Nebelung

The Nebelung is a rare, medium-sized pedigree cat known for its long, silky blue coat with a silver sheen, graceful build, and gentle, reserved temperament. It is closely related to the Russian Blue but has a semi-longhaired coat instead of short fur.

Appearance

• Nebelungs have long, muscular bodies, medium bone, a proportionally long, plumed tail, and tufted, rounded paws, giving them a lithe but sturdy look.
• Their semi-long, double coat is an even medium blue to the roots, often with silver-tipped guard hairs that create a shimmering effect.
• The head is a modified wedge with high cheekbones, large pointed ears, and wide-set, almond-shaped eyes that range from yellowish green in youngsters to vivid green in adults.
• Typical adult weight is around 7–15 lb (about 3.5–6.5 kg), with males usually larger than females.

Temperament

• Nebelungs are typically affectionate and loyal with their core family, often following favored people from room to room and forming strong bonds.
• They are usually quiet, soft-voiced, and somewhat shy or reserved with strangers, sometimes preferring to hide until visitors leave.
• They enjoy play, including jumping, climbing, and retrieving games, but are not usually hyperactive and tend to prefer calm, predictable environments.
• Many owners describe them as sensitive cats that dislike sudden changes in routine or loud, chaotic households.

Care and grooming

• The semi-long coat is silky and relatively low in oil, but it can mat if neglected, so regular combing—often several times per week, and in some guides daily—is recommended to prevent tangles and reduce shedding.
• Routine nail trims, dental care, and periodic ear checks are also important parts of basic maintenance.
• Nebelungs are generally considered a healthy breed with no widely recognized, breed-specific disorders, though they still need regular veterinary checkups and weight monitoring like any cat.
• Because they can be sensitive and stress-averse, a stable, low-stress home and gradual introductions to new people or pets are especially helpful.

Origins and recognition

• The breed was developed in the United States in the 1980s with the goal of recreating the look of longhaired blue cats seen in Russia in the 19th and early 20th centuries, using domestic cats and Russian Blues as foundation stock.
• Its name comes from the German word "Nebel" (mist/fog) and a medieval saga, reflecting the breed's misty blue appearance.
• Today the Nebelung is recognized by organizations such as The International Cat Association (TICA) and various European registries, but it remains relatively rare worldwide.

Key traits at a glance

Aspect	Nebelung description
Size	Medium; long, muscular body, 7–15 lb typical adult weight.
Coat	Semi-long, silky double coat; medium blue with possible silver tipping and plume-like tail.
Eyes	Wide-set, almond-shaped; green in adults, yellowish to green in younger cats.
Temperament	Affectionate and loyal with family; quiet, gentle, often shy with strangers; playful but not boisterous.
Grooming	Regular combing (several times per week or daily) to prevent mats; otherwise moderate-maintenance.
Ideal home	Calm, stable environment; good for dedicated first-time owners but not always ideal for very busy, noisy family homes.

The Nebelung combines a striking, shimmering blue coat with a gentle, reserved personality, making it an ideal companion for those seeking a quiet, affectionate cat that thrives in calm, stable environments and forms strong bonds with its family.

References

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