Neva Masquerade (Colorpoint Variety) Cat Breed: Pictures, Temperament & Traits

The Neva Masquerade cat has an interesting name, but the interest should not stop there. This breed is a variation of Russia’s Siberian cat that has a colorpoint pattern on their coat.

Breed Overview

Today, they can be found living in many countries around the world. These are large, sturdy cats with outgoing personalities that can usually win over just about anyone, even those who aren’t fond of cats. There is much to learn about this unique cat breed, especially if you’re thinking about adopting one of your own. Here’s what you should know.

Neva Masquerade Cat Characteristics

Neva Masquerade Kittens

Neva Masquerade kittens are adorable and cuddly, so it’s no wonder that they are popular among prospective pet owners. Many breeders have waiting lists! Due to this breed’s popularity, they are fairly costly depending on the breeder you are working with and the lineage of the kitten in question.

The higher the cost, the more services are likely included in the adoption. For example, some breeders include multiple vet visits, all vaccinations, allergy testing, and even starter kits of bedding, toys, and accessories included in the price of their kittens, so you should expect to pay more with those breeders than those who offer only the kitten and the first round of vaccines.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Neva Masquerade Cat

The Neva Masquerade cat is a highly intelligent breed. They are inquisitive, friendly, and interactive most of the time. Some people refer to them as “dog cats” because they can get so attached to their human companions and can be mischievous when they get bored. These are playful cats that don’t expect to have much downtime during the day.

This is an athletic cat breed that does like to cuddle but would much rather spend their time playing games. Owners should not expect them to sleep all night long or snuggle up in a corner throughout the day. Since these cats are so people oriented, they don’t appreciate being left at home alone.

Another thing that the Neva Masquerade cat is well known for is their “talking.” If they get bored, want attention, or feel lonely, you can expect them to meow and whine. Sometimes, they simply want to sit around and talk with their human companions, even if all their needs are met.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

If a Neva Masquerade cat is socialized from a young age, they should have no problem getting along with children of any age. They are straightforward and do not put up with tail pulling or teasing, but they are happy to play games and generally hang out with well-behaved kids. These are large cats, so they can’t easily get hurt while playing. Still, adult supervision should be a priority until both cat and child learn how to properly interact with each other.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

Neva Masquerade cats are typically territorial, so unless they are introduced to other cats at a young age, they likely will not readily accept a new cat family member into the household. But if a cat of this breed is used to living with another cat, they should have no problem accepting a new addition to the family at any given time. When it comes to dogs, it’s hit and miss. Some can handle them and others cannot stand them. Introducing this breed to dogs early will increase the chance that they’ll be accepting of dogs later.

Things to Know When Owning a Neva Masquerade Cat

Do you want to learn more about taking care of a Neva Masquerade cat? We put together a short guide that explores this breed’s food and diet requirements, exercise needs, training capabilities, grooming regimen, and health conditions that they are susceptible to. Read on!

Food & Diet Requirements

The truth is that Neva Masquerade cats require the same diet as any other cat breed. They are carnivores, which means they can get all the nutrition that they need by consuming animal protein. This doesn’t mean cats can’t eat other things, but they don’t need them to thrive. Choose a high-quality commercial dry or wet cat food to utilize as the base of your cat’s diet. You can then offer treats as supplements if you want to.

Keep in mind that wet cat food tends to get stuck in the gums and teeth of a cat, so it is easier for gunk and tartar to build up. Conversely, dry food helps gently scrape grime and tartar off of the teeth. But no matter what your cat’s diet happens to be, regular dental checkups and cleanings and at-home care (weekly brushing and/or dental treats) should be made a priority.

Cats are susceptible to the development of gingivitis and periodontitis, among other diseases. If their teeth and gums are not well cared for, it could lead to problems such as tooth loss, soreness and inflammation of the gums, problems eating, and serious infections. Infections can lead to tooth abscesses, which can destroy the bone and spread to the soft tissues in the facial region.

Exercise 🐈

Rather than lounging around and napping for a good part of the day like many other cat breeds tend to do, the Neva Masquerade cat is highly active. They need access to interactive toys, scratching posts, and multi-tiered kitty condos to keep them busy throughout the day. It is important to spend at least 30 minutes each day throwing balls for your cat, playing with hanging feather toys, and just enjoying the company of your cat in general. This will ensure that they get the exercise, mental stimulation, and attention that they need for a happy and healthy life.

Training 🧶

The intelligence of the Neva Masquerade cat makes training easier than when working with the average cat breed. These cats are obedient, loyal, and trusting, so they don’t mind learning new tricks and commands. These cats should have no problem learning how to jump through hoops — literally. You may even be able to get your Neva Masquerade to walk outside with you on a leash!

Grooming ✂️

The Neva Masquerade cat has long, silky hair, so regular grooming is a must. While these cats do well when it comes to grooming themselves, it is important to brush or comb their hair once or twice a week to keep tangles and knots at bay. Brushing also releases dirt and debris that might be stuck in the coat.

During the summer, these cats do shed, so be prepared to sweep and vacuum the house more often. The breed should get plenty of exercise on their scratching post and elsewhere to naturally keep their nails trimmed. Some owners prefer to take their Neva Masquerade cats to a groomer for a trim and a wash once a month or so.

Health and Conditions 🏥

There is not much known about the Neva Masquerade when it comes to health conditions that they might be susceptible to. However, since they are a variation of the Siberian cat, they likely share the same health susceptibilities.

Male vs. Female

You will not find many differences between male and female Neva Masquerade cats, aside from the fact that the males might be a little larger than the females. However, even this is not always the case.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Neva Masquerade Cat

1. These Cats Are Rare

Unlike the Siberian cat, the Neva Masquerade cat breed are rarely heard of and can be tough to find outside of the United States and the United Kingdom. These two things make the breed rare throughout the world.

2. They Can Be Easily Mistaken for Siberian Cats

The only thing that separates the Neva Masquerade from the Siberian cat is their colorpoint coat. Otherwise, their features are almost identical. Therefore, most people mistake Neva Masquerades for Siberians.

3. They Are Thought of as Hypoallergenic Cats

Just like Siberian cats, Neva Masquerade kitties are considered to be hypoallergenic, so they can be a part of the family even if someone is allergic to cats. There is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic cat, but the Siberian and Neva Masquerade is about as close as a cat can get.

Final Thoughts

The Neva Masquerade cat is a beautiful breed that can bring happiness and excitement to households of all shapes and sizes. They can get along with kids and other pets, and they have nothing but adoration for their owners. Of course, like all cat breeds, this one requires plenty of care and attention too!

Featured Image Credit: Julia Shepeleva, Shutterstock