You’ve seen them on Instagram. Those misty, silver-blue ghosts with fur that looks like it was woven from morning fog. Most people call them a long haired Russian blue. It makes sense, right? If it looks like a Russian Blue but has a coat long enough to hide a small toy in, that's what it must be.
Except, it’s not that simple. Honestly, the "long haired Russian blue" is a bit of a genetic ghost story that eventually became its own breed: the Nebelung.
If you are looking for a cat that combines the stoic, loyal personality of a Russian Blue with the luxurious fluff of a Persian—without the high-maintenance "pushed-in" face—you’re looking for a very specific type of animal. But before you go scouring shelters or calling up breeders, you need to understand that this isn't just a Russian Blue that forgot to get a haircut. It's a specific lineage with a history that involves a bit of accidental science and a whole lot of German folklore.
The Genetic Fluke That Created the Long Haired Russian Blue
Here is the thing. Standard Russian Blues are short-haired. That’s the rule. According to the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) standards, a Russian Blue must have a short, dense, plush double coat. Anything else is technically a "pet quality" fluke or a different breed entirely.
But genes are messy.
Back in the 1980s, a woman named Cora Cobb had a cat named Elsa. Elsa was a black domestic shorthair, but she carried a recessive long-hair gene. She mated with a Russian Blue. In the litter, there was one kitten with long, blue fur. His name was Siegfried. A year later, another litter produced a female named Brunhilde. She also had that long, shimmering blue coat.
Siegfried and Brunhilde became the foundation for the Nebelung breed. The name literally means "creatures of the mist" in German. So, while enthusiasts often search for a long haired Russian blue, what they are actually finding is the Nebelung—a breed recognized by TICA (The International Cat Association) since 1997.
It's a niche world. You won't find these cats at every corner pet store.
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What Do They Actually Look Like?
Imagine a medium-sized cat. It should be elegant. Long legs. Slender body. But then, wrap that body in a thick, semi-long coat that feels like silk. The color is the kicker. It has to be blue. In cat speak, "blue" means a soft, charcoal grey.
The tips of the guard hairs are often "tipped" with silver. This gives the cat a shimmering, iridescent quality when they move through a sunbeam. It’s almost hypnotic.
Their eyes? They start out yellow as kittens. As they grow, they develop a vivid green ring around the pupil. By the time they are two years old, those eyes should be a striking, solid emerald. If you see a long-haired grey cat with copper or amber eyes, it’s probably a Chantilly-Tiffany or a generic long-haired mix, not a true long haired Russian blue descendant.
The tail is another giveaway. A Nebelung's tail is longer than its body and extremely bushy. It looks like a Victorian plume.
Temperament: The "Velcro" Cat Myth
They aren't for everyone.
Russian Blues—and their long-haired cousins—are notoriously shy. If you have a house full of screaming toddlers or a rotating door of houseguests, this cat will spend its entire life under your bed. They hate noise. They love routine. They are "one-person" cats.
Once they pick you, though? You’re done. They will follow you from the bathroom to the kitchen. They will sit on your laptop while you try to work. They don't meow much, but they communicate with their eyes and soft chirps.
- They are highly intelligent.
- They can be taught to fetch.
- Many owners report their cats opening doors or turning on faucets.
- They are creatures of habit. If you move their litter box two inches to the left, they will let you know they are annoyed.
Wait, don't confuse "loyal" with "submissive." These cats have a dignity that borders on arrogance. They expect to be treated like royalty. If you ignore them, they won't beg for attention—they will sit in the corner and judge you until you feel guilty enough to offer treats.
Health Realities and Longevity
Generally, these cats are robust. Because the breed was founded on a relatively healthy domestic gene pool, they don't have the massive list of genetic disorders that plague breeds like the Maine Coon or the Scottish Fold.
However, they are prone to obesity.
Because they are "indoor-only" by temperament, they can get lazy. A fat Nebelung is a sad Nebelung. You have to watch the calories. Also, because of that thick double coat, they are prone to bladder stones and kidney issues if they don't drink enough water.
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Pro tip: Get a stainless steel water fountain. They prefer running water, and it keeps them hydrated, which is the best defense against urinary tract issues.
The Grooming Nightmare (That Isn't Actually a Nightmare)
You’d think a long haired Russian blue would require four hours of brushing a day.
Actually, no.
The fur of a Nebelung is silky rather than woolly. It doesn't mat nearly as easily as a Persian's coat does. A good brushing twice a week is usually enough to keep the silver sheen alive and the shedding under control. During the "shedding seasons" in spring and fall, you'll want to ramp that up to daily.
If you don't brush them, you will find "tumble-furs" rolling across your hardwood floors like grey ghosts. It's just part of the experience.
Finding a True Long Haired Russian Blue
This is the hard part. If you want a papered Nebelung, prepare to wait. There are only a handful of dedicated breeders in North America and Europe. Prices can range from $1,200 to $3,000 depending on the lineage.
If you find a "Russian Blue Longhair" for $200 on Craigslist, it’s a scam. Or, more likely, it’s just a very pretty grey domestic longhair. There is nothing wrong with a rescue cat—they make amazing pets—but don't pay "purebred" prices for a cat without a certified pedigree from TICA or a similar organization.
Check the ears. A true descendant of the Russian Blue line will have very large, pointed ears that continue the line of the "wedge-shaped" head. The ears are thin and lightly furred. If the cat has small, rounded ears, it’s not a Russian Blue variant.
Why People Get It Wrong
The internet is full of "blue" cats. The British Shorthair, the Chartreux, and the Korat all share that same steely hue. But the long-haired version is unique to the Russian line.
Some people think the long-haired trait is a mutation caused by the environment. It's not. It's purely recessive. Both parents have to carry the "long-hair" instruction in their DNA for it to show up in the kitten. This is why you can have a litter of five short-haired Russian Blues and suddenly—poof—one fluffy one appears.
In the early days of cat fancy, these "fluffs" were often hidden or given away because they didn't meet the "pure" standard. Cora Cobb changed that by recognizing that the fluff was actually the best part.
Is This Cat Right For You?
Let's be real.
If you want a cat that greets every stranger at the door, get a Ragdoll.
If you want a cat that is basically a dog in a cat suit, get a Maine Coon.
But if you want a companion that feels like a shared secret—a cat that is quiet, incredibly beautiful, and intensely devoted to just you—then the long haired Russian blue (the Nebelung) is unparalleled.
They are the introverts of the cat world. They are the poets. They are the cats that sit on the windowsill and watch the rain for three hours without moving.
Actionable Steps for Potential Owners
- Verify the Breed: If you are buying from a breeder, ask for the TICA registration of the parents. Look specifically for "Nebelung" or "Russian Blue" lineage.
- Environment Check: Ensure your home has "vertical space." These cats love to be high up. A tall cat tree is not optional; it's a requirement for their mental health.
- Dietary Control: Start them on high-protein, grain-free wet food early. Avoid "free-feeding" dry kibble, as this breed is prone to packing on weight that hides under all that fur.
- Socialization: If you get a kitten, expose them to gentle handling and varied sounds early. You won't turn them into an extrovert, but you can prevent them from becoming a "fear-biter" when the doorbell rings.
- Grooming Kit: Invest in a high-quality "slicker brush" and a greyhound comb. The comb is essential for getting down to the skin to prevent the small mats that form behind the ears and under the armpits.
The world of the long haired Russian blue is one of nuance and quiet beauty. It's not a loud, flashy world, but for those who find their way in, it's incredibly rewarding. You aren't just getting a pet; you're getting a living piece of mist that happens to purr.