History of the Neva Masquerade
The Neva Masquerade is a very special breed of cat that has its roots in Russia, where it is affectionately called ‘Nevskaya Masqueradnaya’. The name evokes the Neva River in northwestern Russia and combines it with a reference to the enchanting mask-like markings on the cat’s face. This wonderful variant of the Siberian cat was recognised as an independent breed in the 1990s. Nevas are known for their extravagant appearance but also for their friendly and affectionate nature, which immediately casts a spell over anyone who encounters them. Still, a Neva Masquerade is not just a beautiful cat but also a wonderful friend with an endearing character. Anyone who chooses to share their home with one of these cats will gain a wonderful roommate with a gentle soul. Are you looking for a suitable Russian name for your Neva Masquerade? We have over 100 beautiful Russian cat names for proud males and females alike!
Appearance of the Neva Masquerade
The Neva Masquerade captivates onlookers with its enchanting and highly unique appearance. Its medium-length, silky fur and bright blue eyes are real attention-getters and inevitably charm anyone who lays eyes on them! One of this cat’s very special features is its dark face mask, which resembles the masks worn at masquerade balls centuries ago. These beautiful creatures have a delightful point colouring that extends over their face, ears, paws and tail. The rest of their coat is a lighter colour. The Neva’s strong, muscular body, bushy tail and large, round paws give it a majestic appearance. These big teddy bears combine robustness, elegance and grace in a wonderful way, making them something very special!
Size of the Neva Masquerade
The beautiful Neva Masquerade is a medium to large cat breed. These breathtaking beauties stand out on account of their impressive size alone: male cats of this breed reach a shoulder height of around 30 to 35 centimetres and grow up to 50 centimetres long. Their female counterparts are slightly smaller but also very impressive, with a shoulder height of 25 to 30 centimetres and a body length of 40 to 45 centimetres. Once you lay eyes on them, you won’t be able to look away, no matter how hard you try! Neva Masquerade cats have a very strong presence and dazzle everyone with their charm!
Weight of the Neva Masquerade
Neva Masquerade males weigh between 6 and 9 kilograms, while females are slightly lighter at 4.5 to 6 kilograms. These furry tigers have a strong build and muscular legs, which gives them an imposing appearance in the truest sense of the word. Despite their weight, however, these fur balls are amazingly agile! They love to climb and play. A stable climbing tree is a great purchase because it will give your Neva the opportunity to move around to their heart’s content.
Fur of the Neva Masquerade
For anyone who loves cats with lush fur, the Neva Masquerade is an absolute must! The medium-length coat of these cats is incredibly dense and wonderfully soft. It also has a silky texture. The undercoat ensures that the Neva Masquerade stays cosy and warm even in winter. Of course, a magnificent coat like this will need the right care to keep it that way. This means you’ll be called upon to engage in regular brushing sessions to help keep the coat in top shape and prevent it from becoming matted or itchy.
Coat colour of the Neva Masquerade
The coat of the Neva Masquerade is one of nature’s true works of art. The fur delights us with its magnificent point colours, which range from soft seal to deep blue. The characteristic dark markings on the ears, mask, legs and tail provide a striking contrast to the Neva’s lighter coloured body. This unique colouring makes every Neva Masquerade something very special!
Coat length of the Neva Masquerade
The Neva Masquerade looks a lot like a ball of fur on four paws! The beautiful, medium to long coat is incredibly fluffy and gives these cats their plush appearance. The dense, soft undercoat is covered by a layer of shiny topcoat and protects the cats even on frosty, cold days. To keep the magnificent coat as beautiful as possible, it should be groomed on regular basis. This helps to prevent knots and tangles and maintain the coat’s wonderful lustre.
Coat pattern of the Neva Masquerade
The unique coat pattern of the Neva Masquerade is one of its very special features. In fact, what makes it so special is that it’s the only forest cat breed with points! The dark points on the ears, the striking face mask, the paws and the tail contrast wonderfully with the cream-coloured or white fur on the rest of the body. These colour accents look like artistic brushstrokes that give each Neva its own individual expression. In addition, clear lines and bright eyes perfectly round off the appearance of these elegant tigers!
Eyes of the Neva Masquerade
Have you ever fallen in love in an instant? All it takes is one glance into the eyes of a Neva Masquerade and – bang! – you’re hooked. These beauties have spectacularly bright blue eyes that form a ravishing contrast to the dark spots of their mask; their eye shape is slightly oval, which gives them a gentle but haunting expression. Whether they’re curiously exploring their surroundings or snoozing away, their eyes and face will always be a captivating sight that makes any cat lover’s heart skip a beat.
Special features of the Neva Masquerade
These blue-eyed beauties have some very special characteristics that make them unique feline specimens. Their fur, which is not only wonderfully fluffy but also very dense, protects them perfectly from the wet and cold: water simply rolls off them because they pretty much always have a mink coat on! They also have special tufts of hair on their ears and between their toes, much like the Norwegian Forest and the Siberian. The longer hairs between their toes serve as practical snowshoes that make it easier for them to walk on snowy surfaces.
Key attributes of the Neva Masquerade
The Neva Masquerade is a very special breed of cat with a series of wonderful attributes. Their water-repellent coat is not only a real eye-catcher but also a protective shield against wet conditions. Their full, fluffy coat is a real blessing, as it ensures that these kitties stay warm and dry even when romping around in the snow. Another typical feature are their ear tufts, which protrude from their ears like brush hairs. These features make it possible for the Neva Masquerade to adapt to colder climates, while also lending these furry tigers an unmistakable appearance.
Character of the Neva Masquerade
Nevas are simply wonderful creatures! They have a very special character. They are playful, intelligent and incredibly affectionate. With their expressive blue eyes and charming nature, they tend to capture people’s hearts quite quickly. These wonderful cats are very sociable and love the company of people and other pets. They’re quite curious and like to explore their surroundings without being too intrusive. They’re the ideal companion for anyone looking for an affectionate and loyal feline soul – a real buddy. In general, they also get on well with their fellow animal residents, and they can be excellent playmates for children.
Prize of the Neva Masquerade
The price of a Neva Masquerade can vary slightly depending on age, pedigree and breeding. It usually ranges between €800 and €1,500. The price can also be somewhat higher for particularly sought-after or award-winning breeding lines. We recommend that you enquire with reputable breeders and obtain comprehensive information in advance. And don’t forget: when buying a Neva, in addition to the purchase price, there will also be ongoing costs for care, food and visits to the vet. But one thing is certain: there are some things you just can’t put a price tag on! Every feline friend is an investment in a loving and loyal companion who will make your life richer and many times more colourful.
Breeding the Neva Masquerade
Breeding the Neva Masquerade requires a lot of experience and dedication. Serious breeders will consider it their top priority to ensure that these cats are well, healthy and lively. Kittens will ideally grow up in a loving environment in which they are optimally socialised. Serious breeders will also pay close attention to the typical characteristics of the breed, such as the striking blue eyes and silky coat. The Neva Masquerade is recognised by several major cat breeding associations, including the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFé) and the World Cat Federation (WCF). This recognition is a great confirmation of the uniqueness and importance of this cat breed.
Things to know about keeping and caring for the Neva Masquerade
Keeping and caring for Neva Masquerades is relatively simple, but there are still a few key points that will ensure their overall well-being. For example, their medium-length, silky coat must be brushed regularly to keep it supple and prevent matting. This will also keep it wonderfully shiny. These delightful cats are very sociable and need lots of love and attention, so make sure to offer them a varied environment with climbing opportunities and toys to keep them mentally and physically fit. Also make sure your cat gets a balanced diet. This is not only good for your cat, but also good for you, because a cat that is healthy and feels good makes every day a great day!
The Neva Masquerade kitten
With their beautiful, bright blue eyes and downy fur, Neva Masquerade kittens are furry little treasures! They’re curious and playful right from the start, eager to explore their surroundings and quickly develop a close bond with their housemates. Regular play will encourage kittens to develop wonderfully and strengthen their confidence. Make sure they’re fed a diet that is appropriate for their age and the needs of young cats. It’s hard to believe, but kittens almost double their weight in their first few weeks of life! If you’re interested in making your own cat food for kittens, it should be high in energy. And remember to have regular health checks at the vet so that your kittens grow up healthy and develop into beautiful adult cats.
Typical diseases of the Neva Masquerade
The Neva Masquerade is considered a robust and healthy breed, but like all cats it can be susceptible to certain diseases. One common problem is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart disease that occurs in many cat breeds. Regular heart examinations are important in order to recognise and treat this disease at an early stage. Dental problems and gum diseases can also occur, so regular dental care and check-ups are important. Make sure your cat has a balanced diet and gets enough exercise. And, finally, don’t forget to make annual visits to the vet to optimally support your Neva Masquarade’s overall health and prevent possible illnesses.
Life expectancy of the Neva Masquerade
The Neva Masquerade is known for its utterly enchanting appearance but also for its impressively long life expectancy. If you provide your Neva with a cat-friendly home and lifestyle, there’s a good chance they’ll live to be 12 to 15 years old. These cats can sometimes even live longer than that! Quite a proud age, isn’t it? Remember that the conversion from cat years to human years is not linear. This is because cats age faster in the first few years of life. In other words, 12 to 15 cat years correspond to roughly 64 to 76 human years. Things to remember: always be alert to signs of stress or illness and make sure your cat’s environment is cat-proof. If all of these conditions are met, you will be able to enjoy many wonderful years with your kitty!
Frequently asked questions about the Neva Masquerade
The price for a Neva Masquerade is usually between €800 and €1,500, depending on the breeder as well as on the cat’s origin and pedigree. If you want to buy one or more cats, it’s best to look out for reputable breeders. The kittens should be healthy and well socialised.
The Neva Masquerade can reach a proud age of 12 to 15 years. With a lot of love and care, a balanced diet and regular visits to the vet, they can live even longer! Remember: 12 to 15 cat years correspond to around 64 to 76 human years.
The Neva Masquerade is a medium-sized cat with a semi-long coat. It’s known for the striking point colouring on its ears, face, legs and tail. Its bright blue eyes and muscular body make this cat an impressive beauty.
The Neva Masquerade falls into the category of medium to large cats. Males reach a shoulder height of around 30 to 35 centimetres, while females are slightly smaller with a shoulder height of 25 to 30 centimetres and a body length of 40 to 45 centimetres.
Nevas only reach full physical maturity at around three to four years of age. Why does it take so long for these cats to reach maturity? The simple answer is that larger cat breeds generally need a little more time to develop their full body size and muscle mass.
The Neva Masquerade can be kept both indoors and outdoors. Ideally, you would allow your Neva safe access to a space in a secure garden or on a cat-proof balcony where they can enjoy fresh air to their heart’s content!.
The Neva Masquerade has its roots in Russia and shares many of its characteristics with the Siberian cat. Its Russian name ‘Nevskaya Maskeradnaya’ refers not only to its geographical origin, but also to its unique facial features, which are reminiscent of a mask.
Nevas are known for their playful and active character. A Neva Masquerade will especially enjoy spending time with a companion. Playing sharpens their senses, provides them with welcome mental stimulation and strengthens the bond between you and your cat!
The Neva Masquerade will feel most at home in the company of social and friendly cat breeds such as the Maine Coon, the Ragdoll, the Siberian Cat or the Norwegian Forest Cat. When the chemistry between these furry friends is right, they’ll have a great time enjoying life together!
The Neva Masquerade is a lively breed of cat. You’ll notice this dynamic temperament especially when they’re climbing and playing. These cats have incredibly high energy levels and are therefore the ideal companions if you yourself are active and like to keep yourself busy all day long!
The Neva Masquerade is a very sociable cat that requires a good amount of socialising and company. This breed develops strong bonds with its human companions and other pets and can become lonely if isolated for too long. You should therefore not keep a Neva alone as an only cat.
These cats are known to have a very sociable nature. They love the company of people and get on well with other pets. The friendly and outgoing nature of Neva Masquerade cats makes them ideal members of the family!
The Neva Masquerade is considered a robust cat breed. Unfortunately, like all cats, it can also be susceptible to hereditary diseases, including heart diseases such as HCM. Your furry friend should therefore be examined regularly. This way you can be sure they stay healthy and full of life.
These cats have a water-repellent coat and striking point colouring on their ears, face, paws and tail. Their bright blue eyes are particularly striking. Nevas also have ear tufts and extra fur between their toes that gives them their characteristic “snowshoes”!
The Neva Masquerade is not particularly suitable for allergy sufferers. Like other cat breeds, it too can spread allergens. Before purchasing a Neva, allergy sufferers should therefore carry out an allergy test or have a longer period of contact with the cat to find out how they react to it.
Yes, Nevas always have blue eyes! This is one of the most striking and beautiful characteristics of this breed. The blue colour stands out clearly from the point colouring and gives them an expressive look that never fails to captivate onlookers!
