The Nebelung cat breed is new and rare. These cats are closely related to Russian Blue cats, and their name means “creature of the mist” in the German language. Maine Coons, meanwhile, are known as gentle giants, and are affectionate, gentle and calm, despite their large size. In this article, we look at the differences between these two breeds, as well as some notable similarities.
Nebelung vs Maine Coon: What are the differences?
1, Size
Nebelung cats are medium-sized and weigh around six to 13 pounds. They are long-muscled and have long legs. Maine Coons, on the other hand, weigh 11 to 19 pounds or more, and have a strong bone structure. These cats are large and have broad chests and muscular bodies.
2. Color
Nebelung cats have silver-blue fur, while Maine Coons have many coat colors including red, blue, solid white, cream and black. The latter also come in tabby bi-color, tortoiseshell, particolor, calico and shaded. The brown tabby is the most popular coat shade for this breed.
3. Fur type or texture
Nebelung cats have a soft, two-layered coat suitable for any weather. The outer coat is fine, silky and semi-long over the body, and is shorter at the shoulder. The males may have neck ruffs and longer fur on the tail. It may take up to two years for their coats to fully develop.
Maine Coons have three coat layers and the guard hair is usually coarser, protecting the cats from snow and water. The two layers of undercoat are softer, and their long fur protects them from harsh weather conditions.
4. Health issues
Nebelung cats are generally healthy and have only minor health issues. They can live up to 20 years if given proper care and attention. However, once they reach their senior years they may be prone to arthritis, hearing loss, diabetes, thyroid problems and dementia.
Maine Coons are predisposed to health problems like hip dysplasia, spinal muscular atrophy and feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Hip dysplasia degenerates the joints and leads to joint stiffness and pain, and could develop into osteoarthritis. Spinal muscular atrophy is a hereditary disease that destroys motor neurons, while feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an abnormal thickening of the heart and a common disease among felines.
Nebelung and Maine Coon cats: Similarities
Both breeds have a similar origin, or history.
Nebelung cats, relatives of the short-haired Russian Blue, originated in the USA when breeder Cora Cobb bred a Domestic Shorthair with a Russian Blue in the mid-1980s. The breed was recognized by The International Cat Association and the American Cat Fanciers Association as a new breed in 1987. Meanwhile, Maine Coons originated in Maine, USA, and were allegedly brought to the USA from Europe on ships. The first reference to this breed was in about 1861.
They have similar personalities and temperaments.
Nebelung cats are good-natured, playful and gentle. They have superior intelligence and can form a tight bond with their humans. They have dog-like qualities and can also be vocal at times. They tend to be aloof with strangers, and can be finicky with their food. If they are not well socialized they could be nervous. They have a quiet nature and are ideal pets for small families.
Maine Coons are playful, affectionate and gentle cats. They are referred to as gentle giants because of their relaxed nature despite their huge size. They are sociable, fairly vocal, and highly intelligent, which makes them very easy to train. They adore puzzle toys, tend to have dog-like qualities, and are ideal companions for children and cat-friendly dogs.
Conclusion
Nebelung cats are strikingly beautiful felines with a gentle and sociable nature. They are closely related to Russian Blue cats and share similarities with Maine Coons when it comes to personality and origin. However, they also have differences, such as their size and coat color and type. Moreover, Nebelung cats are generally healthy, while Maine Coons are prone to issues such as hip dysplasia and spinal muscular atrophy.
Image: istockphoto.com / Veronika Viskova