Nebelung: The Longhaired Blue Cat Called the Creature of the Mist

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

The Nebelung is a cat that seems to arrive out of fog. Its long, silvery-blue coat shimmers in the light, and its green eyes watch the world carefully. Behind the elegant looks is a sensitive, devoted cat that bonds closely with its people and prefers quiet to chaos.

Origins

The breed began in Colorado in the 1980s. Cora Cobb owned a black shorthaired cat named Siegfried and a blue-gray longhaired female named Brunhilde. Their kittens included a black longhaired male and a blue female. The kittens were so striking that Cobb developed a breed based on the Russian Blue type with a longhaired coat. The name Nebelung comes from German, referring to mist. The breed gained recognition from cat associations in the 1980s and 1990s. For the shorthaired relative, see the Russian Blue.

Appearance

Nebelungs are medium-sized, graceful and muscular. Males typically weigh 9 to 15 pounds and females 7 to 11 pounds. Key features include:

• A medium-long, silky double coat in blue, with silver-tipped guard hairs that give a shimmering effect
• A plumed tail
• A feathered fringe on the ears, legs and chest
• Vivid green eyes, with kittens starting out yellow or gold
• A wedge-shaped head, with a straight profile
• A lean, long body

Temperament

Nebelungs are gentle and sensitive.

• Devoted. They form deep bonds with one or a few family members.
• Reserved. They are cautious with strangers, and may hide when visitors come.
• Routine lovers. They dislike changes in schedule or environment.
• Playful. They enjoy gentle games, though they are not frenetic.
• Quiet. They have soft voices and use them sparingly.

Be patient with a shy Nebelung. Use quiet, steady approaches, as in what does a cat slow blink mean. Rapid changes can stress them, so keep routines predictable. See moving house with a cat.

Grooming

The coat is silky and resists matting, but still needs care.

• Comb two or three times a week, with a wide-toothed comb. See how to brush a cat.
• Brush daily during spring and autumn shedding.
• Bathe rarely. See how to bathe a cat.
• Trim nails, clean ears and brush teeth. See how to trim cat nails and cat dental disease.

Health

Nebelungs are generally healthy and long-lived. Ask breeders about:

• Heart screening
• Dental health
• Weight control, since they can gain easily. See how much should I feed my cat.
• Genetic diversity, because the breed is rare

Keep vaccines and parasite control up to date. See the cat vaccination schedule, and use the US vet directory to find a clinic.

Living with a Nebelung

Nebelungs prefer calm homes.

• Provide hiding spots and high perches. See how to choose a cat tree.
• Offer gentle play and puzzle feeders. See indoor cat enrichment ideas.
• Keep routines consistent.
• Introduce new pets and people slowly. See how to introduce a new cat to your cat.

They also like to survey their domain from a high place, so give them a perch with a view. Compare the temperament with the more outgoing Norwegian Forest Cat.

Is a Nebelung right for you?

A Nebelung suits quiet households, single owners and couples who want a loyal companion. It may not suit busy homes with many visitors or young children, or people who want an outgoing cat.

Allergies

No breed is hypoallergenic. Spend time with a Nebelung before committing if you have allergies. See hypoallergenic cat breeds: the truth.

Questions to ask a breeder

Ask about health screening, temperaments of the parents and how kittens are socialized, since early handling helps shy cats. Request a contract, health guarantee and vaccination records. See how to socialize a kitten.

Helping a shy Nebelung settle in

When bringing a Nebelung home, give it a quiet room with hiding places, a litter box and food. Let it come out on its own. Sit quietly and read aloud so it gets used to your voice, and offer treats from your hand. Keep visitors away for the first days. Most Nebelungs gain confidence over weeks, and they often become deeply loyal. See moving house with a cat for settling tips that apply to any new cat.

Cost and commitment

Rarity means kittens can be expensive and waiting lists long. Budget for food, litter, vet care and grooming tools over a lifespan that can exceed fifteen years. See cat vet visit costs.

Common mistakes

Forcing attention on a shy cat backfires. Let a Nebelung come to you. Avoid sudden changes, and give it a safe space.