Cat coat genetics determine the coloration, pattern, length, and texture of feline fur. The variations among cat coats are physical properties and should not be confused with cat breeds. A cat may display the coat of a certain breed without actually being that breed. For example, a Neva Masquerade could wear point coloration, the stereotypical coat of a Siamese.
A tabby mother and her kittens, showing different colorations (the red parts of the mother are not visible, but since she has both black and red kittens she must display both of the colours)[citation needed]
A male red tabby showing the XOY-genotype
A female black tortoiseshell cat showing the XOXo-genotype
A cream (diluted red) tabby cat
The Neva Masquerade is a breed or sub-breed of long-haired domestic cat, which originates in Russia. It is the sister breed or colourpoint variant of the Siberian cat, a centuries-old Russian landrace. The colourpoint markings are the result of a colourpoint gene originally found in Siamese cats. The Neva Masquerade is believed to be derived from crossing the Siberian cat with Asian colourpoint cats, such as the Siamese or Thai, or possibly cats related to those, such as the colourpointed Persian cats. Some cat registries may classify the Neva Masquerade as a colourpoint variety or sub-breed of the Siberian cat, while others consider it to be a separate sister breed. Regardless of its classification, all Neva Masquerade cats are selectively bred and pedigreed today in all major cat fancier and breeder organisations under the Siberian (Forest) cat or Neva Masquerade. This means that all Neva Masquerade cats are purebred cats with a formally registered ancestry.
Blue tabby point Neva Masquerade
The Neva Masquerade cat on a 2020 Russian stamp.
6-month-old seal tabby point kitten in a tree.
Blue-eyed adult with a seal tabby point and white coat colour.