Ready to fall in love? Discover everything about the Nebelung – perhaps the most beautiful and affectionate cat breed in the world. These cats have a gorgeous coat and a very pleasant character. Read here about everything related to care, origin, and appearance.
Because here, we tell you everything about:
- The character of a Nebelung
- How a Nebelung looks
- How to take care of a Nebelung
- How old a Nebelung cat can get
- Health problems Nebelung cats may encounter
- All about the origin of the Nebelung
- What it costs to get a Nebelung kitten
And also:
- What does a Nebelung cat need to be happy?
What is the character of a Nebelung?
The Nebelung is truly incredibly sweet and gentle. And always cheerful! Are you looking for a loyal pet that is always gentle and cozy? Then a Nebelung is definitely for you. This cat has a heart of gold and is known for its calm character. Some Nebelung cats can be a bit shy. When they meet someone for the first time, they can be a bit reserved and want to first determine if that person is trustworthy.
But once they discover that you are ‘good people,’ then you have a friend for life in a Nebelung. One that is very affectionate and playful. And one that is crazy about ‘their’ people. If you bring a Nebelung into your home, you can count on it following you like a shadow around the house – especially when you head to the kitchen!
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What does a Nebelung look like?
Nebelung cats are breathtakingly beautiful. Especially their coat is gorgeous. The name of this cat begins with ‘nebel,’ which is a German word for mist. And that directly refers to the silky coat of these silver-gray cats – it hangs around the cats like a kind of mist. The coat is medium-length on the body and becomes longer towards the tail. Furthermore, this cat breed has enchanting green eyes and an elegant and graceful posture. But the body of the Nebelung is also very muscular – these cats are strong and agile. A few more facts about the appearance of this fairytale-like cat:
- The coat is light blue to mid-blue and medium-length
- The body is muscular and long
- The tail is also long
- Nebelung cats have large ears
- And their eyes are yellow-green to completely green
- The build is generally well-muscled and robust
Fun fact: the coat of Nebelung cats is silky but has a double structure. That makes it water-repellent and suitable for all weather conditions.
Everything about the care of a Nebelung
If you have a cat, you must take very good care of it, as a well-cared-for cat is a happy cat, and happy cats are often healthy. The coat of a Nebelung cat also requires care – it needs to be regularly brushed to prevent mats (and hairballs). Their diet is important too. Every cat needs good nutrition, and so does a Nebelung. The food should be rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
A scratching post is also important for a Nebelung because it helps keep their nails clean and their body agile. A good cat tree is beneficial for all the natural instincts of a cat – they can scratch it, climb on it, and sleep comfortably high up.
In addition to coat care, good general care, and a suitable scratching post, a Nebelung cat naturally requires more care. Fresh water every day, protection against parasites like fleas, ticks, and worms, are essential. Also, ensure:
- A safe home with warm sleeping places
- More than enough love and attention
- Care when the cat is sick
- A reliable pet sitter when you go on vacation
- Clean litter boxes with clumping cat litter
- Fun and challenging cat toys
- Regular visits to the vet
What else does a Nebelung cat need to be happy? You can find out in our blog “How to Make Your Cat Truly Happy.”
How old does a Nebelung get?
Nebelung cats can live quite long – approximately 15 to 20 years. However, the age a cat reaches depends on various factors. Genetic diseases naturally affect life expectancy. Good care and living conditions are also crucial. If a cat is healthy, well-cared-for, and lives in a loving and safe environment, a Nebelung cat can have a long and happy life.
Conditions and diseases in Nebelung cats
Although Nebelungs are generally a very healthy breed, there are some health issues to be aware of. As Nebelung is closely related to the Blue Russian, this breed is more at risk of developing hereditary conditions:
- Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP): FIP is caused by a common coronavirus in cats. This virus induces diarrhea and is not very dangerous for cats on its own. Most cats recover after just a day. However, in some cats, the virus in the intestines transforms into a malignant virus that causes inflammation throughout the cat’s body. The cat becomes ill and develops FIP – a contagious peritonitis with severe consequences for the cat
- Hip dysplasia (HD): HD is a deviation in the hip joint of cats – the hip socket does not fit well with the hip ball. The joint becomes too mobile, causing instability in the hips. Cats with HD develop arthritis at a young age, and it is very painful for them
- Mast cell tumor (cancer): A mast cell tumor is a tumor in the skin and is common in occurrence. They can also occur in other organs of the cat, such as the liver, spleen, and intestines. Generally, these tumors are benign, and symptoms – like vomiting, diarrhea, and itching – tend to resolve when the tumor is removed by a veterinarian.
- Urolithiasis (urinary stones: bladder grit): This condition is abbreviated as FLUTD, which stands for Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease. In Dutch, this means a disease of the urinary tract. This condition can occur in cats of any breed, and veterinarians do not fully understand the reasons behind it. You can tell that a cat is suffering from this when it strains while urinating. The urinary tract is usually obstructed, which can lead to bladder infections or even result in a cat being unable to urinate at all. This can make a cat ill – acute kidney failure, nausea, and vomiting may occur. In such cases, a cat needs urgent attention from a veterinarian.
Do you want a Nebelung and be sure that you are buying a healthy cat or kitten? Then inquire first with a breed association and ask the breeder for the papers – a health certificate or guarantee should always be provided.
So, now you already know a lot about Nebelung cats. But you still don’t know anything about the origin of this cat breed. And how much does a Nebelung actually cost? You’ll discover that below!
The Origin of the Nebelung
At the very first cat show in 1871, long-haired Russian Blue cats were already observed, exhibiting characteristics of the Nebelung. Afterward, there was a long silence around this breed. However, the Nebelung reappeared in the United States – as a result of the birth of a Blue Russian cat with long hair. The cat association TICA described these cats as Blue Russians but with semi-long hair. A new breed emerged, and breeders in the US began breeding them.
But in the early nineties, a breeder of Blue Russians imported a kitten from Russia that unexpectedly turned out to be a Blue Russian with semi-long hair. From that moment, breeding with this new beautiful breed also took place in the Netherlands: The Nebelung.
How much does a Nebelung kitten cost?
If you want to buy a Nebelung kitten or cat, you’ll need to save up – they typically cost between 800 and 1500 euros on average. It’s a considerable amount of money, but that’s the cost of a purebred cat from a recognized breeder or reputable cattery. This ensures that you are purchasing a healthy animal. If you come across a cheap kitten of this breed, it’s advisable not to proceed, as you may be dealing with a backyard or hobby breeder. In such cases, there is often no guarantee of the cat’s health.
It’s crucial to buy a kitten from a breeder affiliated with a breed association, one who pays attention to the health and well-being of the animals. A good breeder also provides support after the purchase of the cat, which is important for every new owner. Therefore, never buy a (purebred) cat through platforms like Marktplaats, eBay, or from a backyard breeder, as it may lead to problems – for you and the cat – and often result in high costs and disappointment.
If you enjoy all kinds of cats, consider visiting a shelter in your area! There are many wonderful cats waiting for a loving owner and a cozy home there.
How much does a Nebelung kitten cost?
If you want to buy a Nebelung kitten or cat, you’ll need to save up – they typically cost between 800 and 1500 euros on average. It’s a considerable amount of money, but that’s the cost of a purebred cat from a recognized breeder or reputable cattery. This ensures that you are purchasing a healthy animal. If you come across a cheap kitten of this breed, it’s advisable not to proceed, as you may be dealing with a backyard or hobby breeder. In such cases, there is often no guarantee of the cat’s health.
It’s crucial to buy a kitten from a breeder affiliated with a breed association, one who pays attention to the health and well-being of the animals. A good breeder also provides support after the purchase of the cat, which is important for every new owner. Therefore, never buy a (purebred) cat through platforms like Marktplaats, eBay, or from a backyard breeder, as it may lead to problems – for you and the cat – and often result in high costs and disappointment.
If you enjoy all kinds of cats, consider visiting a shelter in your area! There are many wonderful cats waiting for a loving owner and a cozy home.
The Nebelung in a nutshell:
- The Nebelung is affectionate, playful, and very loving.
- A Nebelung cat can live 15 to 20 years with proper care.
- The Nebelung is directly descended from the Blue Russian.
- The Nebelung has a beautiful, silky coat.
- Always buy a Nebelung kitten from a recognized breeder.
- Nebelung cats prefer to be with you all day.
- A Nebelung may be shy towards new people.
Disclaimer: Petrebels is not a veterinarian or behavior expert: all content, information, and tips on this blog are intended to inspire and have an informative character. If your cat has complaints or problems, and you are uncertain about your cat’s health, always consult a veterinarian or a behavior expert.