Snowshoe Cat Breed

History

The Snowshoe’s origin can be traced back to the early 1960s. It is when a breeder named Dorothy Hinds Daugherty from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, found three kittens in a litter of Siamese with four white feet. Dorothy liked the exceptional and unique combination of their pointed colours and white feet and started the process to create a cat breed.

In developing the breed, she bred the kittens to a domestic American Shorthair with tuxedo markings. This ultimately developed their popular white 'V' facial markings.

The American Shorthair cat breed was still pending recognition as a breed at that time. The outcome of the breeding of a domestic cat produced a cat that is different from either of the two ancestors with a combination of both ancestors' personalities.

However, much of the Snowshoe’s history was missing due to poorly kept records over the years. Breeding was also difficult as it was "luck of the draw" as to whether a kitten would have the correct colouring. This, along with the original pattern restrictions discouraged both new and old breeders. Between 1960 and 1977, interest in the cat breed had diminished until there was only one breeder in 1977.

Interest slowly grew and in 1989, there were close to thirty documented Snowshoe breeders. Finally, in 1993, The International Cat Association (TICA) accepted the Snowshoe as a championship breed and today, the breed is growing in popularity.

Appearance

Snowshoes look virtually like a marriage of the Siamese and American shorthair cats. Keeping much of the body length of the Siamese but adding a little more of the American Shorthair’s weight to it, the Snowshoe is a medium-sized, moderately built cat breed. Their heads can be either apple-shaped or triangular. The best varieties have shorthair markings on their gorgeous faces, with an upside-down “V” marking that is one of the breed standards. Their pointed ears are set broad, and their walnut-shaped eyes can be any shade of blue. Their medium-large ears continue the triangular shape of their head.

Snowshoe kittens are born white but their point colouring starts to develop within just a few weeks. Their head, ears, legs and tail darken as they age. Their body is lighter than a light cream colour, with the shading darkening as they mature.

The most common coat colours are blue point and seal point. The lighter shades of chocolate and lilac are less common due to the specialised breeding requirements to produce them. Moreover, the lighter colours do not have as much of a contrast between the point colour and their white feet.

The Snowshoe is a well-balanced cat, neither too small nor too large. They are strong and muscular without being huge, and they are deceivingly powerful and agile. Their body has the look of a runner and leaper rather than that of a weightlifter.

The Snowshoe male weighs approximately nine to twelve pounds, with a heaviness that makes them seem heftier when lifted. The Snowshoe female is typically much smaller, weighing about seven to ten pounds.

The Snowshoe is a shorthair cat, not to be mixed-up with either a Ragdoll or a Birman. They are not even related to either of these cat breeds. Their coat is a single layer with no indication of an undercoat and is typically smooth to the touch.

Personality

The Snowshoe’s personality is broad but usually well balanced. There are times that they are considered shy, they are also viewed as bossy because of their desire to lead their human companion. But all Snowshoes are considered mellow and they thrive on affection, companionship and interaction.

Like their Siamese ancestors, Snowshoes are known to express themselves vocally and they enjoy talking with their human companions. They do so in a soft, melodic voice. While reserved around strangers, this cat breed shows great dedication and love towards their family. They often attach themselves and serve as a constant feline companion to one family member.

They adore being around people, making this cat breed perfect for families with children and will get along well with other pets too. Snowshoes are very social and should not be left alone for long periods of time.

Snowshoes love water. So, don't be surprised if they jump in the tub with you. While many cats like to stick their paws under a running faucet, Snowshoes love to swim. To keep them entertained for hours, put a shallow container of water to splash around.

Trainability

Snowshoes are brilliant, lithe, and active with a strong love for playing. They learn new things quickly, so it is best to keep this cat breed busy with puzzle toys that work their brain. Keeping them physically exercised is equally important; use teaser toys to encourage them to hunt and run around and a big cat tree where they can climb.

Snowshoes are active, athletic cats who respond well to any activity that keeps them moving. Getting a multi-level cat condo or even a running wheel is an excellent option for your Snowshoe cat. They love toys but keep a variety on hand to match their ever-changing quirks.

Aside from being very energetic, the Snowshoe is very clever and easy to train. So you can challenge their bright minds and keep them focused by teaching them commands, games and tricks. They enjoy learning new tricks such as playing fetch, walking on a leash, and opening cupboards and doors. Their speed and cleverness are also a good match for the cat agility courses.

When a Snowshoe is appropriately socialised and trained during their kittenhood, they will become a well-rounded and well-mannered feline companion.

Coat & Care

Snowshoes have short, close-lying, thick coats, but surprisingly, they are low maintenance in the grooming department. Weekly brushing or combing and a wipe over with chamois leather are all you need to keep their coats healthy and in good condition with a nice shine on them.

Like other cat breeds, they tend to shed the most during Spring and then again during Autumn, when more regular brushing is typically necessary to keep their coat in tiptop condition. Also, Snowshoes are not known to be heavy shedders.

Train your Snowshoe to adapt to regular brushing or combing at an early stage. This way, they get acquainted with staying still and behaving well. Begin by using a very soft brush for their soft kitten fur and delicate skin. Remember to give them a reward whenever your Snowshoe behaves throughout the grooming session. As they mature, you can get a more effective brush or comb to suit their coat needs.

Brush their teeth weekly to prevent tooth and gum diseases. To keep their nails clean and neat, trim them twice a month or when needed. For clean and healthy eyes, wipe the corners with a clean, soft, damp cloth to remove any dirt or discharge.

To keep their ears free of dirt, debris and wax, wipe them with a cotton ball and a vet-approved ear cleanser weekly. If you smell a foul odour coming out of their ears, bring your Snowshoe to the vet clinic for treatment.

To avoid getting dirt and debris on their coat whenever they use their litter boxes, always keep it clean. If it is left unclean, they may use other places in the house.

Health

Snowshoes are generally healthy with an average life expectancy between fifteen to twenty years. The only genetic condition reported in this breed is Polycystic kidney disease (PKD). A gene test is available to determine if a Snowshoe carries this inherited condition, so we strongly recommend you buy from a breeder who does a thorough health check.

Children & Other Pets

Engaging cat companions for people of all ages, Snowshoes thrive in the company of others. They get along great with children, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs. So homing them in large families or multi-pet homes is no problem.

This cat breed is best suited with companions who spend lots of time at home, including an older kid who can train and play with them. Because they desire companionship, they will find ways to involve their family in their activities. Still, always supervise younger kids to avoid accidents where the cat could get hurt such as pulling their fur or twisting their tail.

Snowshoes also enjoy the company of another cat with a similar active temperament in the home. In fact, it is encouraged to have them grow up with another pet due to their low tolerance for being alone. Always introduce new pets gradually and in controlled environments to make sure that they learn to get along well together.