Also called NEM (FIFe code), Colourpoint Siberian, Siberian colourpoint, Neva
Recognised breedDeep profile
From Russia, associated with Saint Petersburg (named after the River Neva). A colourpoint sister breed of the Siberian, developed in Russia in the 1970s-80s.12
Sources disagree. Wikipedia gives 4.5-9 kg for adult Neva Masquerades overall. Siberian registry figures (same body type): CFA 12-18 lb males (about 5.4-8.2 kg) and 8-12 lb females (about 3.6-5.4 kg); GCCF 17-26 lb males (about 7.7-11.8 kg) and 13-17 lb females (about 5.9-7.7 kg). Ranges above span the cited figures. Females are clearly smaller than males.
GCCF figure for the Siberian ('12-15 years or more'); no Neva-specific figure found
semi-long, dense, water-repellent triple coat with colourpoint pattern
A sturdy, well-muscled cat with a slightly rectangular body, broad chest, strong legs and big round paws with tufts between the toes. The head is softly rounded and slightly longer than wide, with full cheekbones, medium ears tipped with tufts, and large, slightly oval eyes that are always blue. The coat is semi-long with three layers of hair; the top layer sheds water and feels a little coarse, while the thick undercoat stands away from the body. In winter it grows a full ruff, bib and fluffy 'trousers'; the summer coat is much shorter. Darker colour sits on the face mask, ears, legs and tail, like a masquerade mask.521
Coloursseal pointblue pointred (flame) pointcream pointseal and blue tortie pointtabby (lynx) pointsilver and smoke point versionsgolden point versionsany of the above with whitenot allowed: chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, fawn and other diluted/sepia/mink colours51
Personality what they are like
Warm, bright and devoted to its family. A Neva likes to be near its people and often trails them from room to room without being pushy about it. It is curious and enjoys a game, yet generally stays quiet and even-tempered, preferring a deep purr to loud meowing. Fans of the Siberian family often describe it as having some dog-like loyalty.236
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate to high. Enjoys daily play sessions and is a strong, agile jumper, so tall cat trees and high perches suit it well.617
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Comb or brush a few times a week, paying attention to the belly, tail and hind legs where tangles form. Shedding is heavy in spring and autumn, when daily combing helps. The water-resistant coat seldom needs a bath.463
Home where they are happiest
Adapts well to family homes. Provide vertical space for climbing and jumping. Its dense coat handles cool conditions well.657
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, balanced commercial cat food suited to age and activity. As an obligate carnivore it needs a meat-based diet with nutrients such as taurine. Slow-maturing, so growth continues into the early adult years.86
Company who they like around
Very people-focused and happiest with company for much of the day; another pet or a household where someone is often home suits it. Generally gets on well with families and other animals.241
The story where it all began
The Neva Masquerade grew out of the Siberian, a native Russian forest cat whose history is traced back roughly a thousand years. When Russian breeders began organised work on the Siberian in the 1980s, colourpoint cats of the same sturdy type were already appearing, especially around Saint Petersburg (then Leningrad), and they were developed side by side with the traditional colours during the 1970s and 80s. Wikipedia describes the colourpoint look as coming from crosses between Siberian landrace cats and Asian colourpointed cats. The breed name joins the River Neva, which runs through Saint Petersburg, with the mask-like shading on the face. From the late 1980s to the early 2000s these cats spread to Western Europe and North America; TICA records that the first colourpoint Siberians were imported to the United States in 1997, with the first American colourpoint litter born in 1998. Registries split over how to handle them: CFA and TICA keep colourpoints within the Siberian, while FIFe made the Neva Masquerade a separate sister breed in 2011, and WCF also registers it separately.12637
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
The name joins the River Neva in Saint Petersburg with the cat's 'masquerade' face mask.2
2
Every Neva Masquerade has blue eyes, and the FIFe standard says the deeper the blue, the better.5
3
Its coat changes with the seasons: a full ruff, bib and 'knickerbockers' in winter, and a much shorter coat in summer.2
4
It is a slow developer and may not reach its full adult body until about five years old.1
5
The colourpoint pattern comes from the same gene variant found in the Siamese.1
6
FIFe recognised the Neva Masquerade as its own breed in 2011, while CFA and TICA still treat it as a Siberian colour.9
7
CFA sums up the Siberian family character as '90% placid and 10% mischief'.3
8
Its close relative, the Siberian, is known as the national cat of Russia.7
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The name Neva Masquerade reflects both the River Neva in St. Petersburg and the “masked” appearance formed by the darker facial points of the colourpoint pattern.10
I am the quiet shadow of the house, following my human from room to room with a soft purr. This morning, I sat by the window, watching snow fall like a soft white blanket, just like home. My human laughed and called me a snow spirit. Later, I chased a feather toy with a leap that surprised even me, then perched high on my tree, surveying my kingdom. In the evening, I curled beside my human, my deep purr a gentle lullaby. I don't need to meow loudly; my presence is enough. I am the warmth in the cold, the loyal friend who is always near.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
FIFe
Recognised as a separate sister breed of the Siberian in 2011; Category 2, code NEM, sharing one standard with the Siberian (SIB/NEM)11
Not a separate breed; colourpoints (seal, blue, flame, cream, tortie, blue-cream and lynx points) are accepted within the Siberian, which CFA accepted for registration in 2000 and for championship in 20073
TICA
Not a separate breed; pointed colours are accepted within the Siberian, which entered TICA's New Breed programme in 1992 and gained championship status in 19966
GCCF
Colourpoint is listed among the accepted colours of the Siberian (Section 2, Semi Longhair, Group 3); Wikipedia reports GCCF recognition for registration12
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Neva Masquerade. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery 2 days
Deshedding springBrush more while sheddingevery day
Nail trimevery 3 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
Litter scoopevery day
Litter changeevery week
PlayAbout 30 minutes of play a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Cat-Friendly Pancakes
A simple, no-bake treat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a suitable occasional reward for cats who gain weight easily.
You need
1 tin of tuna in water, no salt added
1/2 cup finely diced cooked chicken
1/2 cup pure sweet potato puree (no added sweeteners)
How
Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl.
Break the tuna into small bits with a fork.
Add the diced chicken to the bowl.
Slowly stir in the sweet potato puree until the mixture binds together, being careful not to make it too watery.
Shape the mixture into mini pancakes.
Serve to your cat as an occasional treat.
How much: Give small amounts occasionally, as treats should not exceed 10-15% of daily calorie allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.
These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.
You need
1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
1 egg, beaten
250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
Extra water as needed
How
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
Allow to cool completely before storing.
How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Neva Masquerade, and at what times?
Feed your Neva Masquerade a complete, balanced commercial cat food suited to its age and activity. As an obligate carnivore, it needs a meat-based diet with nutrients like taurine. For amounts and timing, check the food label and ask your vet, as this varies with each cat.86
What should a Neva Masquerade eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Your Neva Masquerade should eat a complete, balanced commercial cat food that is meat-based and includes taurine. Dangerous foods include chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and xylitol; avoid these entirely. Always check with your vet for a full list.8613
Does a Neva Masquerade need baths?
The Neva Masquerade's water-resistant coat seldom needs a bath. Only bathe if it is very dirty or sticky, as per general cat care guidance. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests focusing on brushing instead.46314Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Neva Masquerade need brushing?
Brush your Neva Masquerade a few times a week, paying attention to the belly, tail, and hind legs where tangles form. During heavy shedding in spring and autumn, daily combing helps. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every two days and more during shedding.463Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Neva Masquerade's claws, and how often?
Trim your Neva Masquerade's claws every two to three weeks, as per Furry Diary's starting plan. Use proper cat nail clippers and trim only the tip, avoiding the quick. If your cat is nervous, do no more than two claws per session at first.14Pet Wiki plan
How much play does a Neva Masquerade need?
Your Neva Masquerade has moderate to high activity needs and enjoys daily play sessions. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests about 30 minutes of play a day. Provide tall cat trees and high perches for its strong jumping ability.617Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Neva Masquerade's teeth and ears?
Brush your Neva Masquerade's teeth every two days, with daily brushing being ideal, as per Furry Diary's starting plan. For ears, check them weekly and gently clean with a vet-recommended solution if needed. Always ask your vet for specific advice. Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Neva Masquerade live?
A Neva Masquerade typically lives between 12 and 15 years. With good care, regular vet check-ups, and a healthy diet, your cat can enjoy a long, happy life.4
Is a Neva Masquerade good with children and other pets?
Yes, the Neva Masquerade is generally good with children and other pets, as it is warm, even-tempered, and people-focused. It gets on well with families and other animals, making it a wonderful companion.241
Can a Neva Masquerade be left alone?
The Neva Masquerade is very people-focused and happiest with company for much of the day. It can be left alone for short periods, but it is best to have another pet or someone home often to keep it content.241
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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