General:

The homeland of the Neva Masquarade is the area of the former Sowjetunion. The cats where seen first at the Neva River and where named because of their colour masks Newskaja Maskaraduaja, meaning: Russian Colourpoint. A clear clarification of their lineage is not possible as their ancestors are initially registered only several years ago. Because of the geographical facts it is assumed a natural crossbreed of a Siberian Cat with a Siam or Thai cat took place. In General the Neva Masquarade is identical with the Siberian cat, the cats can be crossbreeded. The first cats of this breed came to Germany in 1990. In April 1992 the first Neva litter outside of Russia was born. (Berliner ProCat)

The following standard is published by the WCF.

The standard for Body, Head, Ears, Eyes and coat correspondes to the standard for siberian cats.

Colour Varieties:
The pointed variety is named Neva Masquerade. Chocolate and cinnamon and the according
diluted colours (lilac and fawn) are not accepted in any pattern combinations (solid, bi-colour,
tri-colour, tabby), either in the Neva Masquerade or in the Siberian. Burmese pattern is also not accepted. Any other colour is accepted, the descriptions of colours are listed in the General
Colour Guide. Any amount of white is allowed.