Breed Guide

Nebelung

General Information

The Nebelung is a rare and elegant breed, developed in the United States in the late 20th century. Known for its silky blue-gray coat and striking green eyes, this breed combines the beauty of the Russian Blue with a longer, plush coat. Nebelungs are affectionate, gentle, and somewhat reserved, forming strong bonds with their families while maintaining a graceful and quiet demeanor. Intelligent and observant, they enjoy interactive play, climbing, and exploring their environment, thriving best in calm, loving homes where they feel secure and appreciated.

Physical:

The Nebelung is a medium-sized, muscular cat with a graceful, elongated body and long legs. Its head is wedge-shaped with a straight nose, large pointed ears, and striking green almond-shaped eyes that stand out against its silvery-blue coat. The breed’s most distinctive feature is its long, dense, and silky double coat, which flows smoothly over the body and forms a graceful ruff around the neck. The tail is long and bushy, adding to its elegant appearance. A true Nebelung is always blue-gray with a silvery sheen, setting it apart from similar breeds.

Personality:

Nebelungs are gentle, affectionate, and intelligent cats that form strong bonds with their human family. They are somewhat reserved with strangers, preferring to observe before engaging, but they are playful and curious in a calm, thoughtful way. This breed enjoys interactive games, climbing, and exploring, yet also values quiet moments spent curled up with their favorite person. Sensitive and loyal, Nebelungs thrive in homes where they receive consistent attention and gentle handling, making them ideal companions for families who appreciate a loving but composed feline friend.

Health & Care:

The Nebelung has a long, dense, and silky double coat that gives it a soft, plush texture. Shedding is moderate, and weekly brushing is usually sufficient to keep the coat smooth, tangle-free, and looking its best.

Hygiene

Full baths are rarely needed and only when the cat is visibly dirty, using a mild, cat-safe shampoo.

Nails should be trimmed every 2–3 weeks with a proper cat nail clipper; if unsure, a veterinarian or professional groomer can assist.

Teeth should be brushed 2–3 times per week using a cat toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste—ask a vet to demonstrate proper technique if you’ve never done this before.

Ears should be checked weekly and cleaned gently with a cotton pad or a vet-recommended solution as needed.

Common Health Issues

The Nebelung is generally a healthy breed, but it can be prone to some issues. Occasional dental problems and obesity may occur if diet and exercise are not properly managed. Rarely, Nebelungs may experience urinary tract issues, so providing fresh water and monitoring litter box habits is important. Regular veterinary checkups, a balanced diet, and maintaining an active lifestyle help ensure a long, healthy life for this graceful and affectionate breed.

History:

Origin

The Nebelung was developed in the United States during the 1980s, as a long-haired variant of the Russian Blue. The breed was created by selectively breeding blue-gray cats with a silvery sheen and bright green eyes, emphasizing elegance, gentle temperament, and plush, flowing fur. Its name comes from the German word “Nebel”, meaning fog, reflecting the breed’s misty blue coat. Today, the Nebelung remains a rare and treasured breed, admired for its beauty, intelligence, and loyal, affectionate nature.

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