Thank you, unknown activist of science, traveller among endless and snow hidden spaciousness of Ukraine, mister Filler!

“Die Edelkatze”, illustrated special magazine for cat lovers (in German) #2 year 2003. New series: Rare breeds of cats.

Neva Masquerades – article of Dieter Filler.
The red texts are highlighting the most interesting passages, if you have doubts – we can send you the original article in German.)
Green– our comments.

“One who is interested in endurable, easy in taking care of cats, can’t leave without attention the beauty from cold East. ( mr.Filler is very good at geography, cats appeared from Ukraine – but nevertheless, they are from THE EAST and very CO-O-OLD one!)

Origin.

Neva Masquerades, like their Siberia “sisters,” are originated in Russia, to be exact in Ukraine. (Somebody, present him a map, he doesn’t know any difference between Siberia and Ukraine…) In climate relation Ukraine is extremely unfriendly. (Rare bird manages to reach the middle of Dnepr!!!) Semi long haired house cats were known here from long ago. As well as Mane Coons at American farms, these cats were great hunters for mice, that is why farmers loved them. Their fur, that was shorter in the summer but grew longer in winter helped them to adopt to Ukrainian climate. (Maybe it’s better to call this breed “Kharkov Semi Long” or “Mariupol’ Fluffy”, or “Kishka Ukrains’ka Nezalezhna Polupuhlyava”?) Couple of so called “Siberian cats” in 1895 came to Germany. They were demonstrated in the zoo of Dresden. In “The Life of Animals” of Brehm, there is a Tobol’sk cat from Siberia and Kaukasus-Kumanese cat. (Siberia and Caucasus – they are… right here, after Ukraine, straight to the left). Because Neva cats were first imported into Europe after the fall of “iron curtain” in 1989, this breed is not very popular here yet. This way, history of their selection, is still quite short. Siberian and Neva cats, as well as Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats, developed, probably, without participation of humans in unpleasant climate conditions and adapted to these conditions in the way of natural selection. (Author allows himself to doubt, that in development of factor of colour-point colour a man didn’t help the nature). (Our comments – WO-OW!)

History. (Following the explanations of German version of the standard CFA) (:It’s touching – American standard for a Russian breed!)
Siberian cat – medium to large size, massive, originated from unfriendly climate of Siberia. (But they were from Ukraine, weren’t they? Generally, “was going to Odessa, but came to Ural”). In the writings the cat first appears in year 1000. According to repeating messages, these great animals lived in Russian (in Ukraine? Looks like, mister Filler – agent of unites church!) Monasteries, making patrolling walks on the sealing polls - looking for uninvited guests. (No comments – just imagine yourselves such picture – just like in “Matrix” or something). Their speed and strength made them desirable protectors of monastery’s equipment. For people, taking care of these cats, they were faithful and loving friends. No doubt, Siberian cat in Russia was an aboriginal cat which appeared naturally. Its appearance (the way it looks) testifies of the strength and massiveness, giving great health, and these features are connected with liveliness and sweet expression of the muzzle..
Neva according to his words is a “naturally appeared” semi long haired cat. Form of the head is more rounded than trapezium like or triangular.

Breeding.
Neva Masquerade in Russia is bred quite recently, according to standard of year 1987. In breeding of Siberians also from very beginning Neva cats were used, it has its name from river Neva (in St.Petersburg) (if the cats are originated in Ukraine, why they were not called “Dnepr”?) In year 1986 Nevas started to be bred in DDR, according to preliminary standard. In year 1987, together with family of immigrants from Russia, couple of animals of Siberian breed came to BDR. Almost at the same time, a few animals were imported from DDR and Czechoslovakia. In three years came first Neva Masquerade cat. In a while Siberian cat was accepted by almost all unions, but the colour-point version of it didn’t succeed everywhere. Because together with Siberian cat, which exists in almost all “normal” colours, represents the same breed, they can be mated with each other – like, for example, Siamese and Orientals. That is how it is possible that from mating of two pure Siberians, Siberian and Neva kittens can be born, if both parents are carriers of colour-point colour. Nevas can be also born from Neva cat with colour-point carrier.

Acception.
A few years ago it was very hard to find a good Siberian cat, and it was impossible to find Neva. Besides, the type of animals was not the same. Right now, there are many interested breeders, who successfully breed these two attractive breeds. As it was already mentioned, just now, Neva cats are not accepted everywhere, but the accepting everywhere should be expected. Siberian cats also went hard way, until they got accepted into organizations and unions.

Mister Filler had help in his research of “unfriendly climate of Ukraine” of such knowledgeable people of the breed and specialists, like Anke Muller & Harald Pailliart “Neva Cat”, Raymonde Harland and Iouri Sochilnikov , Silvia Oberle „Delicious Cat“ and Isolde Oellers.
What is interesting – there is no Russian or Ukrainian breeder, judge, standard.