Description: Nebelung
The Nebelung is a striking breed known for its long, shimmering blue coat and vivid green eyes. Its name, derived from the German word 'Nebel' meaning mist or fog, aptly describes the mystical and enchanting appearance of this cat. Nebelungs are medium-sized, muscular, and have a graceful physique reminiscent of their close relatives, the Russian Blues. This breed is characterized by its reserved nature, often forming strong bonds with their families and typically favoring a quiet, predictable environment. They are known for their loyalty and can be quite affectionate with their chosen humans. The Nebelung's personality is often described as gentle, quiet, and shy in new situations or with new people but they are playful and engaging with those they trust.
Properties
The Nebelung is a strikingly beautiful cat breed with a number of distinct characteristics that make it a wonderful companion for those who appreciate both the physical and temperamental qualities of this unique breed. Known for their shimmering blue-gray coats and piercing green eyes, Nebelungs have a mystique that is hard to match. The breed's name itself, 'Nebelung,' comes from the German word 'Nebel' which means mist or fog, a fitting description of their enchanting coat color.
Physically, Nebelungs are medium-sized cats with long, graceful bodies, wide-set green eyes, and a long, bushy tail. They bear a strong resemblance to the Russian Blue, but with notable differences, particularly their long, dense fur. Their coat is one of their most distinguishing features: it is medium-length, soft, and double-layered, providing not just beauty but also a silky texture that is delightful to touch.
From a character standpoint, Nebelungs are known for their reserved and mild-mannered nature. They often form strong bonds with their owners and can be quite affectionate with those they trust. However, they are not always immediate friends with strangers or newcomers; they may take some time to warm up to new people. This shyness does not equate to unfriendliness, but rather an element of cautiousness about who they choose to trust.
The breed is known for its intelligence and often exhibits pensive and observant behaviors, which make them excellent companions in quieter, more tranquil environments. Nebelungs prefer a predictable routine and may become stressed by sudden changes to their environment or loud atmospheres. This makes them less suitable for households with very young children or high levels of noise and activity, including multiple pet homes where animals are not well-introduced.
As for their care, Nebelungs require regular grooming to maintain their coat's health and appearance. Their long fur can mat if not properly cared for, so owners must be diligent with brushing. Moreover, their subtle approach to relationships means they thrive on and require regular, gentle interactions. An understanding and patient owner who appreciates a cat’s need for both affection and space will find a lifelong, loyal companion in the Nebelung.
In essence, Nebelungs are elegant, reserved, and thoughtful cats that make excellent additions to calm and stable households where they can enjoy a peaceful routine.
Appearance
The Nebelung is a breed that exudes elegance with its distinctive, refined, and well-proportioned features. Their appearance is captivating, largely due to their long, dense, and shimmering blue-grey coat that gives them a misty aura, akin to the fog of their namesake, 'Nebel' being the German word for fog. This medium-sized cat is built along graceful lines, with a long body, wide-set green eyes, and a tapering tail. The coat, arguably their most stunning trait, is double-layered with a soft undercoat beneath a longer, silky guard layer that stands off from the body, creating a halo effect.
The Nebelung's head is a modified wedge shape, more rounded than pointed, with large ears that are wide at the base, tapering to a point, and adorned with tufts. Their bright, expressive eyes are medium-large in size and almond-shaped, which gives them an alert and intelligent expression. Eye color is a vivid green or yellow-green, deepening in intensity as the cat matures. The elegant neck supports their well-shaped head and leads down to a long, slender body that is muscular but never bulky, standing on fine-boned legs. They possess a striking balance between delicate structure and strength.
Their long, plumed tail waves gracefully with their movements, mirroring the luxurious flow of their coat. The paws are small, oval, and neat, contributing to their dainty and refined appearance. In terms of grooming, the Nebelung requires regular brushing to avoid tangles and mats in their dense fur, particularly during seasonal changes when they shed more pronouncedly. A consistent grooming routine not only helps to maintain the glorious sheen of their coat but also serves to strengthen the bond between the cat and its owner.
The breed's physical attributes are complemented by its serene and dignified demeanor, enhancing its regal bearing and the air of mystery that surrounds it. Nebelungs can be quite reserved, often showing a deep loyalty to their family while being cautious around strangers. They are often described as shadow-following their loved ones around the home, combining dignity with a playful side that emerges in familiar, comfortable environments. The Nebelung's striking looks, combined with their gentle and loving nature, make them a truly captivating breed that enchants all who meet them.
History
The Nebelung cat breed, often celebrated for its striking appearance and regal bearing, has a history that is as intriguing as the cat itself. The breed's name, 'Nebelung,' derives from the German word 'Nebel,' meaning mist or fog, which aptly describes the cat's shimmering silvery-blue coat that seems to cloak it in a mystical aura. The breed is quite young compared to other established breeds, having originated in the United States in the early 1980s.
The creation of the Nebelung was somewhat serendipitous. It began with a computer programmer named Cora Cobb, who gifted a pair of cats to her son. These cats were not of any specific breed but were beautiful long-haired blue cats. One, a male named Siegfried, and the other, a female named Brunhilde. In 1984, Brunhilde gave birth to a litter that included kittens resembling Russian Blue but with long, luxurious coats. Intrigued by their elegant appearance, Cobb consulted with genetic experts about maintaining and promoting these unique traits. This led to the deliberate development of a new breed that would emulate the characteristics of the Russian Blue but with a medium-long to long coat.
Cobb named this new breed the Nebelung, influenced by Richard Wagner’s operatic cycle which includes the character Siegfried of 'Der Ring des Nibelungen.' She strived to ensure that Nebelungs carried physical traits similar to those of the Russian Blue, except for their distinctive long coat. To achieve this, she took painstaking steps to develop a breed standard which was later accepted by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1987, officially recognizing the breed.
Over the years, the Nebelung has gained a small but dedicated following. The breed is noted not just for its beauty but also for its calm, reserved nature and intense loyalty to their family members. They are often described as shy around strangers but do not mistake their reticence for aloofness—they are incredibly affectionate with those they trust. This characteristic, along with their striking looks and the relatively recent history of the breed, continues to attract cat lovers worldwide, ensuring the Nebelung a place in the hearts and homes of many.