The Nebelung is a close relation to the Russian Blue, with whom they share their Russian origins as well as their magnificent blue colouring and silvery shimmer. Their fur is mid-length and silky, and does not tangle. This elegant and affectionate cat truly appreciates the company of humans. Despite loving family life, they prefer calmness.
Key facts about the Nebelung
Life expectancy :
Between 15 and 19 years
Temperament :
Affectionate, Calm
Type of coat :
Long
Price :
Around £100
Physical characteristics of the Nebelung
Adult size
Female cat
Between 10 and 12 in
Male cat
Between 10 and 12 in
Weight
Female cat
Between 7 and 9 lb
Male cat
Between 9 and 13 lb
Coat colour
Blue / grey-slate
Blue is the only accepted colour of Nebelung but many tints are allowed. Hairs have a silver tip giving the coat a shimmery look.
Coat patterns
Solid / plain
Some light tabby markings can be found on kittens. They will disappear over time until they are no longer visible as adults although rings on the tail can last much longer.
Type of coat
Mid-length
The undercoat is thin and waterproof and covered by a thicker guard coat. They may also have longer fur on their legs, which look like pantaloons. Males sport a pretty collar, fuller than in females.
Eye colour
The kittens’ eyes are yellow-green when born and become more green during their first 12 months.
Description
Their elongated body is muscular and their frame is fine. Their triangular head seen from the front, is adorned with two ears as wide as they are high, with "lynx tips" at the back. The contours of the face has seven facets, like the Russian Blue. Their gray nose overhangs the famous smile typical of this breed, caused by the corners of their mouth which go up slightly. Dark lilac pads complete their long legs. The tail is medium in size but fluffy and thick at the base.
Temperament
Affectionate
Very affectionate towards their owners and family.
Playful
This cat will enjoy a daily play session with their owner with whom they love spending time.
Calm
This cat likes to spend the day lounging in a cozy place, and enjoys a quiet environment to which they’re so attached.
Intelligent
They can prove themselves to be bright and active, but only when they want to be.
Fearful / wary of strangers
More or less distant towards strangers, a good socialisation from an early age can improve this character trait.
Independent
Very attached to their owners and comfort, they don’t appreciate loneliness. This is the perfect pet for someone who has time to spend with their cat.
Behaviour of the Nebelung
Chatty
The meow of this cat is sweet, melodious and rather discreet. But the character traits are specific to each cat, depending on their personality and experience.
Need for exercise / Sporty
This lively and active cat needs to use up energy everyday through play or an interactive bowl.
Tendency to run away
Not very keen on adventure, they far prefer time spent with the family to lone walks in nature.
Greedy / Gluttony
This cat has a good appetite which can lead to weight gain if not controlled.
Compatibility
Nebelung and cats
Being so calm and tolerant, they can cohabitate with other cats. As long as they are well introduced and the environment is appropriate for having multiple cats, of course.
Nebelung and dogs
As long as they have access to high points and the introductions are well carried out, they can get along with dogs.
Nebelung and children
Their playful side will appreciate the company of gentle children but they won’t appreciate the stress and noise of some children.
Nebelung and the elderly
This relaxed feline is the perfect cat for laid back and elderly people.
Price
On average, the price of a Nebelung kitten is approximately £100, the price often varies according to the lineage, the breeder, the age or even the sex. For the monthly budget, it will cost an average of £25/month to support the needs of the Nebelung, by offering a quality diet and making sure to keep your cat healthy.
Grooming
The silky fur of the Nebelung does not tangle, which does not exempt them from a weekly brushing, especially to avoid the ingestion of too much hair when they groom themselves. This moment will allow you to check the cleanliness of the eyes and ears of your cat.
Shedding
Shedding is slightly more significant during the moulting periods, but it can be helped by brushing the coat to remove dead hair.
Nutrition of the Nebelung
Due to their great appetite it is important to give your cat a balanced diet, good quality food that is low in fat and sugar.
Health of the Nebelung
Life expectancy
This robust cat can live for over 15 years.
Strong / robust
Their silky coat helps resist the cold.
Tendency to put on weight
They can put on weight if they are not given an appropriate diet, or if they aren’t exercising enough.
Common illnesses
This breed is not subject to hereditary illnesses. To date, they would not be the victim of any particular disease. On the other hand, as it is a new breed, it is difficult to be entirely sure.
However, they can contract, just like all other domestic felines, all the pathogens and illnesses that exist in cats.
Reproduction
This cat can also be bred with Russian Blues as long as they have a blue coat.
Good to know
The Nebelung is nothing but a Russian Blue with mid-length hair. The name comes from German, "nebel", which means mist and has links to fantasy creatures of German legends.
Origins and history
Their origins are the same as those of the Russian Blue and, like most other breeds, they are quite fuzzy. The latter came from Russia by boat at the end of the 14th century and was reportedly raised by the British.
The Nebelung was born in the United States, thanks to Siegfried and Brunhilde, the pair of cats belonging to Cora Cobb. Links are made with other blue haired cats coming from Russia. The first Nebelung of the Netherlands, in the 90's, came from the same country. A Dutch kitten proved to be a bearer of the "long hair" gene, confirming that the Russian Blue can carry this recessive gene, which does not necessarily express itself.
Currently, this is a rare breed, with only a few breeders around the world. In France, for example, the first kittens were born in 2008.
Names
Good names for a Nebelung: Fresh, Nike, Sky, Wall E
