Snowshoe

Size:

Grooming:

Exercise Level:

Trainability:

Good with Children:

Good with other pets:

Affectionate:

Weight: 4 - 5kg M | 3 - 5kg F

Life Expectancy: 9 - 15 Years

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Introduction

The Snowshoe emerged in the US after some kittens in a Siamese litter were born with white paws—a fault in the said breed. This physical trait is very hard to replicate, which makes them a unique feature in this cat breed.

The Snowshoe cat is a loving, loyal, and adorable pet suited for families who can shower it with lots of attention. Its coat is low maintenance and easy to groom. It is a healthy feline that tends to live long and gets along with everyone, even other pets.

History

The Snowshoe cat got its name not because of its ability to tread snow skilfully. Rather, it was due to its distinctive physical trait—white paws.

In the 1960s, a Siamese breeder from Philadelphia, USA named Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty found three kittens in a litter with a fault. All four of their paws were white. Despite not being favourable features in Siamese cats, Hinds-Daugherty found the quirk rather interesting. As such, she set about developing a new breed from this fault.

She crossed the white-pawed feline with a bi-colour American Shorthair. There have been accounts that she particularly used kitties with “tuxedo” markings. She later produced the kind of cat that has since been known as the Snowshoe.

Although the Siamese is one of its parent breeds, the Snowshoe cat does not resemble the colour-pointed feline. However, it did have the Siamese hallmark, which is the colour pointed marking.

Hinds-Daugherty later discontinued the breeding of the Snowshoe after it got no recognition even at local cat shows. Another breeder, Vikki Olander, took up the reins and continued developing the line. Her efforts eventually earned the breed an “experimental breed” recognition from the CFF and ACA. Later, more breeders got interested in the feline breed and helped develop it. In 1990, the Snowshoe gained champion status from the American Cat Fancier’s Association. In 1993, it got recognised by the ICA. It also has since been recognised by the Fédération Internationale Féline.

Meanwhile, in the UK, the development of the breed began in 1983. A Snowshoe Cat Club was later established. A concerted effort later emerged to bring the Snowshoe to full breed recognition by the GCCF. Today, these white-pawed wonders are gradually becoming popular in various parts of the world.

Appearance and Grooming

The Snowshoe cat’s weight ranges from 3-6 kg. Its body is long and looks heavy than it actually is.

Its head is medium-sized, wedge-shaped, and proportionate to its frame. It has moderately large ears and high cheekbones. The eyes slant towards the base of its ears and are walnut shaped. They are always a dazzling blue colour. Its face has an inverted V marking on its muzzle, which is one of the breed’s hallmarks.

The Snowshoe’s body is well-balanced, with a moderately long neck and tail. Its legs are slender and end in oval shaped paws, all four of which are white.

This feline’s coat is short-haired but dense. It is close-lying and glossy, and also comes in a wide variety of colours and combinations. It also has the colour-pointed markings that are from its Siamese parent breed. As a kitten, its distinctive colouring is not yet evident but emerges after a number of weeks.

Is the Snowshoe cat hypoallergenic? Whilst it is not completely so, it produces lesser amounts of the protein that triggers allergic reactions. Further, this kitty is low maintenance on the grooming front.

Temperament and Intelligence

The Snowshoe cat is very affectionate, mellow, and loyal. It gets along with everyone, even fellow pets. It is very social but may develop the most significant bond with one member of the family. Usually, it’s with the one that takes care of it the most.

It can be talkative but speaks in a soft voice. It is most suitable to families who can shower it with much attention as it likes to be around its people. As such, it is prone to separation anxiety and must not be left on its own for long periods.

The Snowshoe is a smart kitty. It can be taught tricks and may even learn to open doors on its own. It is also known to enjoy playing with water and perching on high vantage points.

Nutrition and Feeding

The Snowshoe cat should be provided a nutritious diet that fulfils its daily requirements. It should be consistently given the same food following the same feeding times. If there are changes to its diet, those must be done gradually to prevent stomach problems.

The serving portions should depend on this breed’s weight, age, and activity level. Its meals must include at least 25% protein and just 5% carbohydrates.

Health and Exercise

Unlike her ancestor, the Siamese, the Snowshoe cat has a shorter lifespan of 9–15 years.

She may be a generally healthy and sturdy breed, but she is still susceptible to other common cat illnesses like gingivitis and polycystic kidney disease.

Some Snowshoes may have a kink in their tails and others may have crossed eyes like some Siamese cats. Worry not as these are just aesthetic defects and not related to the Snowshoe breed's overall health.

The Snowshoe cat breed is known to be active and playful. The Snowshoe loves the company of her people and likes to participate in their activities. This vibrant feline enjoys playing interactive games with her humans and can even learn a few tricks. She can also be taught to walk on a lead.

The Snowshoe cat is not only athletic but she is intelligent as well. It is not surprising to see her opening doors and drawers. She also has a knack for climbing and sitting in high places.

With Snowshoe’s energetic nature, she does not have special exercise requirements. She can be left alone for a few hours. Help to keep her busy with providing your Snowshoe cat with high-activity toys.

Cost of Ownership

A healthy and purebred Snowshoe Cat has a price range of £200–£500. Feeding your pet nutrient-rich high-quality cat food is recommended to keep her in good shape. Her monthly food costs can run up to £20–£55.

Your new home can be daunting for your Snowshoe Cat. So make her feel more welcomed by adding her basic necessities such as a cat bed, litter tray, carrier, and cat toys. They will offset you approximately £50–£400 depending on the brands you choose.

Snowshoe kittens do not have a fully developed immune system yet, which is why they need to get vaccinated. Set aside £40–100 for your cat's vaccine shots.

You should also consider giving her parasite preventatives to protect her from further diseases. Expect to pay around £50–£60 for tick and flea treatments and £60–£120 for heartworm treatments.

Keep up with vet examinations to make sure that your Showshoe Cat has not developed any diseases. Prepare to spend around £30–£60 for each vet check-up.

Investing in pet insurance is a good way to reduce vet expenses. A time-limited coverage has a monthly fee of £6–£15 whilst a lifetime package comes with a monthly cost of over £10.

Snowshoe Breed Highlights

It has a very affectionate nature that is suitable for families that can give it a lot of the attention it craves.
Its short-haired coat is easy to groom.
The Snowshoe cat is one pet that does not like to be left alone for long.
It is a generally healthy breed.