The Neva Masquerade originated from a cross between a Siamese and a Siberian Forest Cat. It’s a purebred cat with a delightful character and a beautiful thick coat with lovely markings. Discover everything about this unique cat breed here!
In this blog:
- The origin of the Neva Masquerade
- The character of a Neva Masquerade
- The appearance and coat of a Neva Masquerade
- How long does a Neva Masquerade live?
- Caring for a Neva Masquerade
- What is the cost of a Neva Masquerade?
The origin of the Neva Masquerade
The Neva Masquerade cat breed comes from Russia, and its name is a combination of two parts. The first part, “Neva,” is named after the Neva River in St. Petersburg – where this cat was first bred. The second part, “Masquerade,” was chosen because these cats have a mask-like pattern around their eyes.
This breed didn’t naturally evolve but is a cross between a Siamese and a Siberian cat. As a result, the coat has the beautiful “pointed” pattern of a Siamese and the length and thickness of a Siberian cat. If you’ve never heard of this cat breed, that’s not surprising because the Neva Masquerade was officially recognized as a breed only in 2009.
The character of the Masquerade
A Neva Masquerade cat is affectionate, calm, and highly social. They form strong bonds with “their people,” a trait inherited from their Siamese ancestors. Additionally, these cats are curious, playful, and intelligent. They are very friendly and gentle, making them suitable for families with (young) children.
Despite their calm nature, Nevas do require stimulation. Regular play, fetch, and teaching them tricks are essential. It’s also important to provide them with a suitable cat tree for climbing and scratching.
Fun fact! Neva Masquerade cats make amusing sounds; they can purr loudly and chirp.
The appearance and coat of the Neva Masquerade
A Neva Masquerade shares many similarities with a Siberian cat, especially in terms of size. So, how big does a Neva Masquerade get? Well, they can be quite large – males can weigh between 4.5 and 9 kilograms (10 to 20 pounds). Females are a bit smaller, weighing a maximum of 4 to 6 kilograms (8.8 to 13.2 pounds). They reach full maturity at around three years of age.
The coat of a Neva Masquerade is also quite similar to that of a Siberian cat. The color may differ, but the rest is nearly the same. This cat breed has a semi-long, water-resistant, and robust coat. The undercoat is soft and thick, but it mostly sheds during the warmer months. Neva Masquerades have a beautiful ruff, tufted ears, and striking blue eyes. Their head is rounded, the tail is of normal length but pleasantly fluffy, and their build is muscular. So, they are not only attractive but also strong.
Diseases and Conditions in the Neva Masquerade
The Neva Masquerade cat breed is relatively new and often quite healthy and robust. However, these cats can still suffer from hereditary conditions, such as:
Hip and elbow dysplasia: When a cat develops these conditions, the hip or elbow joints develop abnormally, leading to pain and stiffness.
Hereditary heart conditions: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition that enlarges and thickens the heart, potentially leading to heart failure.
Polycystic kidney disease: Some Neva Masquerades develop this condition, where cysts form in the kidneys. This is a severe disease that can result in kidney failure.
If you want to purchase a healthy Neva Masquerade, always go to a reputable breeder and request the necessary paperwork. If you’re unsure of what to look for, contact the breed association, as they can assist you in making the right choice.
How Long Does a Neva Masquerade Live?
This cat breed typically lives between 12 and 16 years, provided you purchase it from a reputable breeder, take good care of it, and make regular visits to the veterinarian.
Caring for the Neva Masquerade
The coat of Neva Masquerade cats is thick and long, so it’s important to brush them regularly, ideally one to two times per week, to prevent matting and tangling of the fur. Neva Masquerades also have a tendency to gain weight, so it’s important to play with them regularly and provide them with quality nutrition. Additionally, care for a Neva Masquerade like any other cat by:
- Offering affectionate treatment
- Providing ample attention
- Ensuring a safe home
- Supplying fresh water (multiple bowls) daily
- Offering cat food suitable for the breed
- Maintaining clean litter boxes with good litter
- Providing comfortable cat beds for sleeping
- Offering varied cat toys
- Having a tall cat tree with spacious resting spots
- Administering treatment against parasites, such as worms and fleas
- Regularly scheduling check-ups with the veterinarian
- Keeping up with vaccinations against diseases
What Does a Neva Masquerade Kitten Cost?
If you’re convinced that a Neva Masquerade is the perfect cat for you, be prepared to save up because a kitten typically costs around 700 euros. With this amount, you’ll be purchasing a healthy and happy purebred cat from a reputable breeder. Never buy a cat from a backyard breeder, online marketplaces like Marktplaats or eBay. If you’re open to adopting an adult cat, you can find purebred cats through adoption agencies. Many lovely cats are also waiting for a caring owner in shelters.
Disclaimer: Petrebels is not a veterinarian or behavior specialist. All content, information, and tips on this blog are intended to inspire and have an informational nature. If your cat has health issues or problems, and you are uncertain about your cat’s well-being, always consult a veterinarian or behavior specialist.