At a glance the quick version
Wikipedia gives males 4.5-6.5 kg and females 3.5-5 kg; PetMD gives 7-15 lb (about 3.2-6.8 kg) for the breed overall.
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.12
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.23
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.23
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.23
Home where they are happiest
Does best in a quiet, predictable household with a routine.3
Company who they like around
Forms strong bonds with family members; may be shy with visitors and young children at first.23
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.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The name comes from the German word Nebel, meaning fog or mist, and is often translated as 'creature of the mist'.1
- 2
The founding pair, Siegfried and Brunhilde, carry names from the Nibelung legend, which also inspired the breed name.1
- 3
A Nebelung appears in the film Garden State.2
- 4
The breed has been featured on Animal Planet's Cats 101.2
- 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
Recognised by the official bits
- TICA
- New Breed status 1987; championship 19972
- WCF, ACF, ACFA/CAA, LOOF
- Recognised with a breed standard1
- GCCF
- Preliminary status1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Nebelung. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
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. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every 2 days, and more often during shedding season.23 Furry Diary 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. Furry Diary'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 Furry Diary 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. Furry Diary recommends daily play sessions to keep your cat happy and active.23 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Nebelung's teeth and ears?
Regular tooth brushing is recommended for dental health, with Furry Diary'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.23 Furry Diary 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.3 Furry Diary 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.23
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.3
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Nebelung - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, recognition, weight, coat, name meaning
- Nebelung - TICA tica.orgused for history, recognition, coat, temperament, care
- Nebelung - PetMD petmd.comused for lifespan, weight, height, activity, grooming
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.