Neva Masquerade
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Russia
- Weight
- 4.5–9 kg (10–20 lb)
About the Neva Masquerade
The Neva Masquerade is a Russian cat breed with a unique coat pattern. It expresses the three natural types of feline coat colors: solid, tabby, and tortoiseshell.
Body
Known to be an exceptionally agile jumper, the Neva Masquerade is a strong and powerfully-built cat, with strong hindquarters and large, well-rounded paws. Their bushy tail is medium in length and slightly shorter than the torso length. Their body lengths varies in size from medium to large. Neva Masquerades have firm, barrel-shaped torsos, and stockier builds than other cats. The general impression of the body is one of circles and roundness. Neva Masquerades have a slight arch to their back, because their hind legs are slightly longer than the front legs. This shape and the power in their hind legs contribute to their incredible agility and enables them to jump exceptionally high. Neva Masquerades develop rather slowly, reaching their fully matured body at about five years of age. Female Neva Masquerades are considerably smaller than males. Full-grown adults weigh on average between 4.5–9 kg (10–20 lb) .
Face
The characteristic round shapes are also clearly visible in the facial features of the Neva Masquerade. Their round face consists of a broad forehead at the top of its skull and narrows slightly to a full-rounded muzzle. The eyes are large and round, and give an overall sweet expression to their face. The outer corners are slightly angled towards the base of their ears. Their medium-sized ears are broad at the base and rounded at the tip. They are slightly tilted forwards and should be set as much on the sides of the head as on top, preferably one to one and one half ear width apart. Lynx ear tipping is allowed.
Overview
The Neva Masquerade is a breed or sub-breed of semi-longhaired domestic cat , which originates in Russia . It is the sister breed or colourpoint variant of the Siberian cat , a pedigreed breed selectively bred from a centuries-old Russian landrace . The colourpoint markings are the result of a colourpoint gene, originally found in Asian cats. The Neva Masquerade is believed to be derived from crossing the Siberian landrace cat with (Asian) colourpointed random-bred cats , or possibly pedigree cats related to those. The colourpoint Neva Masquerade has distinctive blue eyes and darker (tabby) point markings. It is a medium to large sized, muscular semi-longhair breed with a unique triple-coat and bushy tail. Some cat registries classify the Neva Masquerade as a colourpoint variety or sub-breed of the Siberian cat, whilst others consider it to be a separate "sister" breed. Regardless of its classification, all Neva Masquerade cats are selectively bred and pedigreed today in all major cat fancier and breeder organisations under the Siberian (Forest) cat or Neva Masquerade . This means that all Neva Masquerade cats are purebred cats with a formally registered ancestry .
Health
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) stands as a significant health concern in the feline world, particularly in Siberian cats. HCM is characterised by the thickening of the heart''s muscle walls which can lead to various complications including heart failure, arterial thromboembolism and sudden death.
History
References of the ancient Siberian landrace date back a thousand years, but the colourpoint variety did not appear until the 1970–80s. It is believed that colourpointed cats of Asian origin, or their descendants, were naturally or intentionally crossed into the Siberian landrace to achieve the "Siamese" colourpoint gene .
Fur coat
Neva Masquerades express the three natural types of feline fur: guard hair , awn hair , and down hair . These three layers form a semi-long to long, well developed, very dense triple-coat, from which the guard hairs are water-repellent. This dense triple-coat protects the cat from the Siberian weather extremes. The thick fur is textured but glossy, and needs frequent grooming to prevent matting. The summer coat is distinctly shorter than the winter coat. Because the Neva Masquerades are a slow-maturing breed, it can take several years for the coat of young cats to fully develop. Neva Masquerade cats moult twice a year. They will shed their heavy winter coat during spring. This winter moult is instigated not by a change in temperature but by a change in day length. Many Neva Masquerades will experience a less intense "mini-moult" at the end of the summer season to prepare for their thick winter coat, unlike other cats, which will experience a "heavy moult" more than twice a year. However, they will still lose fur year-round and need to be groomed daily in order to prevent their dense triple coat from matting.
Genetics
Similar to the Siberian, the Neva Masquerade has been noted for its hypoallergenic properties primarily attributed to lower levels of the Fel d 1 protein.
Etymology
The term Neva Masquerade is derived from Neva , for the river in St. Petersburg , where they are said to have originated.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Neva Masquerade?
The Neva Masquerade is a semi-longhaired domestic cat breed originating from Russia. It is a colourpoint variant of the Siberian cat, with a slender build, medium size, and a wedge-shaped head. The coat is soft, silky, and semi-longhaired, with a distinctive colourpoint pattern. The breed is known for its intelligence, playfulness, and affectionate nature.
Is the Neva Masquerade a good family cat?
As a general rule, semi-longhaired breeds like the Neva Masquerade can make good family pets, especially for families with older children. They are known for their affectionate and playful nature, but may not be suitable for very young children due to their slender build and delicate features. Regular socialization and training are recommended.
What health problems do Neva Masquerades have?
The Neva Masquerade is prone to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart condition that can lead to heart failure, arterial thromboembolism, and sudden death. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential issues early on. Responsible breeding practices and genetic diversity can also help reduce the risk of inherited health problems.
How much does a Neva Masquerade kitten cost?
The cost of a Neva Masquerade kitten can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a pedigree Neva Masquerade kitten can cost between $600 to $1,200. However, prices may be higher or lower depending on the specific circumstances. It's essential to research reputable breeders and consider the long-term costs of owning a cat.