Expert: Jessica - 8/28/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello Jessica, I would like an expert opinion on what breed or breeds cat mine might be. I got him from a friend as a very young kitten about 3 years ago I have little knowledge of cat breeds and don't know if it is even possible to determine a breed from a picture but I would be happy with just an educated guess. He is
Here some about him; He is very friendly towards kids and other animals, laid back yet playful when in the mood, 'Extremely' soft -think fur with many different shades of gray, generally quiet (squeaks), and just weighed him at 14 pounds.
Thank you very much.
Cheers.

ANSWER: Hi Brandon.  It is true that it's not possible to tell a cat's breed without either a pedigree or expensive DNA testing, but Baby resembles a Russian Blue in many ways.  Most strikingly, in his coat.  Russian Blues have very plush fur in what is referred to as a double coat.  The fur stands up rather than lying very flat against the body, and the hairs are tipped in silver, which gives the Russian Blue's coat a halo effect.  This seems to be very evident in the top picture you provided.  And if I can see the bottom picture properly, it looks like Baby has green eyes, which is also a trait.  Russian Blues are also known for their soft, sweet voices.  Many people say they sound also musical.  Most Russian Blues don’t get to be quite as large as your kitty.  In fact, most of the short-haired breeds average around 11 pounds for males.  But although Russian Blues are hard to come by as purebreds, I think it would be safe to say your kitty is a “Russian Blue type” or perhaps Russian Blue mix.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the answer, yes his eyes are green.
The reason why I became so curious of his breed is because Baby really stands out from the crowed for me, from his unique personality to his unbelievably soft, glossy 'multi-grey' fur that even changes colour depending on which direction you pet him. After looking at many pictures I have before thought that he might be part Russian Blue aswell.
I have also recently seen pictures of a breed called 'Chartreux' too and have seen striking resemblances. Tell me what you think, Maybe he's both Chartreux and Russian blue?
And yes he might be a little overwaight too lol.
Thank you for your time

Answer
The Chartreux does have a similar coat color, but the texture is much different.  It's wooley and not as soft like you mention Baby's is, so I would be less inclined to think that he may be a Chartreux mix.  Also, the most striking feature about the Chartreux tends to be their copper eyes.  Since the Chartreux is even less common than the Russian Blue, I would say that his chances of being of Russian Blue lineage are still much greater than having Chartreux in his background, but there is still some possibility.  At least that's my speculation.  Whichever he is, he is certainly gorgeous!  Gray cats are one of my favorites, and some are even more radiant than others.  He definitely has that blue glow!