Snowshoe Cat

Are you looking for a friendly, playful cat companion who enjoys chatting? If that's the case, the Snowshoe cat is the breed for you! Snowshoes are highly talkative, albeit their meows are softer and more melodic than their Siamese cousins.

They are a highly affectionate cat that thrives in homes with children and feline-friendly pets — the more, the merrier! They don't like to be left alone for long periods because they are highly social cats. And because they are fairly intelligent, they will devise novel methods to get into trouble if they get bored or lonely.

Weight

• Male: 9-12 lbs
• Female: 7-10 lbs

Height

• Male: 8-13 inches
• Female: 8-13 inches

Lifespan

• 14-20 years 

Appearance 

The Snowshoe cat looks almost exactly like a cross between a Siamese and an American shorthair. The Snowshoe is a medium sized cat, fairly built cat that retains most of the body length of the Siamese while adding a little more of the weight of the American shorthair.

Their heads can be triangular or apple-shaped, and many of these lovely ladies have markings on their faces, including an upside-down "V" that is one of the breed's hallmarks. Eyes are walnut-shaped and always some shade of blue. Ears are wide-set and pointy.

Snowshoe's fur is color-pointed, single-coated, and short. The most prevalent colors are fawn, chocolate, and blue, but black, orange, and lilac are all conceivable. Their paws are white, giving them the appearance from which they get their name. However, too much or too little white can relegate a purebred snowshoe to pet status rather than show or breeding stock.

Temperament 

Snowshoe cats have a delightful demeanor that makes them excellent companions, buddies, and housemates. These cats like spending time with their family and frequently designate one household member as "their person."

They get along well with other cats and dogs and are a great choice for a family with children. It's crucial to teach kids how to engage properly with them and just as with any other animal, and it's best to supervise animal interactions with smaller children.

Snowshoes dislike being left alone for long periods because they like being with their family. So providing them with another furry friend, like another cat or dog, will keep your cat busy during the day.

It's very uncommon for these cats to be cautious or shy around strangers, but they'll usually warm up to the newcomers in no time. When it comes to individuals the Snowshoe knows, they will frequently want to curl up on your lap, play nearly any game (including fetch), or accompany you around the home while they chatter your ear off. Snowshoes talk a lot, and their vocal inclinations come from their Siamese ancestors, but their voice is softer and gentler on your ears.

Living Conditions

Snowshoes are lively, athletic cats who enjoy games and activities that keep them moving. A multi-level cat tree or perhaps a running wheel would be a welcome present. Snowshoes, like their Siamese cousins, are intelligent and curious creatures. They like having the opportunity to play and may frequently observe their realm from a high vantage point. To avoid your cat being bored and perhaps destructive, provide a stimulating environment with plenty of toys and other stimulation.

Snowshoes get along well with kids, cats, and dogs, so finding them a home in a large family or with other pets should be simple. Because the Snowshoe has a low tolerance for being alone, it is encouraged to have other furry buddies.

Snowshoes can form powerful bonds, and you should expect them to remain by your side 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They are not suited to be left alone for long amounts of time regularly since they may grow agitated and under-stimulated

Care

Snowshoes are low-maintenance cats. Brush a Snowshoe's short coat once or twice a week to remove dead hair, disperse skin oils, and brush their teeth once or twice a week to avoid periodontal disease. Otherwise, they are just like any other cat.

Snowshoe cats have a flat, short coat that is easy to maintain. The snowshoe cat takes just as much upkeep as any other cat breed. Brushing them at least twice a week to distribute the oils in the skin and keep the fur from breaking is good. They need weekly brushing to maintain their coats in good shape and sparkle. Like other cat breeds, they tend to shed their fur the most in the spring and autumn, when daily brushing is usually required to stay on top of it. On the other hand, Snowshoes are not known for being heavy shedders and work well in a family home.

It's also important to regularly inspect a Snowshoe cat's ears and freshen them up if necessary. When a lot of wax builds up, it can turn into a painful infection that's difficult to get rid of. Finding a cure is often more difficult than preventing it. Ear mites are a common problem for these cats, so check their ears while combing them.

Filling your Snowshoe cat's days with mental and physical stimulation is important for giving adequate care. A bored cat is more likely to be disruptive, while a lethargic cat is more likely to gain weight.

Obesity is a problem that can strike any feline. Once your cat becomes overweight, it can develop many other health issues, including a shorter lifespan. A nutritious and age-appropriate diet and exercise are excellent methods to control your cat's weight and overall health.

Health

Snowshoe cats are normally healthy, but they can develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, and periodontal disease, which are all common in Siamese cats. These aren't typical problems, but they're worth keeping an eye on.

They are occasionally prone to cross-eyes and kinked tails, genetic features associated with the Siamese breed. If your cat is born with these characteristics, they will not cause any discomfort or issues; they will though have an unusual appearance.

Dental disease is one of the most frequent health issues in cats of all breeds, and it is completely avoidable. Make sure your cat is eating a high-quality diet, and if they are tolerant enough, try incorporating teeth brushing into their weekly grooming routine. Getting kids used to having their mouths inspected at a young age and associating it with positive experiences will assist.

History

The Snowshoe may be traced back to the early 1960s, when Dorothy Hinds Daugherty of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, discovered three kittens with four white feet in a litter of Siamese. Dorothy fell in love with the unusual combination of pointed colors and white feet and decided to start a breed. Dorothy developed the breed by breeding the kittens to an American Shorthair cat with tuxedo markings, which resulted in the popular white 'V' facial markings. At the time, the American Shorthair was still awaiting breed registration. The breeding of a domestic cat resulted in a cat unlike either of the two ancestors, with a mix of both personalities.

Because of the white patterning variations, much of the Snowshoe's history was lost due to poor record-keeping through time and the original design restrictions, which discouraged both new and veteran breeders. Between 1960 and 1977, interest in the breed waned to the point where there was only one documented breeder in 1977, but by 1989, there were about thirty. The Snowshoe was recognized as a championship breed by the International Cat Association (TICA) in 1994.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a cat to build a primary bond with, a Snowshoe is a right cat for you. They anticipate your actions long before you are aware of them. They enjoy being close to you, but they want to lead rather than follow. The demanding personality is not for everyone, and having a Snowshoe is an experience you will appreciate. You'll probably never want to be without one after owning one.