Nibelung: Cats and Tomcats

The origins of the Nibelung cat breed are linked to a similar breed, the Russian Blue. Successful breeding efforts led to a new development in the 1980s. The only difference between the two breeds is their coats.

The distinctive features of their coat are its length, silkiness, and softness. The iridescent colors of their fur, ranging from silver to gray-blue, are striking, making the Nibelung cat breed exceptionally beautiful. In fact, it is their coloring that gives them their name, which translates as "fog dweller, mystical creature."

The cat Siegfried is considered the founder of the breed. In 1987, the Nibelung breed was officially recognized by cat fanciers. Since then, two breeding lines of Nibelungs have emerged: European and American. While the European line was developed from natural material, the American line was created by crossing a black Angora cat with a Russian Blue cat.

Nibelung cats come in only one color and pattern: solid blue. Light gray is also occasionally seen. Their eyes are always green, but newborn kittens may have yellowish eyes, which change to green as they mature.

Closer to 8 months of age, you can already see a green ring around the pupils.

Their bodies are strong, muscular, elongated, and slender. They can easily leap even onto the tallest cabinets. Their heads are wedge-shaped, slightly elongated, although their fur gives them a rounded appearance. Their eyes are wide-set and oval. Their ears are pointed and large.

Characteristic features

The Nebelung cat's personality is very similar to that of the Russian Blue. They are kind, sweet, and gentle, with a pleasant, quiet voice. They do not handle change well, and it will take them a considerable amount of time to adapt.

They are also wary of strangers and prefer to "get to know" them from a distance. They may even hide under a bed or some other safe place. But as soon as they realize the stranger is friendly and poses no threat, they immediately transform into playful and cheerful cats.

As a rule, Nibelung cats become attached to one person and show them their devotion and love with all their might, but in an unobtrusive manner.

Some love to sit on their owners' laps, while others may simply perch nearby. They greatly crave the love and affection of their owners, especially the one to whom they are most attached. If your home is empty all day, it's advisable to get another cat to keep your pet entertained. Nebelungs don't tolerate noise well, so they're not a good choice for families with small children.

Feeding and care rules

Need to know how to properly feed and care for a Nibelung?

Nutrition

It's recommended to feed young Nibelung kittens five times a day. As they grow older, the number of feedings should be reduced, while the portions should be increased.

At one year of age, you can switch to adult food - 2 times a day.

Regarding food, high-quality commercial food (premium and super-premium) is suitable for Nibelungs. These foods contain all the necessary nutrients to support their well-being and ensure their full development.

If you prefer a balanced diet of natural foods, consider creating complex meal plans. Buckwheat, liver, and carrots are not recommended for their diet. These foods negatively impact their exceptional color. Furthermore, foods containing high amounts of copper and iodine are not recommended.

Care

Grooming a Nibelung cat is easy and will take you no more than 30 minutes a week. To keep your beautiful cat looking beautiful and well-groomed, invest in a metal massage brush with an anti-static coating, a two-level comb, special shampoo, nail clippers, cotton pads, ear cleaning swabs, and ear drops.

It is recommended to bathe representatives of this breed only when necessary.

They are able to keep themselves clean, so excessive bathing is undesirable, as it can adversely affect their coat color. Before bathing, it is recommended to place large cotton balls in their ears to prevent water from getting in. Lather your pet only with special shampoos and in the direction of hair growth.

Avoid lathering the head or pouring water over the cat's fur. Rinse thoroughly to avoid any residual shampoo, which can cause tangles. Dry the kitten's fur with a hairdryer or dryer, and gently brush the fur.

Nebelungs need to have their teeth brushed once a month with a special toothpaste. Alternatively, you can use dry food or special cat treats.

Wipe the eyes daily with a swab soaked in the decoction. Also, clean the cat's ears once a week with cotton swabs soaked in a special cleaning solution.

Predisposition to diseases of the Nibelungs

Nibelung cats are in excellent health.

To maintain their beautiful coat color, limit their exposure to the sun and avoid feeding them liver, carrots, and buckwheat. If you follow all these recommendations, you'll have a beautiful, well-groomed, kind, and healthy Nibelung roaming your home.

Video review of the Nibelung cat breed