Neva Masquerade

The Neva Masquerade was created in the late 70s and early 80s. It is not the oldest breed in the world, but it is undoubtedly one of the most interesting. Even the way they got their name is interesting. Like many other cat breeds, the Neva Masquerade was created by crossing the Siamese with other cat breeds. In this case, it was the Siberian. The breed was developed in St. Peterburg, and cats were bred close to the river Neva. That same place was home to a traditional masquerade. As you can see, this is how these cats got their name.

These cats have a pointed pattern, which is recessive. However, if two monocolored Siberians mate, a Neva Masquerade can appear. Modern cat breeders have available tests so they can specifically target and breed Siberians that have these genes.

As you can imagine, these cats are incredibly similar to the Siberian cat. They have the same characteristics; strong hind legs, thick tails, large ears and eyes, and thick coats. The main difference is the color pattern. The Neva Masquerade has a unique pattern making it a separate breed and not just a variation of the Siberian breed. Some registries accept it as a distinct breed, and others simply register it as a variation of the Siberian breed. Here are the most essential characteristics of the Neva Masquerade all future owners should focus on.

Coat

The Neva Masquerade and the Siberian cat have the same coat type. They have a triple-layered, water-resistant coat. That shouldn’t be too surprising. These cats had to develop thick coats that could keep them insulated in the cold Russian climate.

Coat color

This is where the Neva Masquerade gets its beauty. Its coat color is also the most significant difference from the Siberian breed. These cats have a pointed pattern. The most common colors of the Neva Masquerade are seal, blue, red, cream, tabby, and tortie.

Size

The Neva Masquerade is considered a medium-sized breed, just like the Siberian. It is another trait these cats have in common. Adult cats can reach 8 - 17 pounds and 17 - 25 inches in length.

Temperament

As you can imagine, the temperament of the Neva Masquerade is the same as the Siberian’s temperament. These cats love being loved and getting plenty of attention from their owners. They will follow their people anywhere they go, and they are often called shadow-cats. They are patient and calm, and are great cats for families with kids. They are somewhat vocal and will express their feelings with a series of meows, purrs, trills, and chirps.

Health

The Neva Masquerade is a single variation within another breed. That isn’t an issue, but the problem is s relatively small gene pool. That means these cats are sometimes inbred, making them vulnerable to different defects and health issues. It is extremely important to buy a cat from a reputable cat breeder that will produce quality cats. One potential health issue the Neva Masquerade is prone to is;

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - This is not an issue that only bothers Siberians. It can be found in pureblooded and mixed breed cats, and it will cause the heart to enlarge and affect its function.

World Cat Finder Team