Nebelung Cats

Nebelung cats are described as longhaired versions of Russian Blue cats. “Nebelung” is German and translated as “creature of the mist” in English. The cat breed name is thought to have been derived from the German saga “Nibelungenlied.” The two cats from which the cat breed originated were named for characters in “Nibelungenlied.” The Nebelung cat breed is not accepted for championship status in the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) of the United States. However, Nebelung cats are recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA).

According to the TICA breed standard for Nebelungs, cat breeders are allowed to crossbreed Nebelung cats with Russian Blues. The goal of Nebelung breeders is to develop a cat with the characteristics and build of the Russian Blue with longer hair than Russian Blue cats have. Russian Blues have short, dense coats. Nebelung cats have medium-long hair. The hair on the tail of Nebelung cats is longer than that on the body.

Like the Russian Blue cat, the color of the coat is blue. The coat may appear gray, but upon closer inspection should look slate blue or bluish-gray. The coats of both Nebelung cats and Russian Blue cats may have silver tipping on the hair which gives the coat a lustrous sheen. A Nebelung cat has a double coat. The undercoat may be a lighter shade of blue. A Nebelung kitten may have ghost tabby markings that should disappear as the Nebelung kitten matures.

The eyes of a Nebelung cat are slightly oval. Eye color can be a mixture of green with yellow. Nebelung kittens have yellow eyes that turn green as the Nebelung kittens mature. A green halo around the pupil typically appears by the age of eight months. By the time the Nebelung kitten is two years old, the eyes should be a vivid green.

The body of a Nebelung cat is medium in size and muscular. They should not be fine boned or heavily boned. The head shape is a modified wedge. Ears of Nebelungs are large and pointed. The noses are charcoal gray. Nebelung cats are affectionate with their owners, but may be shy around guests. They are active and playful cats.