The Nebelung — German for 'creature of the mist' — is a longhaired Russian Blue with an ethereal, silver-tipped blue coat and jade-green eyes. Reserved with strangers, deeply devoted to their chosen people.
- Origin
- United States (longhaired Russian Blue)
- Category
- longhair
- Lifespan
- 11–16 yrs
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 2.5–5 kg
- Coat
- Semi-long, dense, shimmering blue-grey with silver tips
- Colours
- Blue only (same blue-grey as Russian Blue)
😺 Temperament
🏡 Best suited to
📊 Personality ratings
📜 History & origin
The Nebelung breed was developed in the 1980s by Cora Cobb of Denver, Colorado, who fell in love with a longhaired blue kitten named Siegfried — born to a black domestic shorthair mother and a Russian Blue father. His sister Brunhilde followed. Cobb worked with Russian Blue breeders to establish the longhaired variant as a distinct breed. TICA recognised the Nebelung in 1987. They remain relatively rare outside North America and Europe.
🧼 Care & grooming
Their dense semi-long coat needs 2–3 weekly brushings to prevent matting, particularly around the collar and belly. They are sensitive cats who thrive on routine — rearranged furniture or new visitors can cause genuine distress. Early socialisation is important. They bond intensely with one or two people and may take weeks to warm to strangers. Patience and consistency are the keys to earning a Nebelung's trust.
🩺 Health notes
Generally robust — they benefit from the Russian Blue's healthy genetic base. No significant breed-specific hereditary conditions have been identified. Their dense coat can hide weight changes; regular weigh-ins are recommended. Dental care is important as with all cats — brushing or dental treats from kittenhood.
