Snowshoe Cat Breed Information

Group

Short Haired

Weight

3-6.3 kg

Length

20-33 cm

Lifespan

14-20 years

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About the Snowshoe Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Are you wanting a loving furry friend to join your family? Well, have you considered the adorable Snowshoe cat?

Not only does this cat have stunning physical features, such as its piercing dark blue eyes, but its loving and playful personality also makes it the perfect addition to any family.

If this is something that you’re looking for in your furry feline friend, then the Snowshoe cat might just be a perfect choice.

What Is the History & Origin of the Snowshoe Cat?

This is a mixed breed cat that originated in America in the 1960s when a Siamese cat breeder crossed a Siamese cat with an American Short-Haired, resulting in the creation of the amazing Snowshoe.

You may be wondering how they get their name. Well, in fact, it is simply due to their distinctive white paws, making it look like they are wearing snow boots. Their exceptional features make them a rare breed due to the issues involved with obeying strict breeding standards of cats with patterns or markings.

The Cat Fanciers federation acknowledged the Snowshoe in 1982. Along with this, in 1990 The American Cat Fanciers federation acknowledged this breed, with The International Cat Association closely following in 1994.

What Is a Snowshoe Cat Breed?

The Snowshoe is a distinctive domestic cat known for its striking white paws and blue eyes. Developed in the United States, this breed is affectionate, sociable, and enjoys being around people, making them a delightful companion for families and individuals alike.

Who Is a Snowshoe Cat Best For?

These cats are perfect for almost every living situation. They get along brilliantly with children, other cats, and even dogs. This is due to their love of company, so it is ideal if there are multiple people or animals in the household that this cat can live with as they don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time.

This cat is a medium-sized breed that has a long athletic body, stunning eyes, and striking colouring.

Coat

This gorgeous breed has a short coat and is single-coated, making it easy to groom and maintain.

Colour

Snowshoe kittens are born white or beige and usually after 1-3 weeks they slowly begin to darken in colour and their markings appear.

The Snowshoe cat can come in a variety of colours, from chocolate to beige, tan, silver, and even lilac. Two parts of their colouring that do stay consistent between all of them are their crystal clear blue walnut-shaped eyes and their unique white feet.

Patterns

There are a few different types of patterns that Snowshoes can have meaning that each individual cat is unique in its own way.

Firstly, there is the traditional pattern, which is the most popular. This pattern consists of white paws, a white underbelly, chin, and chest. It also has an inverted ‘V’ shape on the face, but this can be extremely hard to accomplish so having a slightly whiter face is also acceptable. They also have a brown tail and ears with darker-coloured legs.

Although this is the ideal look of the Snowshoe some of them won’t have any white on them at all and instead look very similar to their Siamese ancestors.

Snowshoe Cat Grooming & Shedding

This stunning breed requires minimum maintenance which is ideal for families with busy lifestyles. Brushing through their fur twice a week should be enough to keep your cat looking on top form.

Another plus of this breed is their minimal shedding, meaning you can keep your house looking clean as well as have a gorgeous cat. They just tick all the boxes, don’t they?

How Do Snowshoe Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

Snowshoes’ have amazing personality traits. They are extremely intelligent and so will love to have toys to play with. However, they are also very loving and affectionate creatures that love to be in the company of their owner.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of Snowshoe Cats?

This breed will be quite content just sleeping and lazing in your company, but they will also need activities and games that will keep both their mind and body stimulated. This will help stop your pet from becoming a grumpy cat!

Habits

Snowshoes tend to find themselves attached to one family member in particular, where they will happily be beside them for hours on end, making them the perfect furry friend. They also like to take the lead and let their owner follow.

Activity

Having multiple toys on hand will be a great distraction for your Snowshoe, and as long as you stay near them, they will love it. They tend to be an active cat breed so it’s a good idea to keep them entertained!

Noise

The Snowshoe conveniently doesn’t make too much noise in comparison to other cat breeds. This makes them a perfect pet for those who live in smaller housing situations or for those with close neighbours.

When they do make a noise though, they tend to take after the Siamese side, which means you’ll definitely be able to hear them!

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of a Snowshoe Cat?

This is an athletic cat breed and is average in size, allowing them to fit perfectly into any household.

Weight

They weigh anywhere between 3-6.3kg, so are a healthy weight but don’t look bulky.

Height

Measuring between 20-33cm in height, the Snowshoe won’t overtake your house but in fact, will be a perfect size to fit into your household.

Size

They present themselves as an average-sized cat. Although Siamese cats do tend to be small in size, they mainly get their size from the American Short-Haired cat which is similar in size to the Snowshoe cat.

Are Snowshoe Cats Easy to Train?

If training your cat sounds like something you might be interested in, then this is very much possible for the highly intelligent Snowshoe breed. You can even train this cat to walk on a leash using a harness and they can play games such as fetch with you.

Does the Snowshoe Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

There are a few potential health issues to be aware of that can arise in most cat breeds. One health issue that this breed is prone to consists of neuromuscular conditions.
Managing your cat’s weight is very important so that they can stay happy and healthy. Obesity is a very significant health issue that affects a surprising amount of cats and so making sure your cat isn’t gaining excess weight is very important.

A second health issue that poses a threat to Snowshoe cats just like any other breed is vaccine-preventable infections such as rabies and rhinotracheitis. Making sure your cat is up to date on their core vaccinations is extremely important.

If you are ever unsure if your cat is up-to-date on vaccinations, just get in contact with your vet and they can provide you with all the necessary information you require.

In order to avoid any preventable health issues in your cat, ensure they are getting a healthy diet and their required amount of exercise. On top of this make sure you are brushing their teeth and fur regularly to keep them in the best shape possible.

What Is the Lifespan of a Snowshoe Cat?

The lifespan of this breed is between 14-20 years. This is slightly above average for most cats’ lifespan which is usually between 12-18 years.

How Much Does a Snowshoe Cat Need to Be Fed?

These cats require a diet that is high in protein that also contains lots of minerals and vitamins. Snowshoes can eat both wet and dry food, so it is just a personal preference as to which you choose for your pet.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that you are selecting products that have high-quality ingredients in order to keep your cat looking and feeling healthy.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a Snowshoe Cat in Australia?

Prices in Australia for a Snowshoe kitten cost between $800 and $1000. Prices are higher from reputable breeders and it is recommended to get a kitten from a trusted source to minimise the risk of health complications in your cat.

Snowshoe Cat FAQs

Do snowshoe cats need a lot of attention?

Yes, Snowshoes love to be with you as much as possible and enjoy to lay on your lap, but also love to play.

How do I know if my cat is a Snowshoe?

They have a unique white upside-down ‘V’ shape on their nose as well as deep blue eyes which make them easy to identify. Their body is often a light brown colour whilst their tail is a darker brown.

One of the most distinguishable features is their white feet giving them their ‘snowshoe’ name. These are the features to look out for to determine if you have a Snowshoe cat or not.

Can Snowshoe cats go outside?

Yes, Snowshoes love to be outside, exploring and playing. They also love to be inside in the warmth curled up with you.

Are Snowshoe cats good for allergies?

This breed of cat is not hypoallergenic, but luckily they only shed minimal amounts of hair. Most cats aren’t hypoallergenic and so this breed is one of the better options for those who suffer from allergies.

Are Snowshoe cats good with other cats?

This wonderful breed of cat is very sociable and so loves to be with other cats, pets, and children. They enjoy time away from their human companions but also appreciate the love and time that their pet owners spend with them. This makes them one of the best well-rounded cats to have.