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Science & Nature • Cat breed

Nebelung

The Nebelung is a rare, modern breed of domestic cat known for its long, silky blue-gray coat with silver tipping and green eyes.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Nebelung is a rare, modern breed of domestic cat known for its long, silky blue-gray coat with silver tipping and green eyes. Developed in the United States in the 1980s, it is closely related to the Russian Blue but has a longer coat and is considered a distinct breed. The breed name comes from the German word nebel, meaning mist or fog, referring to its silvery coat.

History

The Nebelung was developed in the United States in the 1980s as a long-haired cat resembling the Russian Blue. Sources describe it as a deliberately developed breed and note its later recognition by breed organizations.

Appearance

Nebelungs typically have a medium-to-long, silky blue coat with silver tipping, a long body, and green eyes. Their coat gives them a mist-like appearance that inspired the breed name.

Temperament

The breed is commonly described as mild, gentle, shy, and quiet. It is often presented as a companionable cat that tends to bond closely with its family.

Breed status

The Nebelung remains relatively rare compared with older established breeds. It is recognized by the International Cat Association and is sometimes informally called the long-haired Russian Blue.

Key facts

  • The Nebelung is a rare domestic cat breed developed in the United States in the 1980s.
  • It is closely related to the Russian Blue but has a longer, silkier coat.
  • The breed is known for its blue-gray coat with a silvery sheen and green eyes.
  • Nebelungs are often described as gentle, quiet, and shy.
  • The name comes from the German word nebel, meaning mist or fog.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Nebelung?
A Nebelung is a rare domestic cat breed with a long, blue-gray coat and green eyes.
Where did the Nebelung originate?
The breed originated in the United States in the 1980s.
Is a Nebelung the same as a Russian Blue?
No. It is closely related to the Russian Blue, but the Nebelung has a longer, silkier coat and is treated as a separate breed.
Why is it called Nebelung?
The name comes from the German word nebel, meaning mist or fog, referring to the breed’s silvery coat.
Is the Nebelung a common breed?
No. It is considered relatively rare.

References

  1. The International Cat Association — https://www.tica.org/breed/nebelung/
    Supports: Breed recognition; description as a rare longhaired cat closely related to the Russian Blue.
  2. The Spruce Pets — https://www.thesprucepets.com/nebelung-cat-breed-profile-4770585
    Supports: Origin in the United States; 1980s development; name meaning; relation to the Russian Blue.
  3. ASPCA Pet Insurance — https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/nebelung-cat-facts/
    Supports: 1980s origin in the United States; physical characteristics; typical weight and lifespan.
  4. Cat Fanciers' Federation — https://www.cffinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/NEBELUNG.pdf
    Supports: Breed standard details including coat, body type, and temperament.