

Maine Coons developed naturally to survive harsh New England winters. They are big, shaggy, sturdy felines. This breed gets incredibly long. They can reach 30 to 40 or more inches in length. Tails are incredibly long, anywhere from 12 to 17 or more inches. Tales will be covered in thick bushy fur. Purebred Maine Coon cats will have a ruff of fur around their necks, making them look similar to a lion. They have large, tufted ears.

Russian Blue Maine Coon Breed Overview

A Russian Blue Maine Coon, sometimes called a Blue Coon, may be one of the rarest crossbreed felines to find. Saying that they are uncommon does not quite do justice. Unless you breed one for yourself, finding one of these cats may be near impossible. Despite not being readily available, those few lucky cat owners that manage to find one will not be disappointed.

Temperament

A crossbreed Archangel Maine Coon will undoubtedly be a highly intelligent cat. Both parent breeds are known for their smarts, so their offspring will also be very clever, inquisitive, and intelligent. This is both a good and a bad thing when it comes to feline ownership. Intelligent cats tend to be independent, and though they are highly trainable and can learn an amazing number of things, their independent streak can make them tricky to train.

Personality-wise, this mix can have a range of characteristics. Some will inherit more from the Maine Coon side. Others will inherit more of the Russian Blue personality. Maine Coons are far more outgoing than the Archangel cat. They are more vocal and like to socialize, whereas the Archangel is timid and will hang back until they feel comfortable.

Both breeds are skilled hunters with highly active prey drives. Expect this mixed kitty to be quite ready to hunt. This mix will need to be carefully supervised around smaller pets. They will want to go outside but should not be left alone outside or kept as outdoor kitties. They will survive just fine but may cause quite a disruption to the local wildlife, rodents, and outdoor pet population.

Size & Appearance

A mixed breed kitty of Russian Blues and gentle giants will be a sizable animal. They will range from about 9 pounds to 18 or more. Males will be slightly bigger than females. They will grow for an extended amount of time, up to four or five years, to reach full size. They will stand 10 to 16 or more inches tall. Tails will likely be longer than average.

Mixed breeds are unpredictable and can inherit some traits from both parents or be more like one parent breed than the other. Along with being relatively hefty in size, they will have thick, glossy fur, large ears that may or may not be tufted, and large, wide-set, round eyes. Eye color will vary. They may be the vibrant emerald green of the Russian Blue, gold, blue, or even amber.

A Russian Blue Maine Coon mix will be a big, muscular kitty with strong bones. Expect stocky legs, big paws, and a long muscular body. Some will have tufted feet, a prominent feature for the Maine Coon. It is possible that a mixed breed will have a thick mane and ruff of fur around their necks, so this feature may not be as prominent if Archangel Blue genetics are dominant.

Coat & Colors

Because both parent breeds are known for thick manes of fur, expect a kitty with a dense coat. They will likely be medium to long-haired, with multi-layered coats of thick fur. Despite a rugged shaggy appearance, these cats will have luxuriously soft, silky fur. Both parent breeds are known for luxurious coats, so a mixed breed is guaranteed to have a glossy sheen and smooth texture. Ideally, owners would want this mixed breed to have the long shaggy soft double coat of a Maine Coon, with the deep bluish-gray coloring of an Archangel Blue. Though that coloring is the ideal coat color, it can encompass a wide range in this mixed breed.

  • Colors: Blue, Bluish Gray, Charcoal, White, Brown, Black, White, Cream, Charcoal
  • Patterns: Seal Point, Tabby, Striped, Calico, Tortoiseshell, Smoke, Shaded, Tricolor, Solid

Grooming

This mixed breed sheds regularly and needs a significant amount of grooming. They will most likely be medium to long-haired, with thick, soft undercoats and longer protective outer coats. These kitties will need brushing at least three times a week, if not daily. They will have a lot of hair, and they will shed. Regular grooming will help remove excess hair and dead skin and keep their coats free of debris and pests.

It is essential to invest in top-quality grooming tools that will be gentle on your cat and work to keep them well-groomed. They need high-quality combs and slicker brushes, which are extremely helpful in getting out mats and tangles, something common with long-haired cats. Make sure that any product you use has been developed specifically for feline use. Make sure to always read the entire label before purchasing or using a new product on your cat.

This mixed breed will be marveled at for their amazing appearance, and it is a big part of an owner’s responsibility to help maintain that coat. Coat health can impact a cat’s overall health, and weak skin, excess shedding, and loss of hair can indicate a bigger problem. Not only is grooming part of a feline’s regular maintenance, but it is also special bonding time between the cat and the owner. Consistent grooming is recommended for this cat at least four times a week, and daily grooming is ideal.

Cat owners must be careful not to overlook dental care and regular nail clipping. Dental care, in particular, can become a serious issue and lead to disease if not regularly attended to. Though brushing a kitty’s teeth is definitely a challenge, it is a pivotal element in keeping them healthy long-term. Nail care is also of significant importance. Cats whose nails are not clipped can cause damage to furniture, injury to humans and other pets, and injury to themselves if a nail gets caught or torn off.

Living Requirements

A Russian Blue Maine Coon mix will need a home with lots of room to move around, places to explore, and plenty of safe hiding spots. Remember, these kitties are genetically predisposed to shyness, though some are very friendly due to the gentle giant DNA. They like spending time with people but will also need a safe place to retreat. Because they are larger, they will need owners who understand that they may occasionally knock things over and cause a mess.

These kitties will need owners who are attentive and affectionate but are also okay with giving them space. They may be a breed that does okay home alone during the day but does not like being alone overnight. Archangels tend to be a bit more independent than the gentle giant when it comes to needing human attention and affection.

This rare mix will need plenty of mental stimulation and access to the room for running and expending some of their excess energy. They will have a high prey drive and may exhibit some aggressive tendencies towards smaller pets in the home as well as rodents and small animals outside. Because of this possibility, it is best to socialize this breed incredibly young and ensure they do not become lonely or experience boredom. A bored, clever cat is a recipe for trouble.

Exercise

This mixed breed will be highly energetic and need sessions of high physical activity, followed by lengthy periods of rest throughout the day. They commonly play for about an hour and then sleep for two or three hours. Try to work in two to three 20-minute to half-hour play sessions daily. These can include indoor and outdoor time periods. These kitties love to play chase and are highly trainable for other games, even fetch. Keep them entertained with a variety of physical activities and toys.

This breed can learn to walk on a leash and enjoy some off-leash time. This is very tricky, as they are very athletic and skilled at escaping. Because of this, they need supervision at all times when outside.

Training

Training will be crucial for this mixed breed. This mixed breed is highly intelligent and trainable, and they may also have a fiercely independent streak. This can make training a challenge. Owners must set and enforce strong boundaries, which can be tricky. Training should start young, almost as soon as a kitten comes home. They must socialize with other animals and people and learn appropriate behaviors. Training should include positive behavior reinforcements like treats, cuddles, and special toys.

Because this breed can be so independent, it may be advisable to seek the assistance of a professional cat trainer. Owners may not realize that they encourage unruly behavior or provide cats with opportunities to act out. This can be something as simple as the placement of furniture or even where a cat sleeps and eats.

Common Training For Cats

All cats, regardless of the breed, need training in some common areas to promote peaceful coexistence between felines, humans, and other pets. These include:

  1. Litter box training
  2. No spraying
  3. Do not scratch furniture
  4. Common commands like no, sit, stay, jump, roll over, etc.
  5. Games
  6. Leash training
  7. No biting people or pets
  8. Not to scratch people
  9. Do not eat non-edible items like plastic, toys, or household items
  10. Tolerating grooming, dental care, and nail clipping

Health

Mixed-breed felines tend to be very healthy. Yet, there is always the risk that they can develop or inherit genetic conditions and diseases from either parent breed. Because this specific mix of the Russian Blue Maine Coon cat is a larger-sized feline, they have a predisposition to joint conditions, cardiac issues, and obesity.

Health conditions that can affect the Russian Blue Maine Coon mix include:

  1. Joint dysfunction
  2. Hips and elbow dysplasia
  3. Orthopedic issues
  4. Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
  5. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
  6. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
  7. Allergies
  8. Feline asthma
  9. Digestive problems and GI tract dysfunction
  10. Parasites and infections
  11. Tumors and cancers
  12. Obesity
  13. Feline Diabetes

This mixed kitty will have a long lifespan. They can live 12 to 20 years. Both parent breeds have long lifespans, and mixed cats often live longer than purebreds. Proper care and nutrition significantly affect how long a cat will live.

Nutrition

Nutrition is particularly important to a feline’s health from birth to its senior years. A Russian Blue gentle giant mix will need a high-quality diet to support their large body and high energy and to ensure proper growth and development throughout their lives. Gentle giants are famous for their love of food and their tendency to overeat. It is especially important that this mixed breed be fed high-quality, well-balanced cat foods throughout their lives and monitored to prevent overeating.

This mixed kitty needs a diet that includes high-quality animal proteins. Because felines are obligate carnivores, they need meat in their diets to survive. Though some kitties may even enjoy a treat of fresh fruit or vegetables, meat and meat byproducts are ideally always the first ingredients in cat food. Along with high-quality animal proteins, this kitty needs healthy fats, amino acids, carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins and minerals to stay healthy.

Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are some of the essential nutrients felines need and are “healthy fats.” These, in particular, will help with skin and coat health, something significant for this elegant feline. Felines also need vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B6. They also need iron, calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, and more.

Additionally, owners can refer to the pet food guidelines established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). These regulate and set the recommendations for the nutritional balance of pets. Always look for foods that have real meat as the first ingredient, with fillers listed toward the end. One thing to watch is if any meal in the recipe is meat, poultry, or fish rather than just the meal.

Breeders & Kitten Costs

Because this kitty is so rare, it can be hard to determine precisely how much they cost. Purebred parents will be on the pricier side, especially the Russian Blue. Potential owners can expect to pay anywhere from about $500 to over $2,000 or $3,000. Mixes created from champion bloodlines will be higher in price. Additionally, owners should expect to spend anywhere from $100 to about $1,000 to set up a cat and for first-year medical care, including a spay or neutering procedure. Owners may want to consider pet insurance or wellness plans, which help with emergency and very costly care.

Finding this specific mixed breed may be difficult because not many breeders specialize in it. An excellent place to start is to seek out reputable breeders of both parent bloodlines. From there, one can locate a breeder specializing in mixes.

Rescues & Shelters

Sometimes the Russian Blue Maine Coon mix can happen naturally, and these kittens may find their way into rescues and shelters. Rescue and shelter cats cost much less than those purchased or adopted from breeders. Many older cats find their way into shelters. Talk to your veterinarian, cat trainers, and local animal humane centers to learn more about mixed breeds for adoption and cat rescues in the area.

As Family Pets

The Russian Blue Maine Coon mix will make a superb feline companion for the right owner. They are strong and bold, with vibrant personalities. These cats have a lot of energy and are generously in size. Because of this, they need a home with a lot of room to run around and owners who do not mind cat hair or a mess or two. These mixed kitties have an agreeable temperament. This breed is no more challenging to care for than any other feline.

This mix has everything cat owners would want in a cat, a gloriously soft luxurious coat, high intelligence and cleverness, good health, and an incredibly positive attitude. Depending on genetics and home environment, they will range from very docile to rambunctious. This kitty does well with children of all ages but should be under supervision around small children and babies due to their larger size and high hunting instincts. They may not be a perfect choice for first-time cat owners or cat owners who have a tough time setting and sticking to boundaries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Russian Blue Maine Coon cats have blue fur?

These cats can inherit the blue-gray tones of the Russian Blue. They can come in many different colors and patterns due to the different genes in the Maine coon.

Are Russian Blue Maine Coon mixes aggressive?

These cats have a lot of energy and a high prey drive but are not overly aggressive. They like people and other animals. They need training not to chase other pets.

Are Russian Blue Maine Coon cats polydactyl?

These mixes can be polydactyl, a trait often seen in the Maine Coon cat. Any feline mixed with a gentle giant can possibly inherit this condition.

Final Thoughts

Mixed breed felines like the Russian Blue Maine Coon mix are truly mesmerizing creatures. This particular mix is incredibly rare and, at times, may seem impossible to find. When owners do find them and bring them home, they make for extraordinary pets. Their unique appearance and strong personality will create an affectionate, clever, somewhat unpredictable cat.

Such a unique mix of felines is an amazing choice for a family pet and is a feline people will not forget. This rare mixed kitty is one that many cat owners have never seen but have always wanted to have. We hope that our guide has helped potential owners get to know the Russian Blue Maine Coon mix better. Remember, felines of any breed, purebred or mixed, require an elevated level of care and attention. Owning one of these cats is a great privilege and a huge responsibility.

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