About the Breeder
A quiet practice built on trust, science, and devotion.
Azurine began in 2007 as a single household with two imported Russian Blue queens. Eighteen years later, the work — and the values behind it — remain unchanged.
Meet the Breeder
Sarah Thompson
Founder · Head Breeder · TICA Registered Since 2007
A former Registered Veterinary Technician with a Master's in Animal Welfare Science from the University of Edinburgh, Sarah has devoted her professional life to a single breed.
She speaks regularly at TICA and CFA symposia on HCM screening protocols and serves on the TICA Russian Blue Breed Council. Every email, application review, and consultation at Azurine is handled personally by Sarah — there is no waiting room, no assistant, no template reply.
"Two to three litters a year, done with absolute care, is the only model I'll work to. The day this becomes a business and stops being a vocation is the day I stop."
Career Timeline
Two decades with the Russian Blue
Documented Experience
A career in photographs
CFA International Symposium — Keynote on HCM screening, 2022
TICA Southern Region show — Best Russian Blue, 2024
Veterinary nursing diploma & M.Sc. Animal Welfare Science
The Azurine nursery, Austin, Texas
Daily socialization rounds with a five-week litter
CFA Region 5 — Distinguished Merit ceremony, 2019
Breeding Philosophy
Three pillars guide the program.
Welfare First
Queens retire by age six into loving homes. Litters are limited. Stress is engineered out of every interaction.
Expertise
Continuing education in feline genetics, cardiology screening, and nutrition science informs every decision.
Authority
Active members of TICA, CFA, and the Russian Blue Breed Council. Multiple regional and national show honors.
Mentors
The people who shaped this work
No breeder works alone. The names below have shaped the standards, science, and ethics behind every Azurine litter.
- Dr. Anneliese VogtMentor in feline cardiology, 2008–2014Boarded DACVIM cardiologist, Berlin
- Margareta LindqvistMentor in Russian Blue type and pedigree, 2007–presentFinnish breeder, 40+ years with the breed
- Prof. Natalie WaranM.Sc. thesis advisor, animal welfare scienceUniversity of Edinburgh
Professional Affiliations
Memberships in good standing
- The International Cat Association (TICA) — Registered Cattery #RB-2007-0421
- Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) — Registered Cattery #RB-2009-1187
- Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFé) — Member #USA-1422
- TICA Russian Blue Breed Council — Sitting member since 2010
- International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) — Professional member
- Society for Veterinary Behavior Research — Affiliate
Our Story
From a single litter to a generational legacy.
What began as devotion to a single breed has matured into a careful, intentional program. Our foundation cats trace to celebrated European lines, chosen not for novelty but for the temperament, conformation, and longevity they bring to each generation.
We breed two to three litters annually. Every kitten is hand-raised within our home — never in cages, never in isolation — and placed only with families who understand that a Russian Blue is a lifelong companion.
Our philosophy is simple: do less, do it better, and remain a trusted partner long after homecoming day.