Clean Genealogy and our Breeding Philosophy

What Does Clean Genealogy Mean?

In simple terms, Clean Genealogy means breeding Siberian cats without introducing Neva Masquerade (NEM) lines into the pedigree. Although the Neva Masquerade and the Siberian share the same origins, we believe each breed can now be preserved and developed independently. In FIFE, they are recognised as two separate breeds and shown separately. Having bred Siberian cats since 2019, we have come to appreciate the importance of maintaining the traditional Siberian as it originally developed in the wild. For this reason, we have chosen to focus our breeding programme on NEM-free (man-made) Siberians.

What Does NEM-Free Mean?

NEM-free breeding means that we intentionally do not use Neva Masquerade (NEM) cat bloodlines in our breeding programme. Cats used in NEM-free breeding are placed into genealogy groups based on their pedigrees. These groups are not related to coat colours, but instead reflect the presence (or absence) of Neva Masquerade ancestry and Colourpoint (CS) genetics within the pedigree. Our breeding females belong to Groups 2 and 3, allowing us to preserve traditional Siberian lines while maintaining genetic diversity.

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Genealogy Groups (Groups 1–3)

Within the Clean Genealogy system, cats are categorised according to their pedigrees, specifically by examining whether Neva Masquerade ancestors or Colourpoint (CS) carriers appear in their lineage. The only Neva Masquerade foundation cats recognised within this system are Mars, Maks and Nyusya. These cats originated from naturally occurring matings involving unregistered cats during the 1980s and 1990s. Because their parentage was unknown rather than deliberately planned, they are regarded as acceptable foundation cats within Clean Genealogy. To determine which genealogy group a cat belongs to, breeders examine the pedigree as far back as possible—not just the first four generations. By scrutinising a pedigree down to the foundation cats (original wild occurring cats), it can be discovered whether or not the pedigree is pure or man-made NEM cats have been introduced.

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Group 1

Cats with no Neva Masquerade ancestry and no Colourpoint (CS) carriers anywhere in the pedigree.

Group 2

Cats with no Neva Masquerade ancestry, but with Colourpoint (CS) carriers somewhere within the pedigree.

Group 3

Cats whose pedigrees include only the recognised foundation NEM cats Mars, Maks or Nyusya.

Group 4

Cats with Neva Masquerade ancestors other than Mars, Maks or Nyusya.

Group 5

Cats with multiple generations of Neva Masquerade ancestry.

Group 6

Cats whose pedigrees consist entirely of Neva Masquerade lines.

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Our Breeding Philosophy

At Qrios & ArtisanCats Siberians, we work exclusively with Groups 1–3. This approach allows us to preserve traditional Siberian pedigrees while maintaining genetic diversity and breeding healthy, well-tempered cats that remain true to the original Siberian breed.