Bringing home a new family member is a huge decision, so if you are trying to choose between a Nebelung vs Maine Coon cat, you will have to do some research to find that breed that’s right for you!
Nebelung and Maine Coon cats are both longhaired, affectionate breeds. The Maine Coon, however, is a bit more independent and playful, while the Nebelung prefers to cuddle and spend as much time with their owners as possible. Maine Coons are adaptable and well suited to family life, but Nebelungs prefer stability and quiet.
Different cat breeds have different temperaments and are therefore better suited to different lifestyles, so you will want to read up on both cat breeds to determine which one is a better fit for your home.
The Nebelung and Maine Coon are both incredible cat breeds, but they have very different temperaments.
Read on to find out which of these breeds is best for you!
Nebelung Vs Maine Coon
In some cases, Nebelungs and Maine Coons can look quite similar.
Both are regal pedigree cats with long, thick fur, but these cats come in very different colors, as well as personalities.
The Maine Coon is the largest domesticated cat breed in the world, and they are known for their:
- Affection
- Playful Nature
- Amazing Hunting Skills
This is a hardy breed that fits well in just about any family.
So what is a Nebelung cat?
The Nebelung is an extremely sweet and gentle breed with long, dark gray fur.
Nebelung cats are highly affectionate towards their owners, but they can be quite reserved and shy around people they don’t know well.
Learning how to identify a Nebelung cat versus a Maine Coon cat is quite easy.
Even though both these cats have long, thick fur, Maine Coons come in all sorts of colors and patterns, while Nebelungs are solid gray (also known as blue).
The Nebelung also has a slimmer body type, while Maine Coons are broader and more muscled.
Origins
Maine Coons developed naturally in the frigid state of Maine, but it isn’t well known how they arrived in the US in the first place.
Some people believe the Maine Coon descended from the cats of Vikings, but there’s no way to know for sure whether any of the theories are true.
In the mid-1800s, farmers and sailors were impressed with these cats’ abilities to hunt mice, rats, and other vermin, and they soon became popular family companions.
Today, the Maine Coon is only becoming more popular for its intelligence, affectionate nature, and enormous size.
The Nebelung, meanwhile, is a much more recent breed.
In 1980, a woman named Cora Cobb adopted a short-haired, black kitten named Elsa.
She later bred Elsa with a male that was likely a Russian Blue or a Russian Blue mix. They had two litters, from which Cora Cobb adopted two kittens.
One of the kittens was a male with long, solid blue fur, while a kitten from the second litter was a female with short, solid blue fur and a Russian Blue body type.
Both kittens were so sweet and affectionate that Cora Cobb wanted everyone to experience such wonderful cats. She bred the brother and sister, producing several litters.
The genetics chairperson of TICA, Dr. Solveig Pflueger, helped Cora Cobb to establish the breed, and it was officially registered in 1987. Cora Cobb named the breed Nebelung, a German word meaning “creatures of the mist.”
So how rare is a Nebelung cat?
Being a very recent breed, they are rather rare. There are not many Nebelung breeders in the US, which means they’re also quite pricy (source 1,2,3).
Nebelung Vs Maine Coon Size
The Maine Coon is the largest domesticated cat breed in the entire world, weighing between 8 and 25 pounds on average. They measure about 19 to 40 inches in length, and 8 to 16 inches in height.
The Nebelung size, on the other hand, is significantly smaller. The average Nebelung cat weight is between 7 and 15 pounds, and they stand about 9 to 13 inches tall (source 1).
Build And Shape
Maine Coons and Nebelungs both have long fur, but their distinct body types make them easy to tell apart.
If you’re wondering how to tell if my cat is a Nebelung, understanding the basic body type of this breed is a great place to start:
1. Muzzle / Chin
Maine Coons have powerful, square muzzles.
Nebelungs have medium-length muzzles with puffy whisker pads, which is especially noticeable in females.
2. Neck
Maine Coons have medium-long necks of moderate thickness, while Nebelungs have long, slender necks.
3. Head Shape
Maine Coons have average-sized heads with high cheekbones.
The Nebelung has a wedge-shaped head that appears slightly pointed.
4. Nose
Maine Coons have medium-length noses. In profile, there is a single, smooth curve from the forehead to the tip of the nose.
Nebelungs have charcoal grey noses, and the tip of the nose has a very shallow, concave curve that looks almost completely straight.
5. Ears
Maine Coons have moderately sized ears that are wider at the base. Some Maine Coons have ear tufts at the tips of their ears.
Nebelungs have large, pointed ears that continue the wedge shape of the head.
6. Tail
The Maine Coon has long, fluffy tails that are wider at the base.
Many Maine Coons have distinctive rings at the base of their tails, and they usually hold their tails up very high.
Nebelungs have very long tails that are at least the length of their own body or longer.
7. Legs and Paws
Maine Coons have broad shoulders and well-muscled legs. They also have wide, enormous paws that usually have longer, tufted fur.
Nebelungs have longer, more slender legs than Maine Coons, and their paws are medium in size with tufts of longer fur between the toes (sources 1,2).
8. Growth Rate
Since Maine Coons are so large, they take a long time to reach their full size. These cats can take three to five years to reach their full size.
The Nebelung, meanwhile, usually reaches its full size around two years.
9. Fur
Maine Coons have long, thick fur that is semi-water-repellant.
Their fur is longer around the neck and shoulders, where it forms a distinctive ruff, as well as on the belly and rump.
Many Maine Coons also have long tufts of fur on their paws, as well as tufts on their ear tips.
Some people think the ears tufts exist because the Maine Coon cat is part-Lynx. Click on the link to discover the true answer!
Nebelungs have fine, silky fur that is semi-water-repellant like the Maine Coon’s.
Nebelungs can also have neck ruffs, although this is typically seen in males. Their fur is shorter on the shoulders, and longer on the rest of the body. Their fur is longest on the tail.
If you suffer from allergies, you might be wondering, are Nebelung cats hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, neither Maine Coons nor Nebelung cats are hypoallergenic. Their dander, saliva, and skin oils can all wreak havoc on a person with cat allergies.
If you are interested in learning why Maine Coons are more hypoallergenic than most cat breeds, read my article ‘Are Maine Coons Cats Hypoallergenic?‘.
10. Coloring
The Maine Coon comes in virtually every color and pattern, excepting point coloration and a few rare or breed-specific colorations.
Nebelungs, however, only come in a solid blue color, which is one of the most distinctive features of the breed.
Maine Coon Vs Nebelung Personality
Maine Coons and Nebelungs are incredibly different from one another when it comes to appearance, but they are also strikingly different in personality.
1. Temperament
Overall, Maine Coons are known to be friendly, loving cats with an energetic, playful nature.
While they love to follow their owners around, they are rarely clingy.
They retain a kitten-like personality throughout their entire lives, and they’re also exceptionally smart.
The Nebelung personality is even more affectionate than the Maine Coon, but these cats are known for being quite timid and reserved around strangers.
Nebelungs are the ultimate lapcats, and they much prefer to snuggle on the couch than climb or adventure.
2. Sociability
Maine Coons are one of the most sociable cat breeds out there.
They develop very close bonds with their owners but are also friendly towards strangers.
They are rarely aggressive and are so famous for their tolerance that they are even referred to as the “gentle giants” of the cat world.
Nebelungs are extremely social towards their favorite humans.
They love to spend as much time as possible with their owners, constantly following them around and cuddling whenever they get the chance.
However, they are less social towards strangers or people they don’t know very well, and they have a tendency to hide if you have company in the house.
3. Friendliness Towards Other Pets
The Maine Coon’s highly sociable nature means that they also get along famously well with other cats and even dogs.
In fact, because Maine Coons like to have lots of social interaction, they usually do best with another pet to keep them company while their owners are away.
However, due to their high prey drive, Maine Coons should not be kept in households with small animals like mice, rats, or birds.
By comparison, Nebelungs are much more reserved, however, and tend to do best in a household without other pets.
This breed can usually get along quite well with other cats, provided the other cat is also reserved and gentle. However, these cats usually don’t take well to living with dogs.
4. Loyalty / Companionship
Maine Coons are incredibly loyal cats that love to follow their owners around from room to room. They’re steadfast companions, but not overbearing.
While they love to hang out with their favorite humans, they’re good at giving you your personal space when you need it.
The Nebelung is also incredibly loyal.
They bond very closely with a select few humans and prefer to spend lots of quality time with their owners.
If structured alone-time is part of their routine, they’re happy to hang out independently for a while, but they don’t take well to sudden, unexpected disappearances.
5. Playfulness
Maine Coons have a kitten-like personality, and they play energetically throughout their entire lives!
These intelligent cats need lots of durable, interactive toys to keep them occupied.
They also need an extra-large cat tree for climbing and plenty of space to run around!
Nebelungs are also quite playful, and they love to climb and play fetch.
These cats are more mild-mannered than Maine Coons, however, and are more likely to cuddle or sleep than play all day.
6. Hunting Skills
Maine Coons are famous for their excellent hunting skills, so they should be kept away from households with small pets like mice or birds.
If you have an indoor/outdoor cat, then you can expect your Maine Coon to leave “presents” at your doorstep every so often!
Nebelungs are gentle, mild-mannered cats, but even though they usually prefer to cuddle or nap, they also have very sharp hunting skills.
They love to retrieve toys, and might even catch a mouse or two if they’re allowed outside.
7. Territoriality
Maine Coons aren’t known for being aggressive or territorial. Here’s why …
Due to their large size, however, your Maine Coon will need plenty of space for itself.
They don’t do well in cramped apartments where they have to share a living space with lots of people.
As affectionate as they are, Maine Coons still like to have their personal space at times, so it’s a good idea to give them a cat tree or some other designated spaces for them to hang out on their own.
Nebelungs are not known for being aggressive, but they are timid and wary about their space.
A Nebelung won’t take kindly to having its favorite bed moved, or its spot under the couch being blocked off! They also need plenty of space to escape if they’re feeling overwhelmed.
8. Adaptability
Maine Coons are easy-going cats that can adapt well to changes. While all cats enjoy routine, changes in your schedule usually don’t phase Maine Coons.
They’re content so long as they’re provided plenty of playtime and attention!
Nebelungs, on the other hand, tend to be quite picky, and they have a difficult time adapting to new situations.
Major changes can have a hugely negative impact on Nebelunds. Changes include:
- Moving
- Bringing home a new family member
- Suddenly changing routine
Nebelungs are also very dignified and particular.
They have high standards for their living environments, and they will let you know if they find the house too messy or the litter box too smelly!
These cats are also especially particular about feeding times; if they are not fed at the same time every day, they can become quite distressed (sources 1,2).
Are Nebelungs And Maine Coons Family Friendly?
Maine Coons are among the best cat breeds for living with a family.
They are extremely gentle and patient with children, and they get along famously well with other pets, including dogs!
The Maine Coon cat will thrive on social interaction, so households with multiple people are usually better for them.
Nebelungs, meanwhile, are better suited to small households without children or other pets.
These cats are very shy around children, and can easily become stressed in rowdy households.
Nebelung cats are perfect for living with a couple, or with a senior living on their own (source 1).
Are Maine Coons And Nebelungs Intelligent?
Maine Coons are famously smart, so much so that they’re often referred to as the “dogs of the cat world.”
These clever cats are great at problem-solving, and they can easily be trained to play fetch, do tricks, and even walk on a leash!
Nebelungs are quite intelligent too, and they’re usually easy to train to use the litter box.
While they can be trained to play fetch or do tricks with clicker training, their subdued nature means they don’t always take an interest in training.
Is The Nebelung More Vocal Than The Maine Coon?
Maine Coons are quite unique because instead of meowing like most cats, they tend to chirp or trill!
These cats like to use their unique voices to ask for attention, food, or playtime.
They also like to “chat” with their owners about their day!
Nebelungs are soft-spoken cats with very sweet, quiet meows.
They don’t meow often, and when they do, it’s usually because there was a disruption in their routine.
Discover why Maine Coon cats talk so much, in my fact-filled article.
Are Nebelungs Healthier Than Maine Coon Cats?
Purebred cats are very popular because they have distinctive appearances and temperaments.
Unfortunately, the selective breeding that results in these distinctive characteristics also leads to certain health problems.
It’s important therefore to research the disorders that certain breeds are prone to before bringing one into your home.
Thankfully, the Maine Coon is usually considered one of the healthier cat breeds out there, largely due to the fact that they originated naturally before being selectively bred.
However, there are still a few Maine Coon health problems that they are prone to developing:
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a painful condition that occurs when a cat’s femoral joint is malformed.
This joint then fits oddly against the pelvis, resulting in grinding as the cat walks.
Over time, the constant grinding loosens the joint, leading to a limping gait and pain.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
SMA is an inherited disorder that usually develops when a kitten is around three or four months old.
This disorder causes the muscles of a cat’s lower spine to atrophy.
At first, the affected cat may stand or walk oddly, but over time, the cat will lose mobility in its hind legs, making it difficult to run or jump.
I have listed the key signs and symptoms of this condition, in my article ‘Maine Coon Spinal Muscular Atrophy‘.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
PKD is another inherited disorder that causes cysts to grow in a cat’s kidneys.
PKD often goes unnoticed, as sometimes the cysts don’t cause any problems.
In some cases, however, it can result in kidney failure and ultimately death.
For more details on this health condition, read my article.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetic condition that affects the heart.
It causes the heart walls to thicken over time, eventually leading to death.
This deadly condition in many breeds, but it can thankfully be tested for.
Reputable breeders test all of their breeding cats for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and will not breed cats with this condition so as to not pass it on to their kittens.
This condition is common in both Maine Coons and Nebelungs. Learn more.
Since Nebelungs are a much more recent cat breed, there has not been as much research done on what health conditions they are more prone to.
However, here are some of the common Nebelung cat health problems:
Obesity
Nebelungs love to eat, and they’re also rather laidback.
A combination of overeating and lack of exercise means that this breed is especially prone to obesity, which can exacerbate a multitude of other health problems.
Skin Disorders
Nebelungs seem to be more prone to suffering from a variety of skin disorders, including idiopathic seborrhea.
Idiopathic seborrhea is an inherited disorder that is caused by an overproduction of an oily substance known as sebum.
The sebum collects in the cat’s fur, resulting in a bad smell, as well as red and irritated skin.
While there is no cure for this condition, it can be treated with diet supplements and certain medications.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetic condition that affects the heart.
It causes the heart walls to thicken over time, eventually leading to death.
This deadly condition in many breeds, but it can thankfully be tested for.
Reputable breeders test all of their breeding cats for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and will not breed cats with this condition so as to not pass it on to their kittens.
This condition is common in both Maine Coons and Nebelungs (sources 1,2).
Maine Coon Vs Nebelung Exercise Requirements
Both Maine Coons and Nebelungs require at least thirty minutes of exercise every day.
Maine Coons, however, are much more active and need a lot of durable, interactive toys, as well as things to climb on.
These are my favorite hardy cat toys, which our own large Maine Coon cat loves to play with.
The Nebelung is a bit calmer and more reserved than the Maine Coon, but these cats still love to play, as well! They especially love to climb to high places and play fetch.
Since Nebelungs are prone to obesity, it’s important to encourage them to exercise every day.
Cost Of Purchase A Maine Coon Vs Nebelung
The best way to get a Maine Coon is to purchase one from a reputable breeder, but they usually cost between $400 and $2,000.
Here is a list of registered Maine Coon breeders in the United States, by state.
It is possible, however, to find a Maine Coon available for adoption at a shelter, but this is relatively rare, and they’re usually the first cats to be adopted.
Read more about this in my article covering ‘Maine Coon Adoption‘.
Unfortunately, the Nebelung cat price is not much cheaper. Nebelungs typically cost between $600 and $1,200.
Since the Nebelung is a much more recent breed, they’re even more difficult to find in shelters.
Thankfully, if the steep price of a pedigree Maine Coon or Nebelung is too much, you can sometimes find older cats, like retired show cats or breeders, at a cheaper price.
Nebelung mixed breeds or Maine Coon mixed breeds also tend to be cheaper.
Maine Coon Vs Nebelung Lifespan
Most Maine Coons can be expected to live between 12 and 15 years.
The average lifespan of a Nebelung is between 11 and 18 years.
Caring For A Nebelung Vs Maine Coon
Nebelungs and Maine Coons require high-quality cat food that’s high in protein and contains a moderate amount of fat and a small number of carbohydrates.
This is my favorite dry cat food for our Maine Coon cat since it is designed with the Maine Coon specifically in mind.
When it comes to grooming, both Nebelungs and Maine Coons need to be brushed at least twice a week, and more during shedding season.
Make sure you have these five cat grooming tools to hand so that grooming your long-haired cat doesn’t become a chore.
Bathing is not necessary for either breed, but because Maine Coons love water, it might not be a bad idea to bathe them every so often for an extra deep clean.
Here are some other ways to keep your Maine Coon cat clean.
Nebelungs and Maine Coons have longer tufts of fur on their paws, which you may need to trim if they become matted or dirty.
You should also trim their claws once every few weeks.
It is also a good idea to brush your cat’s teeth every day. This is important to avoid these nasty dental issues in your cat.
Finally, Nebelungs are very particular when it comes to their litter box, and they will refuse to use their litter box if it’s not kept spotlessly clean.
Many Nebelung owners choose to invest in a self-cleaning litter box for this reason.
If you want to treat your cat to the finest self-cleaning cat litter box on the internet, then consider buying this amazing product from Amazon, if your cat is 18lbs and below.
It comes with everything, from thermal and weight sensors to odor removal functionalities.
For those of you looking for a more cost-effective option, consider purchasing this large self-cleaning litter tray.
It can be ordered quickly and easily from Amazon via the link, so you know you are always buying from a trusted retailer platform.
Costs Of Owning A Nebelung Vs Maine Coon
Overall, owning a Maine Coon is slightly more expensive, mostly due to its enormous size.
Maine Coons need to eat more than the average cat, and it’s especially important that they eat high-quality cat food, such as these.
Maine Coons also need specially sized beds, carriers, and cat trees to match their enormous size!
Finally, these active cats play hard and need lots of mental stimulation, so you’ll end up spending more on durable, interactive toys.
Conclusion
There are many distinct differences between Nebelung vs Maine Coon cats, and they are both suited to very different lifestyles.
The quiet, dignified Nebelung does best with one or two owners in a quiet household, while the Maine Coon is well suited to larger households where they receive lots of affection.
Both cat breeds are very sweet and loving, but the Maine Coon is more active and playful, while the Nebelung prefers lots of cuddles.
Related Questions
What Is The Largest Maine Coon Cat On Record?
The largest Maine Coon cat ever recorded is named Ludo, who measures a length of 3 feet and 10.59 inches, and weighs 34 pounds! (source 1).
Is A Maine Coon A Good Pet?
Maine Coons are friendly, sociable animals that make wonderful pets for owners who can provide the time and attention they require.
Are Maine Coons High Maintenance?
The Maine Coon’s large size means these cats require larger cat trees, more exercise, and higher quality food, but they don’t require too much more maintenance than the average cat.