Neva Masquerade cat breed: facts, temperament and care

About the Neva Masquerade

The Neva Masquerade is the pointed version of the Siberian cat. The name comes from the River Neva in St. Petersburg, Russia, where the pattern was developed from the 1970s and 1980s. The Siberian is a long-established Russian cat, and the pointed pattern, as seen in a Siamese, appeared in the line in that period.

Registries disagree about what to call it. FIFe, the World Cat Federation, the Canadian Cat Association and the Australian Cat Federation treat the Neva Masquerade as a breed of its own. TICA and the CFA treat the pointed cats as Siberians in a colourpoint pattern. The cat is large and strong, with a rounded, powerful body, a thick triple coat that sheds water, a ruff and a full tail. Eyes are blue, and the points, such as the face mask, ears, legs and tail, are darker than the body.

Temperament and living with one

Neva Masquerades are described as active, affectionate and sociable. They often choose a favourite person, though most will make friends with the whole family. Breeders praise their agility, and they are known as strong jumpers who like to climb high, so give them tall, sturdy furniture and shelves.

They tend to be good with children and with dogs and other cats, and they stay playful into adulthood. One study found they showed more signs of stress when isolated than Siberians did, so a Neva Masquerade is happiest with company and is not suited to long empty days. Voices are often a trill or chirp. The breed matures slowly, reaching full size around five years of age.

Care: coat, food and play

The dense coat sheds in spring and autumn and can mat if left. Comb twice a week, daily during the moult, and work through the ruff, britches and belly. Trim nails and check the ears and teeth.

Offer a complete adult diet in measured meals for a large, slow-growing cat. A big cat tree, window perches and puzzle feeders keep the cat busy, and a daily play session with a wand toy provides outlets for its energy. A roomy litter tray is useful.

Health

Health data on the Neva Masquerade is sparse. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a thickening of the heart muscle, is a concern in Siberians and may apply here. Polycystic kidney disease has been found in at least one male Neva Masquerade, and may be one cause of chronic kidney failure. Ask the breeder what heart screening and testing the parents have had, and ask your vet about a plan for checks as the cat ages. Keep it lean, since extra weight stresses the joints and heart.

Is it right for you?

Choose a Neva Masquerade if you want a large, loving, athletic cat and will groom regularly. It suits an active family with room to climb. If you want a similar cat in solid or tabby colours, look at the Siberian, and for another large longhair, see the Norwegian Forest Cat.