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Snowshoe

Snowshoe

The Snowshoe cat is a medium sized breed and combines the solid heftiness of the American Shorthair with the lithe elegance of the Siamese. The head is a rounded triangle, the eyes are large and slanting and their large, pointed ears are set wide apart. Their body is long and athletic and their coat is short and glossy with the mask, ears, legs and tail much darker in colour than the body. Snowshoe cats come in blue, seal, lilac and chocolate varieties and the white areas cover less than one third of the cat. The eyes of all Snowshoe cats are a deep blue.

The need-to-know
  • Playful and curious cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Outdoor cat
  • Great family cat

Personality

The Snowshoe cat is an intelligent animal and loves to be around people. It is vocal but not as loud as the Siamese, talking instead in a soft melodic voice. They do need company so if you are out all day getting two litter mates may be the answer. They are playful and can be taught to fetch and do need toys and games for amusement. Snowshoe cats also enjoy water, particularly running water, and may on occasion swim. They are very active and have a fondness for perching and high places.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: USA

The Snowshoe cat came from the characteristic white paws of this breed. The Snowshoe cat is an American breed resulting from crossing Siamese with American Shorthairs during the 1960s. The Snowshoe cat has Siamese style points combined with white paws and white spotting. Snowshoe kittens are born all white and only begin to show their colours and markings after several weeks. No two kittens have the same markings. This breed is increasing in throughout America but is still rare elsewhere.

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