All about Snowshoe cats & why they win hearts everywhere
Snowshoe cats are known for their charming personalities, striking appearance, and reputation as loving indoor companions. Their playful behaviour yet gentle nature mean they are well-suited to both family households as well as individuals in quieter homes. In this article, we discuss the Snowshoe cat breed’s origin, characteristics, grooming needs, training tips, activity levels, nutritional requirements, and how well they adapt to various household types.
Snowshoe cat breed history and origin
Originating in the United States during the 1960’s, the Snowshoe cat breed was actually developed from the Siamese cat. A breeder in Philadelphia, Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty, noticed that some of the kittens in her Siamese litter had white fur on their paws. Once they were selectively bred with American Shorthairs, these markings were enhanced.
Over time, breeders further refined the Snow shoe cat's unique appearance. By 1989, there were 30 breeders in the US, and in 1994, they were recognised as a breed by the International Cat Association. However, the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy in the UK fully recognised the breed much later. They’re still known to be rare since it’s difficult to reproduce their distinctive colour markings.
Key characteristics of the snowshoe cat
There are many key characteristics of the Snow shoe cat breed that are celebrated among cat enthusiasts. Their affectionate and calm nature, combined with their playful and social habits, means they’re a popular choice for different homes and families. They particularly appreciate loving and peaceful homes, as they can form strong bonds with their owners. Snowshoe cats make friendly and loyal companions, especially for older children and adults. They are also highly intelligent and curious creatures, enjoying lots of interactive play.
While their coat is striking with its colour-pointed markings that captivate everyone’s attention, Snowshoe cats do need regular grooming. We discuss their physical characteristics in the next section. In terms of general care for your Snowshoe cat, it’s important to notice any sudden or significant changes in your cat’s personality or behaviour. Anything that’s unusual should prompt a visit to the veterinarian.
Physical characteristics of the snowshoe cats
The Snowshoe cat breed has many hallmark features that make them stand out amongst other cat breeds. Compared to Siamese cats, Snowshoe cats have a more muscular frame and athletic build, although they’re still less stocky than American Shorthair cats. Since they’re still medium-sized, the Snow shoe cat is considered strong yet graceful and elegant. This cat’s lifespan ranges between 12-15 years on average, with some owners reporting 14-19 years.
Another distinctive physical characteristic of the Snowshoe cat is their striking white ‘boots’, since the fur on their paws stands out against their pointed coat pattern and looks like it’s been dipped in snow. The coat itself ranges from short to medium length fur and is incredibly soft and smooth. While it’s generally less maintenance compared to other long-haired breeds, Snowshoe cats still benefit from regular brushing to keep their coat healthy and glossy. We discuss their grooming needs further below.
With their large and expressive blue eyes and soft wedge-shaped head, this cat breed is hard to forget. Another feature is their unique facial markings that sometimes look like an inverted ‘V’ across their nose. They also have solid colour points around their ears, tails, and sometimes legs, and white patterns on their chest, stomach, and of course, face and paws. The rest of their body is more evenly coloured, with some lighter and darker shading in certain areas. All of their physical characteristics combined are what make the Snowshoe kitten extra special.
Grooming and hygiene needs of snowshoe cat
Snowshoe cats have a luxurious coat that is short to medium in length and silky smooth in texture. Although the coat is dense, it is relatively easy to maintain. They don’t typically need the extensive care that long-haired cat breeds do. Simply brushing it on a regular basis will be enough to keep it healthy and maintain its shiny appearance. It’s best to use a soft brush or fine-toothed comb to help reduce shedding by removing loose hair.
Besides cat grooming, there are other routine hygiene practices that your Snow shoe cat will benefit from. It’s important to regularly check and clean your cat’s ears to prevent wax build-up, as well as wiping their eyes if minor tear staining occurs. Of course, your cat will also need their nails trimmed often to avoid overgrowth and maintain comfort.
Remember, grooming and hygiene routines are not just about appearance, but also about maintaining their overall well-being. It’s also a great bonding opportunity for you and your cat, as it strengthens your relationship through trust and care.
Snowshoe’s Behaviour and training needs
Since they’re incredibly affectionate, friendly and playful, the Snowshoe cat’s personality means they’re very well-suited to indoor family life. They deeply appreciate companionship and form deep bonds with their owners. Whether they’re accompanying you on your daily tasks or simply relaxing by your side, your Snowshoe cat just wants to be around you. Their easy-going and sociable nature also means the Snow shoe cat can adapt to different environments, such as living with adults or families with older children.
Besides this, Snowshoe cats are also highly intelligent and naturally curious, hence why they can learn simple commands quite quickly. They respond well to positive reinforcement and therefore, can be trained with some consistency and patience. It’s also important that Snowshoe kittens experience early socialisation to help them feel confident around visitors, children, and other pets, and help reduce shyness.
However, since they are quite curious and playful, your Snowshoe kitten may get too excited and engage in some unwanted behaviours if not well-stimulated. You’ll need to provide stimulating opportunities for their energy with interactive toys and climbing furniture around the house. You may also want to gently guide their scratching habits with scratching posts in different areas.
Playing with a snowshoe cat
As mentioned, Snowshoe cats love interactive play, as long as it matches their affectionate and calm temperament. Some recommended activities for Snowshoe cats would include cat toys like light-beam toys and soft balls. Using games to help your cat play and learn, as well as exercise, is also a great way for them to spend quality time with their companion.
Since they are particularly curious, the Snowshoe cat loves to explore their environment and would enjoy having different climbing structures and scratching posts around. This is particularly beneficial for indoor cats to release their energy in a safe space. It’s also possible to supervise your Snowshoe cat as they explore a fully secured garden.
Besides physical activity, mental stimulation is just as important for Snow shoe cats. Given their intelligence, they need challenging activities to prevent boredom. They’re likely to enjoy puzzle toys as well as other treat-dispensing games, as a fun activity that’s not going to overstress them either. Short training sessions are also a great way to keep cats engaged, encouraging their overall well-being.
Snowshoe cat’s nutritional requirements
It’s important to provide your Snowshoe cat with a balanced diet as well as proper hydration to support their overall health. Cats are obligate carnivores and need specific nutrients from their food, in the correct amounts and ratios. Feeding complete and balanced food, tailored to the lifestage and lifestyle of your cat, provides all of the nutrients they need in just the right amounts. Learn more about how many times a day you should feed your cat.
This cat breed particularly benefits from high-quality proteins and fatty acids to maintain their sleek and shiny coat. WHISKAS® wet food provides essential nutrition with high moisture content, both of which can help your cat stay in peak condition. Of course, fresh water should still always be accessible to support your cat’s kidney and urinary health.
However, although they’re generally hardy, Snowshoe kittens can have sensitive stomachs. Depending on your individual cat and if they show any signs of digestive issues, you may need to trial a grain-free or easily-digestible diet with veterinary advice. Also, since Snow shoe cats tend to have moderate activity levels, you should continue to monitor your cat’s weight. Otherwise, they can be prone to gradual weight gain if their dietary and exercise habits aren’t balanced.
It’s important to keep this in mind as well while training your cat. The Snowshoe cat is very intelligent and responds well to training. When using positive reinforcement training with your cat, be sure to use WHISKAS® treats as an extra incentive, within their recommended calories.
Suitability for families
Known for their gentle nature, Snowshoe cats are both affectionate and playful, which makes them wonderfully suited to family life. Snowshoes tend to be ideal for families with older children since they’re more likely to appreciate their friendly but calm demeanour, giving them attention as well as space when necessary. They tend to form strong bonds with their human companions, enjoying their company whether they’re running errands or just relaxing.
The Snow shoe cat is also highly adaptable to indoor living since they enjoy quieter homes. While a secure outdoor area can be beneficial to their overall well-being, limiting access can keep their coat healthy as well as ensure their safety. Besides this, Snowshoe kittens can get along well with other pets if they’ve had early socialisation and are properly introduced in a gradual way.
Frequently asked questions about the snowshoe cat
What is special about Snowshoe cats?
Snowshoe cats are special due to their striking appearance of white boots, blue eyes and distinctive facial markings. They’re a unique and rare breed, having originated from Siamese cats and American Shorthairs. With their affectionate nature and gentle temperament, your Snowshoe kitten will make a loving companion for life.
Why are Snowshoe cats so rare?
Snowshoe cats are rare because it is quite difficult to reproduce their distinctive markings. Since they have specific qualities, such as their white boots, blue eyes and facial markings, not all Snowshoe kittens inherit the exact pattern. Breeders are also careful to maintain the Snow shoe cat’s calm temperament as well.
Is a Snowshoe cat a Siamese?
No, Snowshoe cats aren’t Siamese cats, but they have originated from this breed. The Snowshoe cat was formed when the Siamese was cross-bred with the American Shorthair. For this reason, Snowshoe and Siamese cats have a lot in common, including their striking blue eyes, pointed colour coat and affectionate personality.
If you’re looking for a cat companion for life, the Snowshoe kitten is a great choice. They are very loving cats that enjoy plenty of attention and regular stimulation. If you’re in an adult household or have a family with older children, as long as you have a peaceful space, your Snowshoe cat will feel right at home. Use our breed finder page to explore other cat breeds that may be suitable for you.
