A Group of Russian Judges View

On 6.12.2001 a meeting of judges, breeders and other representatives of cat fanciers took place in Moscow. The meeting was called on the initiative of the International Committee of Cat Judges. Among those present (35 people) were: 

Mrs. Olga Abramova, WCF Int.Judge 
Mrs. Inna Shustrova, WCF Int.Judge
Mrs. Larisa Ovchinnikova, WCF Int.Judge
Mrs. Olga Mironova, SFF judge
Mr. Alexey Stchukin, TICA/WCF judge
Mr. Vladimir Nechaev, chief editor of "Drug", Russian cat fancy magazine
Mrs. Tatiana Pavlova, Union of Siberian Cat Fanciers.

Breeders representing the following catteries:

Veschiy Son
Losinyi Ostrov
White Night
de Gleimur
Adagio
Zhemchug Nevy.
Representatives of cat fanciers clubs from Moscow
Omsk and Tomsk

The questions discussed were the origin and development of aboriginal Russian cat breeds, the type and breeding of Siberian cats including Neva Masquerade. The reason for the meeting were the efforts of some breeders and judges to separate the colourpoint from the Siberian breed.As a result of the heated discussion the following resolution was carried: 

• All the breed-forming features of the Nevas are equal to those of Siberians. That's why it is considered to be pointless to register the Nevas as a new breed. Neva Masquerades are Siberian colourpoints, and as such, they are bred together with other colours of Siberian cats and shown as Siberian cats according to the show rules divided in groups according to sex, age and colour). It is desirable and sensible to cross Siberians and Nevas
• One should gradually try to set limits to using non-pedigree Siberian phenotype cats, including colourpoints. A total banning of novice cats is not reasonable on the recent stage of breed development. The novice class should be open for them for at least 5 years.
• The judges are recommended to be stricter to all signs of Persian or Balinese outcrossing in all colours of Siberian cats in order to exclude such cats from breeding.
• The correct type is considered to be the main feature. The coat should correspond to the standard in every colour, but one should take into consideration that agouti cats always have the most characteristic coat.
• A darkened body, tabby markings or spots on the flanks and belly are not a reason for penalizing, as it is characteristic of aboriginal cats that presumably had in their history crosses with wild cats. Moreover, aboriginal Russian cats still often have access to outdoors in summer.
• Breeders and judges should consider if it is necessary to distinguish between different types of tabby in Nevas, as in colourpoints tabby patterns are blurred and indistinct, and the cat can be penalized for lack of clarity in the pattern.
• The contrast between the points and the body stays a requirement of the standard.