Domestic cats have been in America for many centuries (which are  believed to have originated in Europe), but Siberian, and Siberian “Seal  Tabby Point” (Neva Masquerade), an offspring of cross breeding  Siberian, Siamese and Birman cats are still rare in America and Russia.  The Siberian cat has a long history which dates back to the 17th  century, living on the tree tops in the dense Siberian forest. Over the  centuries this breed adapted to Siberia’s harsh climates which no other  breeds could do. Siberians have a triple fur coat; guard hairs, awn  hairs, and down, which enabled them to  withstand the harsh   climates  of Siberia. Siberians,  and in   particular, Siberian Neva Masquerade  cats, are known to be one of the most intelligent cats in the world,  although they have very humble beginnings. With a long history of  survival in the harsh climates of Siberia, these cats have proven their   endurance  and   worth   many times   over and now have   reached  championship status with many feline clubs around the world.  In the  1930s, Siberians were discovered in the south central area of Russia,  living on the streets of Novosibirsk and nearby small towns. Breeding  with Siamese and Birman  cats (whether  naturally, or  with man’s   interaction) the Siberians offspring  is known as  a Seal Tabby Point,   due to its color. Soon after, this breed was transported to Leningrad  (now St. Petersburg) and announced as a “New Breed” called Neva  Masquerade. This name was derived from the nearby  Neva River, and  the  masquerade parties  so prevalent among  the wealthy  people  living   near  the  river.  My  source,  and  the  owner  of siberianking.org    nursery is  an  expert  with  Siberians   who  has  owned, handled, and  bred this breed of feline for more than 40 years in her native  Novosibirsk, Russia and is very familiar with Siberian’s and the later  arrival of Siberian Neva Masquerade’s.  My source also told me that she  first begun seeing  the  Siberian  Seal-tabby-point  (Neva Masquerade)  long before 1993 and it was first born in her home town of Novosibirsk.  The Neva’s traits are pointed coloring (different coloring on their  feet, nose and tops of the ears), with much white fur and blue eyes. The  origins of the color point is obviously met with some dispute, but as  long as proper records have been kept (1980’s), color points are noted  to have been produced, although to this day the jury is still out on its  true origins.   Siberians take five years to fully mature physically,  but keep their kitten-like personalities throughout their life.  The  first Siberian was imported to America in 1991, and the first “Neva  Masquerade” was imported in 1996.  Although Neva Masquerades  (Seal-tabby-point) where imported later to America and became quite  popular with cat fanciers, they are still rare in the United States, and  many breeders have waiting lists for their kittens. The Siberian was  accepted into TICA (The International Cat Association) New Breed program  in 1992 and given championship status in 1996. In the world of cat show  competition, all standards that apply to the Siberian Cat, apply to the  Color point (Neva Masquerade) variety, according to TICA.  In January  2009, the Neva Masquerade was accepted into the Fife registry  (Fédération Internationale Féline) as a new breed known as “Siberian  Color Point”. Siberian cats were accepted for registration by CFA (Cat  Fanciers Association) in February 2000 and advanced to championship  status in February 2006, although some countries still do not accept  color point Siberians as a variety of the Siberian cat breed. Although  Siberians do shed and require regular grooming, the coat is not inclined  to mat which makes grooming easier and quicker than most longhaired  cats.  Siberian and Siberian Neva Masquerade’s, are considered  hypoallergenic due to the lower levels of a protein in their system (Fel  d 1). Most cats have approximately 63,000 microns while Siberians have a  mere 200 microns of this protein in their systems, which is a source of  allergies with all cat breeds.  Although Siberians are less likely to  trigger allergic reactions, its best to spend some time around one  before considering adoption.Neva Masquerade’s, as well as all Siberians,  adjust easily to their lifestyle surroundings and make a very good  house pet. Siberians are very sociable cats and want to be near their  owners.  They will usually greet you at the door when you come home, not  unlike the family dog.  Often described as dog-like, the Siberian is  loyal and not shy around guests, they are intelligent animals and quick  to learn.  Their meow is sweet, and when they come to greet you, they  make a unique chirping sound.  Many Siberians find water fascinating and  like to be around it and watch running water, it’s said that some like  to bring their toys and drop them in their water bowls. They also will  not only monitor your shower or bath, but possibly join you, too. This  affectionate breed makes an ideal lap cat and a wonderful companion who  will bring their owner years of happiness, as their lifespan can exceed  16 years.  Siberians and Neva Masquerade’s are completely trusting of  humans, making it quite a responsibility when placing these kittens in  new homes, according to the owner of siberianking.org nursery. A social  breed which loves the company of humans, and enjoys other animals,   along with all the other fascinating traits the Neva Masquerade has, let  it not go without saying, this breed is so intelligent it learns  different languages very fast too.  Since the Neva’s of  siberianking.org  cattery are transported directly from the south center  of Siberia and then raised in a multi-lingual household, they  understand both Russian and English languages, according to this  nursery’s owner.  She also went on to say that this cat really  understands different languages, and not just the tone of a person’s  voice.  The fact is, she said, is that no matter what tone is used with  Neva Masquerades (Siberian Seal-tabby-points), they understand the  language and respond better than most dogs. The following are some  fascinating facts about all domestic cats as well as Siberians, which  you may not have known: Domestic cats can run about 30 miles (48  kilometers) per hour.    The cat's tail is an extension of its backbone,  and the flexible tail helps a cat keep its balance and land on its feet  when it falls. A cat can move each ear independently, and improve its  hearing by aiming the cup of its ears in the direction a sound is coming  from.   Although domestic cats have lived for centuries in Europe and  America, the Siberian Neva Masquerade is still very new and unique to  most Americans.  From its wonderful personality to its incredible  disposition, and dog like attitude, the Neva Masquerade is one breed  that is sure to warm the hearts of cat lovers, and maybe make some Dog  lovers (who never thought they would care for cats), into cat fanciers  as well.