Nebelung Cat: History And Characteristics
Imagine a Russian blue cat, with its green eyes and its characteristic silver hue, but with long hair. Add a temperamental and reserved character with strangers. Finally, add a touch of Norse mythology to its name. The result is a beautiful example of nebelung cat, or nibelungo if we translate it into Italian.
Like a Russian blue cat, but with long hair
The blue cat is an ancient cat breed originating from the north of Russia. In the nineteenth century some specimens were introduced in England and among them some were short-haired, others long-haired. The latter became extinct, while the former became what we know today as the Russian blue cats.
In the 1980s and in the United States, a cross was made between a Russian blue male and a Maine Coon female. The result was a beautiful feline with long fur and silver highlights.
Thus was born the nebelung cat, defined as son or inhabitant of the mists according to Norse mythology. The breed was soon recognized by the main feline associations and became famous throughout much of the world. However, it is mostly found in the United States of America, where it enjoys great popularity.
Physical characteristics of the Nebelung cat
The nebelung cat is an animal of medium structure, agile and well-proportioned. It has an elegant appearance, but at the same time robust and strong, thanks to its good bone structure and its musculature. Males weigh between four and six kilos and females between three and four kilos.
Among its physical characteristics, also stand out:
- Head: medium-sized, slightly round and with a rectangular structure.
- Eyes: almond-shaped (or round) and green in color.
- Nose: broad, long and straight.
- Ears: erect, well separated and pointed.
- Legs: long, thin and muscular.
- Tail: long and with abundant hair. It is thicker at the base and tapers towards the tip.
- Hair: long and thick, but thin. Very silky to the touch and brilliant to the eye.
- Color: gray with silver reflections.
An active, intelligent and capricious breed
The Nebelung cat is one of the most active breeds known. You will see him happy as he plays and explores, so if you pay attention to him and don’t leave him alone, he can adapt very well to apartment life. Be careful, though, because it learns to open doors. In addition, he loves drinking water from taps and sinks.
Affectionate and intelligent, he also tends to be a bit temperamental and demanding. And he will let you know with loud meows when he wants something. For this reason, coexistence with very young children is not recommended. In any case, it is a sociable animal that gets along well with people and other pets.
The most likely thing is that he will become particularly fond of a family member, who will follow around the house to claim cuddles and other attention. Although he can adapt well to new people and situations, at first he shows a certain reserve in the presence of strangers.
Care that nebelung needs
A cat with such a character will also require you to take care of its nutrition and hygiene. In particular, you must pay attention and always keep his litter box and his favorite spaces clean.
To keep his long coat in good condition, you’ll need to brush him three or four times a week. What’s more, quality food will help not only make it look good, but also keep it healthy and strong.
It is an animal that usually does not get sick and that has a life expectancy ranging from 15 to 18 years. As with any pet, periodic visits to the vet, vaccines and deworming treatments should never be ignored.
