Pet Wiki

Nebelung

Also called Long-haired Russian Blue

A calm, sweet and loyal cat that becomes very attached to its own people and often follows them from room to room.

SizeMedium
Weight3.5 to 6.5 kg (8 to 14 lb)males 4.5 to 6.5 kg, females 3.5 to 5 kg12
Height23 to 33 cm (9 to 13 in)2
Lifespan11 to 18 years2
CoatSemi-long, dense, silky double coat
OriginUnited States, 1980s (Cora Cobb, Nebelheim cattery); later linked with Russian and Dutch lines.13
Recognised breedShort profile
devoted to its family
gentle and good-natured
playful, likes to fetch
32

Personality what they are like

A calm, sweet and loyal cat that becomes very attached to its own people and often follows them from room to room. It can be reserved with strangers and prefers a steady, predictable home.32

Coat and looks how to spot one

semi-long, dense, silky double coat

A long, graceful and well-muscled cat with a wedge-shaped head. Its medium-long silky coat is blue with silver-tipped guard hairs, which gives the fur a soft, misty shimmer. The coat is fuller in winter than in summer.13

Coloursblue with silver tippingeyes: yellowish green to vivid green13

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Nebelung. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery 2 days
  • Deshedding springBrush more while sheddingevery day
  • Nail trimevery 3 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • Litter scoopevery day
  • Litter changeevery week
  • PlayDaily playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate. Enjoys play that imitates hunting, such as stalking and pouncing, and likes climbing and retrieving, but is also happy with quiet time.32

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Despite the long coat, care is simple: comb or brush about once a week to remove loose hair and keep the coat tidy. Regular tooth brushing is recommended.32

Home where they are happiest

Does best in a quiet, predictable household with a routine.2

Company who they like around

Forms strong bonds with family members; may be shy with visitors and young children at first.32

The story where it all began

American breeder Cora Cobb started the breed with Siegfried (born 1984) and Brunhilde (born 1985), longhaired blue cats from ordinary domestic parents. Her aim was to recreate the look of the longhaired blue cats that came from Russia around 1900. In 1993 a Dutch breeder imported a Russian longhaired blue, which helped show the longhair gene occurs naturally in Russian Blue lines and linked Russian and American breeding.13

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The name comes from the German word Nebel, meaning fog or mist, and is often translated as 'creature of the mist'.1

  2. 2

    The founding pair, Siegfried and Brunhilde, carry names from the Nibelung legend, which also inspired the breed name.1

  3. 3

    A Nebelung appears in the film Garden State.3

  4. 4

    The breed has been featured on Animal Planet's Cats 101.3

  5. 5

    In 1993 a Russian longhaired blue cat named Timofeus was imported to the Netherlands, showing that the longhair gene occurs naturally in Russian Blue lines.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name Nebelung is derived from the German word for mist or fog, Nebel, and the medieval Germanic saga the Nibelungenlied, intended to represent the cat's distinctive silky blue coat evoking creatures rising from the mists.3

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

NebelheimCoraSmokeyAshMistyShadowLunaBellaGreyStormIrisWillow

A day in the life told by a Nebelung

I woke up when my human stirred, and I padded softly after her to the bathroom. She smiled and gave me a scratch behind the ears. I followed her to the kitchen, where I sat politely while she made her tea. Then I spotted a dust mote floating in the sunbeam. I stalked it, my tail twitching, and pounced, so satisfying! My human laughed. Later, I climbed my cat tree and watched the birds outside, my favorite pastime. When my human settled on the couch, I curled up beside her, purring. I like being near her, even if I'm quiet. In the evening, I retrieved a crumpled paper ball she tossed, proud of my catch. Now I'm ready for a cozy night.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

TICA
New Breed status 1987; championship 19973
WCF, ACF, ACFA/CAA, LOOF
Recognised with a breed standard1
GCCF
Preliminary status1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Cat-Friendly Pancakes

A simple, no-bake treat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a suitable occasional reward for cats who gain weight easily.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water, no salt added
  • 1/2 cup finely diced cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup pure sweet potato puree (no added sweeteners)

How

  1. Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl.
  2. Break the tuna into small bits with a fork.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the bowl.
  4. Slowly stir in the sweet potato puree until the mixture binds together, being careful not to make it too watery.
  5. Shape the mixture into mini pancakes.
  6. Serve to your cat as an occasional treat.

How much: Give small amounts occasionally, as treats should not exceed 10-15% of daily calorie allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Tuna Biscuits for Cats

These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
  • Extra water as needed

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
  4. Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
  5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
  8. Allow to cool completely before storing.

How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Nebelung, and at what times?

Feeding frequency and times vary by age, weight, and food type. For a starting plan, ask your vet for a schedule tailored to your cat. Always follow the food label's guidelines and your vet's advice.

What should a Nebelung eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality cat food appropriate for your Nebelung's life stage. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.4

Does a Nebelung need baths?

Baths are rarely needed for a Nebelung; only bathe if the coat is very dirty or sticky, as per general cat care guidance. Regular brushing keeps the coat clean and healthy.5

How often does a Nebelung need brushing?

Brush your Nebelung about once a week to remove loose hair and keep the coat tidy, as the breed's semi-long coat is easy to care for. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every 2 days, and more often during shedding season.32 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Nebelung's claws, and how often?

Trim claws every 10 to 14 days, taking only the sharp tip and avoiding the quick. Pet Wiki's plan suggests every 21 days as a starting point. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you the proper technique.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does a Nebelung need?

Your Nebelung enjoys moderate play that mimics hunting, like stalking and pouncing, and also likes climbing and retrieving. Pet Wiki recommends daily play sessions to keep your cat happy and active.32 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Nebelung's teeth and ears?

Regular tooth brushing is recommended for dental health, with Pet Wiki's plan suggesting every 2 days (daily is ideal). For ears, check weekly for dirt or redness and clean gently with a vet-approved solution if needed. Ask your vet for specific advice.32 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Nebelung live?

A Nebelung typically lives between 11 and 18 years, with proper care and regular vet checkups. Senior years usually start around age 11, so annual vet visits are important.2 Pet Wiki plan

Is a Nebelung good with children and other pets?

This calm, sweet cat forms strong bonds with its family and can be good with gentle children and other pets, though it may be shy with visitors at first. It prefers a steady, predictable home and may need slow introductions.32

Can a Nebelung be left alone?

Nebelungs become very attached to their owners and prefer company, but they can handle being left alone for reasonable periods if they have a predictable routine. Provide toys and a comfortable environment, and consider a pet sitter for longer absences.2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Nebelung - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, recognition, weight, coat, name meaning
  2. Nebelung - PetMD petmd.comused for lifespan, weight, height, activity, grooming
  3. Nebelung - TICA tica.orgused for history, recognition, coat, temperament, care
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.