Cat breed comparison
Russian Blue vs Nebelung
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Russian Blue | Nebelung |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Russia | United States |
| Weight | 5 to 11 lbs | 7 to 11 lbs |
| Life span | 10 to 16 years | 11 to 16 years |
| Lap cat | Yes | Yes |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | No |
| Affection | ||
| Energy | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with dogs | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Vocal | ||
| Needs company | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Health issues |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Russian Blue
Said to come from the port of Arkhangelsk in northern Russia, it was taken to Britain by sailors in the 1860s.
Its dense silver-blue coat and green eyes are its hallmarks.
Health to watch
- Obesity
- Bladder stones
The Nebelung
Developed in Denver in the 1980s by Cora Cobb from long-haired blue cats related to the Russian Blue. Nebelung means creature of the mist in German.
It is shy with strangers but devoted to its own people.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Affection
The Nebelung is more affectionate than the Russian Blue.
Intelligence
The Nebelung is quicker to learn than the Russian Blue.
Good with children
The Nebelung is better with children than the Russian Blue.
Good with dogs
The Nebelung gets on better with dogs than the Russian Blue.
Health issues
The Nebelung tends to have more health issues than the Russian Blue.
Which to choose
Russian Blue or Nebelung?
Choose the Russian Blue if…
- You’d like a more independent cat (it is more independent)
- You want a cat that tends to have fewer health issues
Choose the Nebelung if…
- You want a cuddly cat (it is more affectionate)
- You want a cat that is quicker to learn
- You want a cat that is better with children
- You want a cat that gets on better with dogs
Questions.
Which is easier to train, the Russian Blue or the Nebelung?
The Nebelung is generally easier to train than the Russian Blue. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Russian Blue or the Nebelung?
The Nebelung is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Russian Blue can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
They shed about the same amount. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Russian Blue and Nebelung have?
The Russian Blue is prone to obesity, bladder stones. The Nebelung has no well-documented breed-specific problems. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
