What is the difference between a Colorpoint Shorthair and a Russian Blue?

The Colorpoint Shorthair is 5–10 lbs sized while the Russian Blue is 7–12 lbs sized. They differ in size (5–10 lbs vs 7–12 lbs), lifespan (12–16 years vs 15–20 years), and care requirements.

Which breed is better with kids, Colorpoint Shorthair or Russian Blue?

Colorpoint Shorthair is generally good with kids. Russian Blue is generally good with kids.

Which breed lives longer, Colorpoint Shorthair or Russian Blue?

The Colorpoint Shorthair has a lifespan of 12–16 years while the Russian Blue has a lifespan of 15–20 years.

Colorpoint Shorthair vs Russian Blue — Breed Comparison

About the Colorpoint Shorthair

The Colorpoint Shorthair was developed in the 1940s–1950s by crossing Siamese with red tabby American Shorthairs to introduce point colors beyond the traditional four Siamese shades. This elegant, medium-sized breed weighs 5–10 pounds and shares the Siamese's svelte, tubular body, wedge-shaped head, and vivid blue eyes. Their short, fine coat features point coloring in 16 non-traditional shades — including red, cream, lynx (tabby), and tortoiseshell points.

Temperament & Personality

Colorpoint Shorthairs are every bit as vocal, demanding, and affectionate as their Siamese relatives — they will tell you exactly what they think at high volume. They are intensely social cats that bond deeply with their families and can become distressed if ignored or left alone. They do well with older children who can match their energy and with other social cats that enjoy play.

Pros

Vivid, unique point colors not available in traditional Siamese
Exceptionally intelligent and responsive to training
Deeply affectionate and loyal to their chosen family
Short, fine coat requires virtually no grooming

Cons

Extremely vocal — among the loudest and most persistent cat breeds
Prone to the same health issues as Siamese — amyloidosis, asthma, and heart defects
Can develop severe separation anxiety if left alone frequently
Sensitive and easily stressed by changes in routine or environment

If you love the Siamese personality in new colors, search for Colorpoint Shorthairs on Puplister.

About the Russian Blue

The Russian Blue is a naturally occurring breed believed to have originated in the port city of Arkhangelsk (Archangel) in northern Russia, arriving in Europe aboard trade ships in the 1860s. This medium-sized cat weighs 7–12 pounds and is renowned for its dense, plush double coat of uniform blue-gray with silver-tipped guard hairs that give it a luminous shimmer. Its vivid emerald-green eyes, wedge-shaped head, and enigmatic "Mona Lisa smile" complete an unmistakably elegant look.

Temperament & Personality

Russian Blues are gentle, reserved cats that are intensely loyal to their families yet cautious around strangers. They are creatures of habit who thrive on routine — eating at the same time, playing in the same spots, and sleeping in their preferred perch. Once bonded, they are affectionate and playful, often fetching toys and entertaining themselves with quiet grace.

Pros

Produces lower levels of the Fel d 1 allergen — better tolerated by some allergy sufferers
Dense double coat is low-shedding and virtually maintenance-free
Quiet and well-mannered — rarely destructive or excessively vocal
Long-lived breed with few genetic health issues — many reach 15–20 years

Cons

Shy and reserved with strangers — may hide during gatherings or parties
Sensitive to change — can become stressed by moves, new pets, or schedule disruptions
Prone to overeating and weight gain if food is left out freely
Can be slow to warm up to new family members or housemates

Charmed by those emerald eyes and silver-tipped fur? Find Russian Blue cats ready for their forever homes on Puplister.

Colorpoint Shorthair vs Russian Blue