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Neva Masquerade vs Siberian
The Neva Masquerade is the colourpoint form of the Siberian; the one real difference is the pointed, blue-eyed coat.
Verdict
These are nearly the same cat. The Neva Masquerade is the colourpoint form of the Siberian, so size, coat type, grooming, energy and health watch-list line up closely. The one thing that decides it is the coat: the Neva Masquerade always has pointed colouring and blue eyes, while the Siberian comes in every colour and pattern, including colourpoint. The Siberian is also easier to find and fully recognised by the CFA. Choose the Neva Masquerade for the pointed look and the Siberian for a wider choice of kittens.
Choose the Neva Masquerade if
- You want a cat that always has pointed colouring and blue eyes.
- You accept a rarer breed; it is listed as rare.
- You want a cat with the same energy score of 4 as the Siberian, in a rarer package.
- You accept that females are noticeably smaller than males, at about 10-20 lb across the breed.
Choose the Siberian if
- You want any colour or pattern, with or without white.
- You want the breed that is easier to find, listed as common.
- You have children or other pets; it scores 5 for both against 4.
- You want a breed that the CFA has recognised since 2007.
Where they are alike
Both are large, dense triple-coated cats that score 4 for grooming and 4 for shedding. Both list hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney disease, so ask your vet and your breeder about screening.
Side by side
| Neva Masquerade | Siberian | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Longhair and semi-longhair | Longhair and semi-longhair |
| Origin | Russia (St. Petersburg) | Russia |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Typical weight | About 10-20 lb (4.5-9 kg); females are noticeably smaller | 8-18 lb (3.6-8.2 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | — | 11-15 years |
| Coat length | Long | Long |
| Coat | Dense, water-repellent semi-long triple coat with a ruff and full tail | Dense, water-resistant triple coat, thicker in cold months |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 2007 |
| How common | Rare | Common |
| Affection | 4 | 4 |
| Energy | 4 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 4 | 4 |
| Shedding | 4 | 4 |
| Good with children | 4 | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 5 |
| Happy alone | 3 | 3 |
| Trainability | 4 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 3 | 3 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. Some owners report fewer reactions to Siberians than to other cats, but no breed has been shown to be safe for people with cat allergy, and the Neva Masquerade is no exception. | No breed is hypoallergenic. Some owners report fewer symptoms with Siberians, but there is no good evidence for it and individual cats vary. |
| Suits | A family or a home with other pets that wants a large, athletic, affectionate cat and will groom its thick coat through the seasonal moults. | A family or a household with other pets that wants a sturdy, playful, sociable cat and will comb a thick coat. |
| Less suited to | A small flat with little room to climb, or anyone who prefers a calm, low-key cat. | A small flat with little room to climb, or anyone who cannot spend time grooming and playing. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026