Short Description

Coat: semi-longhair
Weight: 5-6 kg for females and 8-9 kg for males
Height: 25-40 cm
Average life expectancy: 15-18 years

Neva Masquerade Cat History and Origin

The Neva Masquerade breed is a variety of Siberian cats that occurred through crossing with representatives of color-point colors or as a result of a natural mutation.
The debate about the origin of the species is considered incomplete, and there are two main versions. According to the first version, the Neva Masquerade breed was formed under the influence of the Siamese cat. According to the second version, the breed originated under the influence of the Persian-Himalayan.

Felinologists consider the Neva Masquerade breed to be aboriginal (bred without human intervention), and the reason for the appearance of the color point gene is that it is a common mutation. This mutation was later fixed through breeding work.

The formation of the Neva cat breed began in Olga Mironova’s cattery “Kotofey” in St. Petersburg. The first participation of Neva Masquerade cats in the exhibition took place in 1988—official registration of the breed - in 1992.
Today, the breed is registered in most phenological systems. The description of the breed includes two phenotypes - St. Petersburg and Moscow. St. Petersburg cats are more elegant and narrow-bodied. Moscow is large-boned and has a dense undercoat. The breeding geography of the breed has been expanded to Europe and America.

What does a Neva masquerade cat look like?

The Neva Masquerade cat is a medium to large breed with a strong muscular body, powerful paws, and a long, bushy tail. A Neva breed cat is always larger than a cat.

Head
The shape of the head is proportional to the body: a wide, slightly rounded forehead with a smooth transition to the nose. The head is also short, wide, and massive.

Nose
The nose is wide. The length is average.

Muzzle
The cheeks are voluminous; the cheekbones are low. When viewed in profile, the chin is wide and well-defined but without roughness or protrusion.

Neck
Short, strong.

Ears
The size is medium—triangular shape. The ends are rounded. In addition, there are tassels on the ears.

Eyes
The eye color is all shades of blue. The shape is round.
The eyes should be rich in color, and the pigment distribution should be even.

Torso
The length is average. Dense, muscular, with strong bones and a broad chest. When viewed from the front, it forms a rectangular shape.
The feet are solid and powerful, medium length, with large rounded paws and tufts of hair between the toes.

Tail
Tail Well furred. It is wide at the base and rounded at the end. The tail is long and reaches the shoulder blades.

Coat

Semi-long, with stiff, water-repellent guard hair and a double undercoat that varies in length and density depending on the season. In summer, it is short and tight to the body; in winter, it is thick and long.

The length of the coat depends on the specific area: slightly shorter on the shoulder blades with increasing length towards the sides.
The decorative fur of the Neva Masquerade cat breed forms a lush mane and collar.

The base color of Neva masquerade cats can be anything except chocolate lilac. There should be a contrast between the base color and the point color.

Acceptable colors:

Seal Point
Blue Point
Red point
Torty point

Character

Neva masquerade cats are very affectionate. Representatives of this breed get along well with other family members, especially small children. These cats also get along well with other pets, including dogs. Cats love games, hide and seek, and hunting for balls or candy wrappers, and will be very happy if you participate. If you have no time, the cat will not be offended and will not take revenge since this breed is very friendly.

Neva Masquerade kittens are known for being extremely affectionate. They don’t do well alone and will follow their humans everywhere. They’re the type of cat that will always find its way onto your lap and in your bed. They also are known for enjoying time with children.

Playful and Fun-Loving

Neva Masquerade cats appear to believe it's their responsibility to ensure their human friends stay amused. Some of these remarkable felines have even been known to master the game of fetch. An d if you're not up for participating, that's completely okay. These cats can entertain themselves and are happy to let you relax and enjoy the show.

Outdoor Adventures

Siberian cats are often compared to dogs because they have a high energy level and love to play and explore. Some Siberians love to walk outside and prefer to be walked with a collar. Teaching your kitten to wear a collar as early as possible is recommended. We, as breeders, recommend that you get special vaccinations for walking your cat at the veterinarian. Siberian cats are known for their playful nature, enjoying games like fetch. They will be happy in your home if they have space to run and play.

Are They Hypoallergenic?

Siberian cats are often considered hypoallergenic due to their lower protein production, which triggers allergies in humans. Their shedding, which occurs only twice a year, further reduces allergens, making them a preferable choice for allergy sufferers. Additionally, female Siberians typically produce less allergenic protein than males, enhancing their suitability as allergy-friendly companions.

Caring of Neva Masquerade Cats: Fur Maintenance Tips

Neva Masquerade cats are renowned for their unique fur, which boasts dirt and water-repellent properties while remaining nearly hypoallergenic and resistant to tangling. However, maintaining their coat requires diligent and regular care. Invest in a slicker brush and a massage brush for grooming your cat several times a week, especially during shedding seasons.

As breeders, we caution against excessive tail combing to avoid damaging guard hairs, which can take a long time to regrow. Baths should be limited to two or three times a year using specialized shampoos for long-haired breeds. Routine hygiene includes cleaning ears and eyes with moistened cotton swabs and brushing teeth with veterinary-approved toothpaste and brush.

Change the litter in your cat's box regularly for long-lasting freshness, opting for wood or clumping litter for odor control. Provide a suitable scratching post to deter clawing on furniture or trim their claws regularly.

Health

Neva Masquerade cats are generally known for their robust health and longevity, with some individuals living up to 20 years! However, they are prone to specific health concerns, primarily related to their heart health. The most prevalent condition is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can be asymptomatic but poses severe risks to the cat's well-being.
Due to their grooming habits, hairballs and upset stomachs can occur, although these issues are often aggravated by overfeeding or high-fat diets. Consult your veterinarian about specialized remedies such as hairball control pastes to aid in natural hair removal from the stomach.

Shedding

Siberian cats are known for their minimal shedding, which usually occurs twice a year. They shed in the spring to remove their winter coat and again in the fall to transition to a thicker, insulated coat for the cold months. Regular brushing during these shedding periods is essential to prevent the ingestion of loose hair and the formation of hairballs.