Furriq

Cat Breed Guide

Nebelung

Medium · United States (1980s, from Russian Blue lines)

A longhaired blue cat with silver-tipped fur, wide-set green eyes, and a reserved, gentle manner, the Nebelung is the longhair cousin of the Russian Blue. The name comes from the German word for mist, a nod to the shimmering coat it wears.

Quick Facts

Size
Medium
Weight
7–15 lbs (3.2–6.8 kg)
Lifespan
11–16+ years
Origin
United States (1980s, from Russian Blue lines)

Key Visual Markers

  • Medium-long blue coat frosted with silver tips at the ends of the hairs, giving a luminous, misty glow. It is dense, so it mats without regular combing.
  • Long body and long tail with a full, thick plume that balances the frame.
  • Wide-set eyes ranging from yellowish green to vivid green. The wide placement gives the face an intelligent look.
  • Ears large in proportion to the head, continuing the elegant lines of the head.
  • Sturdy, well-muscled medium-size body. The overall impression is long, sturdy, and well muscled.

Temperament & Traits

  • Gentle, mild-mannered, and playful with family, following owners from room to room
  • Reserved with strangers and hides when visitors come
  • Dislikes change and does best in a quiet, stable home
  • Intelligent and observant, loves retrieving, jumping, and high perches
  • Not needy, tolerates being left alone, and suits apartment living
  • Fussy about food, but gains weight easily once it finds something it likes

Health Notes

  • Bladder stones and urinary tract disease. Shared with the Russian Blue, its close relative; blood in the urine or straining to urinate means an immediate vet visit.
  • Obesity and diabetes. The breed loves food and can easily become overweight, which raises diabetes risk; measure portions and keep play regular.
  • Dental disease. Over half of cats over 3 have some form, and Nebelungs are no exception; brushing and annual cleanings help.
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Reported in Russian Blue lines, so annual cardiac checks make sense for breeding cats.
  • Kidney disease and hyperthyroidism. Both are common in senior cats; annual bloodwork after age 7 catches them early.

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a veterinarian for health advice specific to your cat.

Similar Breeds

Nebelung is often confused with these breeds. Here's how to tell them apart:

Russian Blue

Russian Blues share the blue color, green eyes, and reserved nature but wear a short plush double coat that stands away from the body. Nebelungs are longhaired with a flowing, silver-tipped coat and a plumed tail.

Chartreux

Chartreux are blue-gray with copper to orange eyes, a round head, and a woolly short coat. Nebelungs are blue with green eyes, a long silky coat, and a longer, more elegant body.

Explore Other Breeds

Not sure this is the right breed for you? Check out other popular cat breeds below.

Norwegian Forest Cat

A large, sturdy cat built for cold northern winters — thick water-repellent double coat, triangular head, friendly but independent. Originally working farm cats in Norway, they climb, hunt, and remain deeply loyal to their families without being fussy about it.

Abyssinian

One of the oldest cat breeds, the Abyssinian wears a uniquely ticked coat — each hair striped with alternating bands of color. Slim, muscular, and endlessly curious, these cats stay kittenish well into old age. They bond deeply with their people and hate being left alone.

Russian Blue

A blue-gray short-hair with a shimmering silver sheen and vivid green eyes. Russian Blues are reserved with strangers but deeply affectionate with their own people — quiet, gentle, and sensitive. The breed’s double coat stands up from the body, giving the cat a plush, velvety feel that cat breeders call "the smile under the hand."

Scottish Fold

A sweet-faced cat with ears folded forward and down, giving the head a round, owl-like silhouette. Calm, adaptable, and teddy-bear soft — Scottish Folds live up to their appearance. The folded ears trace back to a natural dominant mutation first found in a barn cat in Scotland in 1961.

Persian

The quintessential lap cat — famous for its luxurious long coat, large round eyes, and sweet, placid temperament. Persians are the most popular pedigreed cat breed worldwide, prized for their serene, gentle nature and unmistakable flat-faced (brachycephalic) profile.

British Shorthair

A sturdy, round-faced cat with a dense plush coat and a calm, undemanding personality. The British Blue — a solid blue-gray coat with copper eyes — is the breed’s most recognized look, but British Shorthairs come in many colors and patterns.