The Snowshoe breed combines the amazing characteristics of both the Siamese and American Shorthair. This affectionate feline is known for its distinctive fur markings and strong body.
You might be wondering what this remarkable cat has to offer?
Well, this post will guide you about everything you need to know about Snowshoes.
Let’s begin our ride!
Snowshoe Cat: Breed Characteristics
We have listed below some characteristics of Snowshoes. All cats are individuals whose temperament and appearances can vary. This list is meant to be a general guideline for Snowshoe cats:
- Affectionate with Family: Snowshoes are loving, highly affectionate, and devoted cats.
- Amount of Shedding: Snowshoes require minimal maintenance when it comes to their coat. These cats are known for being very clean.
- General Health: The Snowshoe is a hardy cat that does not suffer from many genetically inherited diseases.
- Potential for Playfulness: This breed is incredibly friendly and loves nothing more than meeting new people.
- Tendency to Vocalize: These cats are known to be very vocal. Owners might be concerned about excessive meowing, especially at night. They have a soft and melodic voice that’s pleasing to the ears.
- Kid-Friendly: This feline pal loves children. You just have to ensure that the kids treat her with the queen-like respect she deserves.
- Friendly Toward Strangers: Snowshoes are stranger-friendly cats. They are not very reserved and get along well with strangers.
- Easy to Groom: Regular grooming is recommended to keep your cat’s coat in good shape. The frequency should be once a week.
- Intelligence: Snowshoe are remarkably intelligent and smart cats. They can learn to run feline agility courses and even enjoy swimming.
- Pet Friendly: They are super social and thrive in households with other pets. So, if you have another pet, chances are that the two will have a good friendship!
Snowshoe Cat: Highlights and Fun Facts
Some highlights and interesting facts about Snowshoe cats:
- The Snowshoe cat is chatty like a Siamese. You will be mesmerized to see how often she wants to vocalize her opinions to you!
- The Snowshoe kittens are born completely white. As they grow up, their point color begins to develop!
- They have retriever-like traits.
- Snowshoe cats are fascinated with water. They enjoy the water, particularly running water, and the occasional swim.
- Although Snowshoes are active, they are not restless or easily agitated.
- Snowshoes love to sit in high places and observe things from there.
- This cat breed is known to choose a favorite person in the house and she will stick to that person like glue.
- Dusty the Klepto Kitty, a famous Snowshoe, is known for stealing more than 600 items from its neighbors. The cat was featured on The Late Show with David Letterman in February 2011.
- Expect Snowshoe to shed moderately. By providing it proper nutrition and regular grooming, you will be able to minimize shedding and make it more manageable.
- Snowshoes are very social cats and show great devotion and love towards their human owners.
Vital Stats About Snowshoe Cat
Let’s have a look at some vital stats of Snowshoe cats:
| Stats | Description |
| Cat Association Recognition | ACFA, TICA |
| Origin | Philadelphia, USA |
| Temperament | sociable, affectionate, sweet-tempered |
| Length | Medium to long |
| Weight Range | Male: 9-12 pounds, Female: 9-12 pounds |
| Activity level | Active |
| Height | 8 to 13 inches |
| Social/Attention Needs | High |
| Life Expectancy | 15-20 years |
Snowshoe Cat Appearance
Are you prepared to be charmed with the extraordinary exotic features of the Snowshoe cat?
The lovely snowshoe is a medium-large-sized cat that is moderately built. It looks just exactly like a combo of the Siamese and American Shorthair. Snowshoe cats are proportionally well-balanced overall. The cat is well-built, agile, powerful but not bulky. The cat is known for its incredible markings.
Let’s have a look at the physical attributes of Snowshoe cat:
- Head: Either triangular or apple-shaped with shorthair markings on their faces. Head size is in proportion to the torso and legs.
- Ears: Wide-set and pointed.
- Eyes: Walnut-shaped and always some shade of blue.
- Nose: It has medium width, not too wide or too narrow, along with a flat or slight nose bump.
- Coat: Single-coat, short, smooth
- Coat colors: These cats come in chocolate, blue, lilac, lynx, fawn, and seal points.
- Pattern: White with dark areas on legs, tail, ears, and especially on the head. An inverted “V” facial marking and white paws.
- Body: They have moderately long bodies but not extreme.
- Tail: It is medium at the base and gradually tapering to the end. Tail length in proportion to the torso.
- Paws: Paws are medium-sized and oval and taper to the toes.
History of Snowshoe Cat
The Snowshoe is a relatively recent domestic breed that was developed during the 1960s. A Siamese breeder Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty of Kensing Cattery in Philadelphia produced a litter that included three Siamese kittens with pure white mittens. Dorothy decided to turn these mavericks into a breed and called them Snowshoes.
Snowshoe cat makes an amazing companion. It combines the best traits of the Siamese and the American Shorthair.
The Cat Fanciers Federation recognized the Snowshoe in 1982, followed by American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA) in 1990 and The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1994. Snowshoes are not yet recognized by Cat Fanciers Association.
Temperament and Personality of Snowshoe Cat
The snowshoe is a very kind and intelligent kitty with a playful personality. She is a class clown and will do everything in her power to entertain you.
Snowshoe cat has a bossy air to her. This little chief is always checking in on you. Snowshoes don’t realize that they’re actually cats!
The Snowshoe has an outgoing personality. She gets along well with strangers and takes her time warming up to visitors. Snowshoe cats prefer companionship and do not like to be alone all day. They love to sit beside you and touch you with a gentle paw until you give them some of the well-deserved pamperings.
Snowshoes are very intelligent cats. They will often learn to open doors or perform a few tricks. This is an active cat who can often be found sitting on a vantage point where it can survey all that’s going on.
Major Health Concerns of Snowshoe Cat
Snowshoe cats are generally regarded as being pretty healthy. They don’t have as many known diseases and conditions as other cats.
- Dental disease: The three most common dental diseases in Snowshoe cats are gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth resorption. Dental issues in Snowshoes can cause severe pain and can impact the cat’s quality of life. Try to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Kinked Tails: Some Snowshoe cats can be born with a kinked tail. This condition doesn’t cause the Snowshoe cat to feel any pain or discomfort.
- Cross-eyes: It is usually caused by an imbalance of extraocular muscle tone. Many Snowshoe cats are born with it. This is not really a disease and these cats can live an otherwise healthy life.
Snowshoes are best for feline owners who do not want to worry about long-term medical costs.
How to Take Care of Snowshoe Cat
Try to build your Snowshoe’s routine care into your schedule to help your feline pal live longer, stay healthier, and be happier. All cats are meticulously clean and demand a clean litter box.
Diet
Feed a high-quality feline diet to your Snowshoe, appropriate for her age and activity level. It is important to ensure that your Snowshoe drinks ample amounts of water.
Exercise
Snowshoe is a playful breed and needs daily play sessions. This will stimulate her natural desire to hunt and explore. Keep your cat’s mind and body active or it may develop behavioral issues.
Snowshoe will play fetch, learn to perform tricks, walk on a leash, and open doors. You can exercise your Snowshoe regularly by engaging her with high-activity toys.
Grooming
- Brush a Snowshoe’s short coat once a week to remove dead hair and distribute skin oils.
- Regular dental hygiene and teeth brushing are a must to prevent periodontal disease.
- These cats need a weekly inspection of their ears for wax, debris, or signs of infection. Clean their ears when needed.
- Regular grooming stimulates blood circulation and removes dirt, debris, and loose hair.
Parting Shot on Snowshoe Cat
Snowshoe is a mellow and sweet-natured cat with an urge to learn tricks. They are social, smart, active, and make a lovable family companion.
Your Snowshoe cat is special! She counts on you to take good care of her.
Hope you enjoyed reading the article! Have any questions about Snowshoe cats? Let us know in the comments.