All this is your wishful thinking, unauthorized "unofficial" priorities and all that. Just because you want it to be this way does not mean it is that way.I don't mean to disappoint you but in the interest of realistic expectations - as others mentioned, the program under which you are sponsoring your niece is not the spousal one and the timelines are unknown in normal times.
And right now due to covid, your niece would not be allowed into Canada at all - the exemptions only apply to immediate family members.
And if I'm right about how they are prioritising staff time, I believe they are simply not processing (or minimally) files for applicants who can't enter Canada due to covid travel restrictions. (Or put differently only those applicants who can enter Canada right now - under any PR or visitor permit program - are getting any priority when staff time is available). So realistically, I wouldn't get your hopes up for quick processing.
That said, I assume your niece is young and the chances are security clearances will be relatively quick, which can be lengthy for Russian applicants. So hopefully when things open up it won't be too bad, allowing for the existing backlog.
It's also possible to bring cats to Canada when the time comes.
I would have a great reason to complain if you were right, and, if you are, I AM going to complain.
My niece is "statutory" my closest relative relative and I am sure hoping cases like mine are not singled out for delays!
It's clearly stated in all correspondence that "all cases will be processed in the order they were received..."
No prioritizing, not for me, and not for you.