Neva Masquerade Cat Breed

History

The Neva Masquerade was first developed in the late 1970s/early 1980s in a region of St Petersburg near the Neva River. This was also around the same time that Siberian cats started to be systematically bred as pets. Long-haired cats were rare in Europe before the 19^th Century, so you can imagine the stir these beautiful long-haired cats created! They particularly caught the attention of merchants and travellers.

However, perhaps surprisingly, Siberian cats are believed to be descended from wild cats, with a much longer history than their domestic heritage suggests. In fact, references of Siberian-like cats date as far back as 1000 AD, particularly in Russia and Siberia.

Famine and droughts were common in the first half of the 20^th century in this area, which meant that Siberian cats had to fend for themselves. This created a highly intelligent, independent breed with a thick waterproof coat that has been loved the world over since the early 1990s.

Originally known as the Siberian Forest Cat, they became officially recognised as Siberian cats in 1991 to distinguish them from the Norwegian Forest Cat breed.

It’s thought that the Neva Masquerade breed was created by breeding Siberian cats with Asian colourpoint cats such as Siamese or Thai cats. They started to show up in multiple different countries by 2010 and they are getting more popular day by day. Some cat registration organisations class them as a separate breed to the Siberian, however, they are still commonly seen as traditional Siberian cats. Certain associations such as FIFe and the Cat Fanciers Association will only allow the breeding of Neva Masquerades with other Neva Masquerades to protect the breed from unwanted mutations. This small gene pool can cause them to be more susceptible to developing hereditary diseases. However, dedicated breeders have now developed a gene test to also identify the colourpoint gene in standard Siberian cats.

Personality

Just like other Siberian cats, Neva Masquerades are very playful, right into adulthood. It can take up to five years for these cats to fully mature, which means they remain kitten like for a long time. This makes them great companions for families with children of all ages. One of the most unusual traits of these cats is that they love to play in water! So, if they are introduced from a young age, water play can be a great bonding experience. They seem to especially love trying to paw toys out of a water bowl.

These cats are highly affectionate but without being overly clingy. They thrive on receiving regular attention from their owners and will happily follow you from room to room! However, unlike other cat breeds, they are not prone to meowing. Instead, they will entertain you with a variety of adorable chirps and trills.

Neva Masquerades are skilful hunters because of their wild ancestry, so make sure you keep them mentally and physically active with a wide range of toys and puzzles. These cats will especially appreciate fluffy wand toys. When they are not roaming or playing, Neva Masquerade cats love to curl up on their favourite human’s lap for some much needed snuggle time.

Due to their high intelligence, expect these cats to master how to get into food cupboards or even open doors to try and find you. They are often described as very dog-like because of their playful, loyal natures and their tendency to greet you at the front door when you get home.

Siberians and Neva Masquerades are powerful felines with the ability to jump long distances. So, ensure they get plenty of exercise to prevent boredom. A catio or secure outdoor garden is ideal for these energetic cats.

Coat & Care

Neva Masquerades have long, plush, triple layered coats. However, they only require brushing 2-3 times a week to keep the coat glossy and in good condition. Despite their long fur, these cats are also classed as hypoallergenic because they produce less of the allergy protein FEL D1 than other cat breeds. However, remember that no cat is 100% hypoallergenic, so you still need to be cautious if you suffer from allergies. Like all breeds, Neva Masquerades shed more heavily during the Spring and Autumn months. However, because of their thick fur, expect to find sporadic clumps of hair in your home throughout the year.

Regular bathing is not necessary for this breed because of their water repellent coats. Besides, despite their love of water, it may be a bit difficult to get these cats wet enough to shampoo them!

All cats need to be exposed to combs and brushes from a young age, so they get used to them. However, this is particularly important for long-haired breeds like the Neva Masquerade. Start with short, gentle sessions when your cat is still young, and slowly build up the routine as they age. For Neva Masquerades, it’s important that you use a brush with long sturdy bristles that can reach right down into the undercoat. Brush from the head and down the back but avoid brushing the tail because the hair on this part of the body is fragile and grows very slowly.

Ideally, you should brush a cat's teeth every day. However, this isn’t always possible, so twice a week brushing is a good target to aim for. Always use a toothpaste that’s specifically designed for cats. Never use a human toothpaste for a cat because these often contain ingredients that are toxic to felines. Neva Masquerades do best on a high-quality, high-protein diet so try to avoid cheap kibble where possible.

Trim your cats' nails twice a month or so to keep them in good condition. Furthermore, you’ll need to check their ears once a week and gently clean them with a cloth moistened with an appropriate ear cleaner when they get dirty. If you suddenly notice your cat’s ears looking red or sore, or they are giving off a foul odour, it’s best to get them to a vet for a checkup because these are common signs of an ear infection.

These cats are particularly fussy about bathroom hygiene so you may find that your cat decides to go elsewhere in the house if the litter tray isn't cleaned out regularly!

Children & Other Pets

The Neva Masquerade is a playful, social, loving feline that has repeatedly been described as dog like. They are well-known for their ability to get along with children of all ages. However, it’s still important to teach your children how to appropriately approach and handle a cat to prevent any mishaps. Another thing to bear in mind is that these cats don’t particularly like being left alone for long periods. So, they are best suited to homes where someone is around for most of the day.

When it comes to other animals, the Neva Masquerade is fairly relaxed, as long as the animals are introduced from a young age and with care. This includes other cats and cat-friendly dogs. However, because of their strong hunting instincts, it’s not advisable to leave these cats with smaller animals such as rabbits or rodents.