History
of the breed
The Siberian cat belongs to the so-called native breeds created
by the Mother Nature according to the conditions of their habitat.
Existing for a long time and naturally formed in territory of Ural
and Siberia, this breed of semi-longhair cats has been known since
Peter the Great’s time. In the late Middle Ages the Angora cats presumably
brought the longhair gene.
There is no reliable information on the origin of Neva Masquerade
as well as traditional Siberian and what is more it concerns the
overwhelming majority of breeds. There are some plausible versions,
which we would not like to review, as we do not want to indulge
in polemics with the breeders and historians of Siberian.
The history of Neva Masquerade, as well as one of
traditional Siberian, is not clear. We don’t know how the Siberians
have got the color gene. Probably it has appeared as a result of
any crossing with traditional Siamese or Himalayan, as well as a
consequence of hereditary recessive albinism. Who knows? Undoubtedly,
Neva Masquerade is an alloy of exotic Siamese color and power of
Siberian giants.
In August 1990 the Soviet Felinological Federation
(SFF) registered native Russian breed under the name "Siberian"
with assignment of the code "SIB". Then SFF recognized
the color pointed Siberian under the name «Neva Masquerade». The
official history of Neva Masquerade has begun since this registration.
In 1992 WCF (World Cat Federation) recognized this breed. The TICA
(The International Cat Association) accepted it as well.
Unfortunately, not all international felinological
organizations recognize the color point Siberian, unlike the traditional
Siberian. But this fact can’t stop the true fanciers of Neva Masquerade
in their love to these adorable pets and in purposeful breeding
in the hope of prompt and full acceptance of this variety within
all international felinological associations and federations.
The absence of precise information on the history
of this breed does not depreciate this charming companion of men.
The owner should not flatter himself with the historical aspect
of a pet. He should be proud to own such a faithful, clever, powerful
and, at the same time, tender, beautiful and gentle friend.
Not without reason the most schooled breeders abroad highly estimate
and purchase the cats of this breed.
The only fact is obvious – Neva Masquerade is a native Russian breed.
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