Snowshoe Cats
Cat Facts

Snowshoe cats are domestic cats, created in the 1960's by an American Siamese cat breeder - Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty. Her Siamese cat gave birth to kittens with white paws and whilst most breeders consider this a defect in the Siamese, Ms Hinds-Daugherty instead set about stabilizing this trait and developing a new cat breed. The Snowshoe was further developed crossing Siamese cats with this recessive gene with bi-color American Shorthairs.

The cat has a moderately long, well built and powerful body complimented by medium boned and moderately muscled legs. The tail is in proportion to the body, being thick at the base and tapering to the tip.

The head is shaped like an equilateral triangle (or modified wedge) meaning that it is as wide as it is long. The contours of the head are rounded, the cheekbones are high, the chin firm, muzzle broad and the nose straight. The Snowshoe's eyes are fairly large, oval-shaped and set at a slant. Eye color can be any shade of blue, but an intense blue is preferred. The ears are medium to large, at the base with rounded tips.

Snowshoe cats have thick, short and shiny hair that lies flat against the body and there is only a very slight undercoat. The coat comes in mitted and bi-color patterns and most pointed colors are accepted. There are variations within cat registries, so if you plan to breed or show your kitten, we do recommend that you establish what the breeds standards are in your country.

Personality and Temperament

Snowshoe cats are active, playful and lively cats which makes them ideal companions for children and other pets. They are very sociable and they adore their owners.

Potential owners need to be aware that they are restless and bore easily and need to be entertained which explains why these cats do not like to be left alone. If possible, do consider getting two cats or you may have to create an adventure zone in your home that will keep them occupied. The Snowshoe is a sweet-tempered and intelligent cat.

They are far less demanding than their cousin the Siamese and whilst very talkative, their voices are softer and more melodic than the Siamese cat.

Snowshoe Cat Information

Indoor or Outdoor Cats

These kitties are equally happy indoors as they are outdoors. As a responsible cat owner, 'outdoors' means a safe, enclosed and escape-proof garden. Most responsible cat owners keep their cats indoors and provide their beloved cats with access to the outdoors via a cat run with direct access from their home.

Cat Care and Cat Grooming

The Snowshoe cat breed requires a weekly brush, but in Spring they do shed more and require additional brushing. Naturally your cat needs good dental hygiene and you will need to check their ears for ear mites. For great tips and advice on general cat care, visit our extensive cat grooming pages.

Cat Health Concerns

This is a robust and healthy cat, however, to keep your cat healthy, an annual visit to the vet for vaccinations, de-worming teeth cleaning and a general check-up is advised. All cats need to be vaccinated against infectious feline diseases and cat health insurance is always recommended.

Cat Diet and Nutrition

Your cat needs a healthy, well balanced diet. Snowshoes do not need a special diet, but they will benefit from premium cat food. Visit the chapter on cat nutrition and a guide to the different types of cat food that are available. You need to decide which diet will be best for your cat - raw, canned or kibbles - each has pro's and con's. Keep your cat well hydrated by providing it with fresh drinking water every day.

The Average Weight

The average weight of this cat is 2.5 kg - 5.5 kg (5.5 - 12 lbs)

Life Expectancy

A well cared for cat has a life span of 10 + years.

Related Cat Pages:

Snowshoe Domestic Cat - the origin and history of mitted cats

Pictures of Snowshoe Cats - a gallery of stunning cat pictures

Snowshoe Kittens - an international directory of cat breeders

Pictures of Snowshoe Cats Courtesy of:

Top: Mr Gorgon of ©Studio Go Photography and Oreanta Cats *CZ - www.oreanta.kocky-online.cz

Bottom: © Kelly Cruse of Destrier Cats - www.snowshoecatsuk.co.uk