Snowshoe Cat: 14 Must-Know Facts About This Charming Breed

The Snowshoe cat is a unique-looking cat that resembles a Siamese, except with a chunkier body and white paws. Its coat pattern is a captivating swirl of brown, black, and white. Their eyes are a mesmerizing blue. But despite their beautiful appearance, Snowshoes are quite rare.

 

 

Snowshoe Cat Breed Origin & History

The Snowshoe feline is a relatively new breed that first showed up in the 1960s. Siamese cats breeder Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty, owner of Kensing Cattery in Philadelphia, produced a curious litter: three kittens had pure white mittens.

 

When oddities happen, breeders will often give the kittens quietly away to good homes. But Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty had another idea. She kept the mittened kittens and decided to breed them with one of her seal point Siamese and one bicolor American Shorthair. The result was Siamese kittens without a pointed pattern. These cats had white mittens and a more average body style, rather than the leanness of a Siamese.

 

As Hinds-Daugherty continued her work on breeding cats, the Snowshoe kittens started to all have a white inverted "V" pattern on their nose and muzzle as well. She really liked this feature and named the kittens after it. The name "Snowshoe" comes from the white nose, which she said looks like the kitties just played in some snow.

 

 

Rise and Fall of the Breed

Hinds-Daugherty started to bring the Snowshoe siamese cats to local shows, complete with breed standards. It took some convincing, but Hinds-Daugherty convinced the Cat Fanciers' Federation (CFF) to register the Snowshoe for exhibition only. Despite the initial excitement, the Snowshoe started to fizzle out.

 

The Snowshoe enthusiast asked a cat breeder from Virginia, Vikki Olander, to help the struggling breed. With the extra help, the Snowshoe was registered as an experimental breed with the Cat Fanciers' Federation and the American Cat Fanciers' Association. In 1977, the American Cat Fanciers' Association reported only four registered Snowshoes.

 

 

 

Revival

More cat breeders got wind of the ongoing Snowshoe struggles. Jim Hoffman and Georgia Kuhnell contacted the CFF to find out more about the Snowshoe. The organization updated the breed standards and defined the regulation rules. More breeders joined the mission. By 1982, the breed was officially recognized for championship status.

 

 

Appearances Throughout History

In the late Victorian era, there's photographic proof of Siamese cat breeds with four white paws. In the 1950s, white-pawed Siamese were seen once again. They were called Silver Laces at that point. "There is evidence of its existence both in an old Victorian photograph of a purebred litter of Siamese in which the front kitten has four white feet and in an old Japanese silk-screen showing one peering around a corner at a spider," the ACFA states.

 

These two instances have led to a lot of mystery. Cat fanciers love to study the old evidence when discussing the history of Siamese and Snowshoes. It wasn't until the 1960s that Snowshoes started being properly developed in Philadelphia. The breed is still relatively rare outside of the United States.

 

 

Snowshoe Cat Breed Personality

While the Snowshoe may not have the same slender appearance as its Siamese ancestors, they have the same social and outgoing personality of American Shorthair cats. They are very attached to their family, always finding ways to be involved in whatever it is you're doing.

 

This is a cat who likes to make you happy. An intelligent feline, much like the Dwelf cat breed, the Snowshoe can learn which behaviors you don't like while also figuring out how to do fun tricks like "sit" and "fetch." Of course, the Snowshoe still has an independent streak and will sometimes use their intelligence for things that might surprise you.

 

 

Snowshoe Characteristics (Physical)

Snowshoe mix cats are truly distinctive in appearance, thanks to their captivating coat patterns and striking blue eyes, which immediately catch the attention of anyone who sees them. However, what further distinguishes these cats from their Siamese ancestors and other oriental breeds is their overall shape and build, which draws inspiration from the sturdy and well-rounded physique of American Shorthair cats.

 

 

 

Snowshoe Size

This is a medium-sized cat with a well-balanced appearance. The American Cat Fanciers' Association states they have "no extreme," meaning no feature of the Snowshoe is disproportionate. Instead, they have medium boning, medium muscle definition, and a moderately long body. They are neither bulky nor delicate.

 

Weight Range

A full-grown male Snowshoe cat typically weighs between 9 to 12 pounds, reflecting the breed's solid and muscular build. This weight range is considered ideal for males, as it balances their naturally athletic physique with the breed's characteristic grace. Female Snow shoe cats, on the other hand, are generally smaller, with an average weight of 7 to 10 pounds.

 

Head

The Snowshoe has a head that's in proportion to their torso. They have high cheekbones with gentle contours, giving their face the shape of an equilateral triangle. Their muzzle is proportionate and their chin is firm. Their nose is medium in width, with a flat or slight bump.

 

Eye Color

The Snowshoe cat is distinguished by its average-sized, slightly rounded eyes that add to its overall gentle and expressive appearance. These eyes are set at a subtle slant, aligning towards the base of the ears, which enhances their captivating look.

 

Ears

The Snowshoe cat's ears are perfectly proportioned to its head, contributing to its balanced and harmonious appearance. Medium in size at the base, the ears have a slightly rounded tip, which adds to the breed's soft and approachable look. These ears are neither too large nor too small, sitting just right on the head to complement the Snowshoe's overall facial structure.

 

Legs & Paws

The legs and paws of the Snowshoe cat are built for agility and strength, embodying the qualities of a runner or jumper as described by the American Cat Fanciers' Association. With medium boning and a good length, the legs are sturdy yet not overly heavy, providing the perfect blend of power and grace. This structure allows Snowshoe cats to move with a fluid and athletic ease, whether they are leaping to great heights or sprinting across the room.

 

Coat

The Snowshoe has short to medium-length fur that's smooth to the touch. When it comes to their color and pattern, there are strict guidelines for Snowshoes. They can be mitted or bicolor, with some white still required on the paws. Patches of color in white areas are acceptable, but there should be a definite contrast between the point colors and white.

 

 

Snowshoe Lifespan

Snowshoe cats can live up to 15 years or more when provided with proper care, a nutritious diet, and regular veterinary check-ups. This longevity is a testament to the breed's generally robust health, but it also underscores the importance of attentive pet care.

 

 

Health Problems

The Snowshoe is a generally healthy cat breed, known for its robust constitution and lack of widely recognized hereditary diseases. However, like all cat breeds, Snowshoe cats can still be susceptible to certain health issues that responsible pet owners should be vigilant about.

 

• Diabetes: Diabetes is caused by a lack of insulin or inadequate insulin response. Usually, a cat's digestive system breaks down the food they digest, including glucose. But when a cat does not produce insulin, blood sugar levels will elevate. If left untreated, a Snowshoe with diabetes can have complicated health problems.
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): FIV doesn't show any symptoms until a couple of years after the initial infection occurred. Your cat's immune system will be severely weakened, making them susceptible to various secondary infections. Cats with FIV must live alone indoors.
• Heartworm: This is another illness that can be avoided if you let your cat live indoors. Cats can get heartworm from infected mosquitos. This condition can lead to several underlying health problems in your cat, including lung disease.
• Upper Respiratory Infections: This is quite common in cats. Their nose, throat, and sinus area can be quite susceptible to infections caused by different viruses and bacteria. If you notice your cat has a runny nose or drippy eyes, bring them to a vet to check for upper respiratory infections.

 

 

Snowshoe Cat Breed Care

With a short coat, the Snowshoe requires pretty typical grooming. This means taking a brush to your Snowshoe about once a week. Brushing will remove excess fur, reducing cat hairballs and shedding. Brushing your cat will also make their coat shiny and healthy, helping to move oils around properly.

 

 

Every week you should also trim your cat's nails. If you are having trouble, this is something a vet can help with. Regular trimming will ensure your furniture is safe from a lonely Snowshoe hoping to get your attention. Check their ears for wax and dirt buildup as well. Use a vet-approved wipe to gently remove anything you see. Brush your cat's teeth every day if you can to avoid dental complications.

 

 

Nutrition

Snowshoes are medium-sized cats that require a typical amount of cat food. Check the panel on your chosen cat food to see how much food is appropriate for your cat's weight. Try spacing meals out throughout the day with a timed feeder. This gives them the right portion throughout the day without you having to lift a finger.

 

You might even notice your Snowshoe stops meowing at you for food. Always look for cat food with quality ingredients. The first ingredient should always be protein, like turkey, salmon, or chicken. Avoid brands where the first ingredient is something like "chicken meal." Avoid food brands with an excessive amount of carbohydrates, like corn and wheat.

 

These ingredients are "fillers" since cats don't need them in their diet. A healthy alternative is wet cat food. Canned food has no carbohydrates. Instead, it's made of over 70% water. This is a great way to give your cat the liquids they need to ensure they don't become dehydrated.

 

Related: Find the Best CBD Cat Treats Here!

 

 

Children & Other Pets

Snowshoes often get along with other pets. They are social cats that will thrive with other cats in the home. You may want to adopt another cat around the same age as your Snowshoe while they are both young. If your Snowshoe is older, introduce them to a kitten. This makes socialization a bit easier for your Snowshoe. Always introduce two cats very cautiously and slowly.

 

 

Final Thoughts - Snowshoe Cat

The Snowshoe cat is a beautiful breed with an equally likable personality. Social and loyal, Snowshoes love spending time with their family and other pets. This is a rare breed that will never want to leave your side! If you have a feline in your home, take a moment to check out our super healthy treats for cats.

 

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