Customer Reviews

The Russian Blue Cat

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a book by someone who cares passionately that animals in general and the Russian Blue breed in particular are understood and well treated by their human companions. The 20+ years Ms. Urcia has spent breeding and studying these beautiful cats has resulted in an in-depth knowledge of her subject. She has put her knowledge to good use in her breeding methods and has kept this uncommon breed healthy and true to type. As the lucky "owner" of one of her cattery's Russian Blues, I marvel daily at his beauty, his intelligence, his energy and humor. Ms. Urcia's cats are lovingly hand-raised in her own house and result in the most well-adjusted, sweetest-tempered, happiest cats I have ever seen. She makes sure that her kittens go to loving homes where they are cared for properly. I wish all breeders of any animal were as knowledgeable, as careful and as ethical as she.

As a breeder of these lovely cats since the mid-80's I'm very happy to say that her second book on the Russian Blue is even better then her first. Ingeborg's books are the only books that I've come across that provide factual and accurate information on this lovely and elegant breed.

I found this book to have a vast amount of information about the history and characteristics of the Russian Blue. It also gives general care and helpful hints when caring for this breed. It is a must read for anyone wanting to learn more about this regal breed. Great research!

Wonderful book, and for such 'young' cat lover as me, possible to describe only by one word: MASSIVE... (with its 160 pages). Breed info is not only extended but comprehensive and written with genuine signs of passion for the Russian Blues...
I am truly fascinated by the depth of the author's knowledge and her love to the breed. The only not-fully-positive remark I have, would be about the quality of pictures on the front cover and of some inside the book (professional graphic advisable) - but as I understand this is not meant to be an album book but a excellent breed book. And it is for sure excellent.

Three years after I wrote my first review of "The Russian Blue Cat" I can report that my "Ivar of Katzenberg" (aka Bubba) remains one of the most communicative, graceful, expressive, loving, beautiful cats I have ever seen. I have received a number of emails from people who read my previous review and have put them in touch with the Russian Blue internet network, which is quite surprisingly vast. If one has the time, one can view endless photos of the object of besotted owners' devotion. And, if you have a Russian Blue, you seem to find the time and the photos make you smile. I still send copies of all Bubba's photos to his breeder, the author of "The Russian Blue Cat", and she enjoys them and has kept in touch. Mrs. Urcia sympathized when I was sad that Bubba had lost his "baby" face and now has the face of an adult male. And she helped me get through the terrifying one time when Bubba got very sick with some unknown bug. Thank God, we pulled him through. I would get another Russian from Katzenburg Cattery in a heartbeat, but Bubba's special place in the family as "the baby" (he will be 7 years old in March)has held me back. When fate placed a nearly-starved-to-death kitten in my driveway last summer, Bubba had to deal with the fact that he might not be the only baby in the family. The kitten is rough and tumble now, but Bubba retains his delicacy and maintains his pride of place above the "lower orders". If you are considering getting a Russian Blue, know that they require a lot more attention than most other cats. They seem to have a sensitivity, a delicacy, a need to communicate with their owners that is at the high end of the bell curve in cat behavior. Also, they are tremendous leapers and love to get to the highest place they can and love to ride on their human's shoulder. Mrs. Urcia's book, "The Russian Blue Cat" remains the best book about the breed and her cattery produces some of the loveliest examples of the feline kingdom.

Excellent all around book explaining the believed origin of the beautiful Russian Blue cat breed. A must have for anyone seriously considering adding one of these beautiful creatures to their lives!!!

I have already written my review for this keystone book about the Russian Blue cat. It is with great sadness that today I learned that the book's author, Ingeborg Urcia passed away May 28, 2003. I believe that other Russian Blue owners and cat-lovers would like to know that this great lady of responsible cat breeding has left us.

I would like also to relate that today I spoke with Ingeborg's husband, Dr. Joe Urcia today for quite some time and received his permission to let others in the cyber community know about his beloved wife of 47 years. Ingeborg was totally dedicated to her two main pursuits, teaching English at Eastern Washington University and cats; specifically Russian Blues and American shorthairs. Her name is very well known to cat fanciers. Ingeborg was passionate that the breeds she raised were healthy, true to type and went to loving, responsible homes. Many owners of her cats will deeply mourn her passing, as I do. She was always there for us to admire photos of her cattery's offspring, or give advice and answer questions. I will never ever forget the help she rendered me when my beloved Russian got very ill. She helped me pull him through the illness. Ingeborg's husband, Joe, has told me that before she died, she directed that her cats be sent to her favorite vet, Dr. Kate Christman, to find loving homes for them. Joe Urcia and Dr. Christman and her staff intend to set up a museum in Ingeborg's name, featuring her vast collection of porcelain cats, a tribute both to her and the felines that she loved so dearly. Joe is also working on publishing her last book, "Steps in the Night", her own story about surviving the Holocaust. Her book, "The Russian Blue Cat" stands alone as the seminal handbook for this beautiful breed.
Deirdre Devereux

We are the very proud owners of Eva Blue,a nearly 6 year old spayed Russian Blue female we aquired from Mrs. Urcia's Katzenburg Cattery ,Cheney Wa. just 2 months ago. I first contacted Mrs. Urcia at the beginning of Sept. to ask if she would be attending the Portland Cat show. I also contacted 3 other West Coast breeders of Russian Blues asking the same question.I got a very quick & friendly response from Mrs.Urcia saying no she would not be coming to Portland but would be very happy to answer any questions I might have about the breed. 2 other breeders never responded and the fourth recommended Mrs. Urcia as a great source of info and of course the cats themselves.
After a few e-mail question and answer sessions Mrs. Urcia mentioned she had available an older cat to be placed in just the right home. We don't have any kids or other pets so we qualified for this special "housecat" situation. Rather than put Eva on a plane or bus for Portland , Mrs. Urcia was planning a trip to Oregon the beginning of October and actually delivered her to our doorstep!
This should give you an idea of Mrs. Urcia's passion and dedication to her Russian Blues.In the interim we bought her book The Russian Blue Cat and felt it was essential to us gaining the knowledge and confidence to be good parents to Eva.The book covers all the information you'll need and answers most questions you might have. Starting with the history of the breed (Nature)to the care (Nurture) and feeding (Nutrition)it's all there. She even includes information on becoming a breeder if that's your goal.
I can't say enough about the patience Mrs. Urcia showed answering my elementary questions as well as depth of information in her book. She is an expert on the subject of Russian Blues and an excellent breeder.Eva is a beautiful,healthy, well adjusted cat.
She's is the love of our lives and has provided many,many hours of loving companionship as well as entertainment. (She's walking all over the keyboard as I write this...it must be "playtime").
As far as I know there is NO BETTER BOOK ON THE SUBJECT.None! .Thanks Mrs. Urcia for writing the book and for bringing Eva Blue into our lives .

Bill & Gloria Johnson/Portland Oregon