Russian Blue going bronze - anyone know why?

[MyCatIsTryingToKillMe]

I have two Russian Blues that are just recently turned two. They are brothers from the same litter but the bigger and more dominant one has turned a sort of bronze colour in places but particularly on his shoulders. I've goggled it but can't see anything where other people have had this happen. Anyone have any idea what might be going on? Photos attached so you can see them side by side for comparison.

[Fluffycloudland77]

No idea, I'd be down the vets though. They aren't meant to change colour.

[MyCatIsTryingToKillMe]

I have been thinking that too but thought I might be over reacting. he seems very well in himself and is eating, sleeping and playing normally. Think I might speak to vet tomorrow.

[Wolfiefan]

He looks skinnier than the other cat. Worth checking out. We did have a Burmese who changed colour in the sun (and when she toasted herself by the fire!)

[CurlsLDN]

There was a thread on here recently about black cats turning 'rusty', it was due to a vitamin deficiency

[MyCatIsTryingToKillMe]

He's about a kilo heavier than his brother, there's not been any weight loss at all. Both have put on weight since we got them about 8 months ago.

I did read that some cats fur can get sun lightened like our hair but it's not exactly been that sunny over the last few months so again don't think that's it.

Thanks for replying, it's made me feel less stupid about taking him to the vet. He's such a lovely gentle and friendly cat, we'd all be devastated if there was anything seriously wrong with him.

[MyCatIsTryingToKillMe]

I'll look up the vitamin thing, they both eat the same food though. Although I guess it's the same as humans and we react differently to the same things.

[Wolfiefan]

He may weigh more but the space between his back and front legs looks much skinnier (may be the picture) He has a chunky tail but a skinny body.
Hoping it is simple and he's fine.

[MyCatIsTryingToKillMe]

You're right, that does look like he's skinnier but I think it's just the pic. I'm hoping it's just a weird fur thing, some genetic throw back. He looks almost Siamesey in this photo.

[MyCatIsTryingToKillMe]

I've just realised he may be slowly camouflaging himself into my sofa!

[Wolfiefan]

And he looks happy. We had two Burmese and they were very different colours. Best to get him checked though.

[MyCatIsTryingToKillMe]

He is a happy cat, so easy going with the DCs despite their sometimes slightly over enthusiastic love and affection! I'm definitely going to ring the vet in the morning and see if they can see him.

[cozietoesie]

I'd have to guess that his personal system is lacking in some nutrient/vitamin so I think I'd be having a word with the vet as well.

Have you contacted the breeder/breed association in case they've come across it before?

[MyCatIsTryingToKillMe]

Not yet cozietoesie, I did google it specifically for the breed but all the websites talk about their very specific colouring (which he used to have and his brother still has). If the vet doesn't know what to do I will try and contact them.

[cozietoesie]

Good luck. He's a lovely boy.

[MyCatIsTryingToKillMe]

Thank you . I'll update when I've spoken to the vet.

[Foxyspook]

My blue italian greyhound gets rusty bits in the sun,

[MyCatIsTryingToKillMe]

It's sort of spreading all over Foxyspook, started on his shoulders but seems to be getting more abundant.

I have called the vet and have an appointment for 9.45.

[MyCatIsTryingToKillMe]

So, the vet thinks he's fine and isn't concerned although she's as confused about the colour change as me! He's a good weight, he has good gums and eyes and is alert and happy. She doesn't think it's a vitamin deficiency because he looks so healthy. She wondered whether it was sunlight but he really doesn't sit in it that much. Another slightly throw away comment was the possibility of carrot in his food giving him too much carotene but it was more of a thinking out loud comment. His food does have carrot in, and cranberries and tomatoes - maybe I'm turning him ginger through food! I may move him over to a different food to see if it makes any difference.

But, I'm less concerned about his well being now she has given him the once over.

[marmiteloversunite]

I have a Russian blue and he often has a reddish tinge in the summer. I thought it was just red soil dust as I live in Devon.
Now I will keep an eye on it as it is probably sun damage.

[marmiteloversunite]

Here's my boy.

[MyCatIsTryingToKillMe]

He's gorgeous Marmite!

Glad to hear that mine isn't the only one to get this, although his brother hasn't changed colour at all. I've sent a message to the RBBA to see if they have any advice and will let you know if they reply.

This photo attached shows what his fur was like a few months ago (and also a gratuitous one of the boys having a cuddle together just because!)

[Wolfiefan]

Glad the vet isn't worried. Did they do bloods?
Gorgeous cats.

[cozietoesie]

I was wondering about tests myself.

[MyCatIsTryingToKillMe]

No, she gave him a check over - body, teeth, eyes etc. weighed him and played with him a bit but seemed completely satisfied that he was healthy. I forgot to ask about blood tests, probably because I was so relieved she thought he was fine.

[cozietoesie]

Well you thought he was basically fine yourself. I guess it's just keeping a weather eye on him. Maybe the Breed Association will come back with something - although you could always do some looking into general colour changes in cat coats (eg black cats etc) if you remain concerned.

(I know there seems to be nothing specific to Blues but there's quite a lot of work which has been done on general pigmentation issues.)

He's only young after all. (And gorgeous! )