Most people can’t help but fall in love with the Nebelung at first sight. With its thick, silky, shimmering blue-gray fur, elegant gait, and wide emerald eyes, this feline stands out.
The Nebelung is a rare and relatively new cat. The breed has close ties to and shares many characteristics with the Russian Blue cat. In addition to its outstanding physical beauty, this cat is loyal, gentle, and loving toward immediate family members.
If you are considering welcoming this feline into your home, you will find this guide helpful. We’ll talk about the Nebelung’s common health problems and tips on caring for your cat’s wellbeing. You will also learn about the temperament of a Nebelung and ways to keep your kitty happy and well-groomed.
But, before all that, let us learn more about the Nebelung’s history and the physical traits you can use to identify this unique cat.
Are Nebelung Cats Rare?
The Nebelung is a rare cat that is often confused with the Russian Blue. Although the two cats share some characteristics, they are different breeds.
Let’s take a look at some distinct qualities of the Nebelung cat.
Origins
Nebelung cats came about in the 1980s when Cora Cobbs, a computer programmer, mated two blue longhair cats whose parents were a Russian Blue cat and a black shorthair cat.
The offspring of the brother and sister pair had long, double-layered blue-gray fur with silver-tipped guard hairs that gave the cats a shimmering look, earning them the name Nebelung.
Many cat associations including the World Cat Federation and the International Cat Association have recognized the Nebelung as a new breed.
Physical Traits
Telling if your cat is a Nebelung is not difficult. These fine felines have distinct features that set them apart from other cats. For one, they have a super soft bluish-gray coat that is thicker around the neck and tail.
The thick velvety coat has shimmering silver tips, which give the cat an ethereal, misty appearance. In fact, the name Nebelung loosely translates to ‘creature of the mist.’
Many Nebelungs have almond-shaped bright green eyes. But, some have yellow eyes. This fascinating mix of eye color adds to the feline’s dainty aura.
Size
The Nebelung is a medium-sized cat with a well-built muscular body. The cat stands between 9 inches and 13 inches tall. Females can weigh up to 7 lbs while male Nebelung cats can get as heavy as 15 lbs.
How Long Do Nebelung Cats Live?
Nebelungs have a long life span and can live for 15 to 18 years. Because Nebelungs are a relatively new breed, your kitty will likely have very few, if any, serious health issues.
This is good news. But, you should still be proactive and ask your vet for annual blood work and regular checkups.
Some common health concerns your blue-coated cat might be at risk of are:
Obesity
Nebelungs have a big appetite. This breed is more inclined to become obese than the regular cat. You can keep your feline at a healthy weight by serving a well-portioned balanced diet.
Bladder Stones
Russian Blue cats are prone to bladder stones. Researchers found that Russian Blues are at a high risk of developing high amounts of oxalate crystals and uroliths, which are types of bladder stones.
Bladder stones can be an issue among Nebelungs since they belong to the same family tree as Russian Blue cats.
Kidney Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is one of the most common diseases among older felines. The exact cause of CKD is unknown, but the illness occurs when there is irreversible and prolonged damage to the kidneys.
Common signs of CDK include an unkempt coat, appetite loss, lethargy, and weight loss. Kitty will also urinate more frequently, drink more water to compensate, and can become anemic and hypertensive.
Kidney disease in cats has no cure. But, with proper treatment and care, your dear pussycat can live longer and enjoy a good quality of life.
How To Take Care Of Nebelung Cats?
Nebelungs are generally low-maintenance cats. Here are some of the ways you can better care for your kitty:
Diet
Availing a healthy, balanced diet is one of the best ways to care for your Nebelung. This cat can be a picky eater, but once you offer a favorite treat, your kitty will have no problem clearing the food bowl.
I recommend Nom Nom Cat Food as an excellent choice for a finicky eater. The thoughtfully prepared cuisines are high in protein and moisture and are made from fresh, wholesome ingredients that your kitty is sure to love.
Multivitamins
Although Nebelungs are generally healthy, it is still good to protect your cat’s immune system. Keep your cat looking and feeling great every day with a daily dose of Vetri Lysine Plus, Immune Support Supplement For Cats.
These chewable, bite-sized multivitamins are chicken liver-flavored, so even the fussiest cat will gobble them up.
The Lysine amino acid helps to protect the kitty from upper respiratory problems and encourages the production of antibodies. It also promotes the production of collagen, which helps with tissue repair and healthy growth.
Playtime
Adequate exercise is another way to ensure your cat stays healthy. The Nebelung is playful and energetic, so it is important to carve daily playtime with your feline companion.
A fantastic way to kick boredom to the curb and keep your Nebelung engaged is with the PetDroid Interactive Cat Toy. The brightly-colored feather wand and 360° rotation motion will keep your kitty running up and down for hours.
Are Nebelung Cats Friendly? Temperaments Of Nebelung Cats
Nebelungs have a mild, almost shy disposition. But, this cat is very warm and friendly to immediate family members.
Other temperament traits are:
Loyal
Many Nebelung owners say their cat is as loyal as a dog. Your sweet cat will enjoy the company of family members but may form a close bond with one particular person. Kitty will also follow you around and let you know if something in the immediate surrounding is amiss.
Affectionate
Your Nebelung will sit beside you or hop onto your lap any chance it gets. To lead a happy life, this cat requires plenty of petting, cuddling, and companionship. If you must leave the kitty alone for some time, it is best to avail a companion.
Playful
Nebelung cats are energetic and can spend hours playing alone with a family member or another cat. This intelligent cat loves interactive toys to retrieve and chase around. Despite being so active, your Nebelung cat will be very comfortable living indoors.
Habitual
Nebelung cats like routine and do not always adapt well to change. They will thrive in a peaceful, organized household and are particularly suited to seniors and retirees living in a quiet environment. Early training and plenty of love and attention can help your kitty adapt better to disruptions.
Intelligent
A Nebelung will keep a distance from strangers and will only cozy up to when it feels safe. Kitty will also instantly communicate with you about problems, especially if the litter box or food bowl is unclean.
How Do You Groom A Nebelung Cat? Grooming Tips For Nebelung Cats
Nebelung cats are mild shedders and are generally not hypoallergenic. But, if you are more prone to allergies, you could have a reaction upon interacting with this cat.
Here are some grooming tips:
Brush The Fur Regularly
Brush your Nebelung’s soft, silky fur at least twice a week for a neat look. Your kitty will need daily brushing during the shedding season.
I recommend the FURminator Deshedding Tool for grooming your Nebelung’s soft hair. This deshedder is a great choice for safely removing fur and undercoat without damage to the skin or hair.
If you don’t have time for daily vacuuming to remove pet hair, get a robot vacuum to do the job for you.
I have found the iRobot Roomba i3+ to be very reliable. The vacuum’s flexible rubber brush cleans the carpet and hard floors perfectly, and the HEPA filter traps 99% of pet dander, ensuring our home is allergy-free.
Have A Bathing Routine
Give your Nebelung a good soak to remove dead hairs. I recommend bathing your cat every 4 to 6 weeks with a high-quality shampoo. The best shampoo for kitties is Burt’s Bees For Pets Tearless Kitten Shampoo With Buttermilk.
I love this shampoo because it is made using soothing all-natural ingredients, including apple, honey, and buttermilk. It is also tearless, so it will not irritate your cat’s eyes.
Maintain Nail And Dental Hygiene
Have your cat’s paws clipped every other week. Try brushing your Nebelung’s teeth at least once a week to keep periodontal diseases away.
Related Questions
How Much Is A Nebelung Cat? Nebelung cats are rare and can be pricey. Nebelungs sold in catteries are worth between $300 to $1,000 or more. Buying one from a cattery can be more expensive than purchasing from an individual. Food, toys, and personal care items will add to the cost of owning this cat.
What Is The Difference Between Nebelung And Russian Blue? The main difference between the Russian Blue and the Nebelung is the coat length. The Russian Blue has a short and dense coat. The Nebelung’s fur is silky soft and bushier around the neck and tail. Its silver-tipped fur gives the Nebelung a luminous aura, which is lacking in Russian Blues.
Do Nebelung Cats Get Along With Cats? Nebelungs are friendly to other cats and enjoy the feline company. In fact, most catteries will only sell you one Nebelung if you have another cat at home. It’s best to avail an equally reserved cat to keep your Nebelung engaged and less likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, and boredom.
