The Snowshoe cat is a unique breed of cat with a distinct look. With their pointed colors and white tuxedo-like appearance, they are sure to turn heads wherever they go.
But this breed of cat has more than just looks—they have an intelligent personality that makes them the perfect pet companion! Snowshoe cats are also active and curious cats that thrive on human interaction.
Snowshoe cats are intelligent, loyal, and want to be the center of attention. With the correct care and attention, you can enjoy many years of companionship with your snowshoe. So, let us get started!
Breed Overview
The Snowshoe Cat is a rare and beautiful breed that has been around since the late Victorian era. This pointed cat, with its light-colored body and dark areas in seal or blue, is considered to be an elegant feline.
It has a mask around the eyes, with an inverted V-shaped white marking between the blue eyes and over the muzzle. Its four white paws are referred to as “mittens” on the front paws and “boots” on its rear legs, adding extra charm to this already striking creature.
Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty, a Siamese breeder, actually created the modern snowshoe cat in the mid-20th century in the United States. She began her work with three white-pawed Siamese kittens bred with a domestic shorthaired cat with tuxedo markings. She named them Snowshoes due to their unique white feet
Since then, other breeders have carried on Daugherty’s work, allowing far more people to enjoy it than ever before! Most cat associations recognize this cat as being of a distinct breed.
The American Cat Fanciers Association recognized this breed in 1990, and the International Cat Association later recognized it in 1994. However, some organizations still do not recognize this breed as an individual breed of cat.
Many breeders still try to make this breed perfect, as not all kittens come from pure Snowshoes when bred. This is why breeders sometimes breed them back to Siamese or Oriental Shorthairs for further development.
All things considered, there’s no denying how special this rare cat truly is. Especially when you take into account its long history spanning centuries!
With their unique appearance, featuring four white feet, plus their intelligence, these cats are definitely one of a kind. We can only hope that more people will eventually get a chance to own one of these majestic creatures someday!
Identifying Snowshoe Cat
Because of its unusual shape and pattern of coat coloration, the Snowshoe Cat stands apart from other breeds. At birth, these cats are completely white, and their point coloring begins to form in the first few weeks. As they mature, the tail, legs, head, and ears begin to darken.
Snowshoe cats come in a variety of color variations, from the classic seal point and blue point to the rare chocolate and lilac. The contrast between the darker points on their fur and their white feet is often quite striking!
Their eyes can be any shade from mild blue-gray to a shimmering blue, and their coats can be either seal point or blue point. Lighter coat colors like chocolate or lilac are far less frequent because of the specialist breeding that is needed to produce them.
The unusual body type of this cat is characterized by a combination of muscularity and leanness, with medium-large ears that follow the triangular shape of the head, oval tapering paws that taper down to the toes, and a moderately long body that gives them a rectangular shape overall.
The coat is another distinctive feature of these cats; they have a short, single-layer coat that is very easy to clean, and the combination of this quality with their stunning patterns gives them a distinct appearance.
Personality Traits
The Snowshoe Cat is an incredibly loyal companion that will form a strong bond with its chosen person. They are highly intelligent and often quite playful, offering many hours of delightful entertainment.
These cats know what you are going to do even before you do, and they like to stay close but not necessarily follow you the way a dog might.
Snowshoes have a complex personality mix of aloofness and normal cat behavior, which makes them unique among other breeds. They can be shy or bossy in equal measure, depending on the individual cat.
Some may even take on the role of caregiver, worrying about their adopted person as if it were their lifelong ambition!
It’s impossible to predict exactly how your snowshoe cat will behave toward its owner. This is because each cat is so different, but most will form a strong primary bond while remaining friendly with other people.
Owning one means being ‘owned’ by them in turn; it’s something that has to be experienced firsthand to truly appreciate what these cats can bring into your life!
Snowshoe cats also get along great with other animals, especially other cats and dogs that have been raised together. If your home has both cats and dogs, this breed would make the perfect addition!
Activity Level
As an extremely active breed, the Snowshoe loves to run and play. They are very smart cats that enjoy learning new tricks like walking on a leash or opening doors.
They are incredibly quick on their feet and adept at avoiding obstacles, making them ideal participants in feline agility courses. When left alone at home, they revel in playing and frequently get up to mischief.
Snowshoe Cat Loyalty
Snowshoe cats are some of the most loyal and bonded companions one could find. They are known to form strong attachments with their owners, which makes them ideal pets. As they become emotionally invested in their owners, Snowshoe cats do not do well when left alone for long stretches at home.
It is recommended to adopt two Snowshoes in the beginning so that these cats can have the care and company they require. If you are unable to do so, choose another type of pet.
This way, even when an owner isn’t around, the cats will still have each other to snuggle up against and explore together. Having two pets also provides extra entertainment opportunities, such as playing tag or chasing feathers on a string!
Love Of Water
Snowshoe cats are a breed that loves the water. They can often be found playing in shallow containers and splashing around, enjoying every minute of it.
While some felines may not be fond of being around water, snowshoes absolutely love it. The best way to keep your Snowshoe cat happy is to provide her with a shallow container of water in which she can play and splash as much as she likes. She’ll be entertained for hours!
Trainability
Because of their high level of intelligence, snowshoe cats are relatively easy to train. A positive reinforcement training approach is most effective with these cats because they are resistant to negative reinforcement.
The key is to reward good behavior and ignore bad behavior. Since snowshoes are known for their intelligence, owners should be patient when teaching them new commands.
Snowshoe cats also have a very social personality, which can be beneficial when it comes to training them. They enjoy interaction with their owners and appreciate being praised for good behavior.
Snowshoes may even become so adept at learning that they can eventually perform more complex tasks. Some cats can learn to open doors!
Adult Size
Depending on the individual, snowshoes can be anywhere from medium to large in size. Females usually weigh 7–10 pounds, while males can reach 8–14 pounds.
Despite being larger than some other cat breeds, they are remarkably light on their feet. This is due to their large legs, which enable an impressive stride length when running or jumping.
The average height of a snowshoe cat is 8–13 inches when measured from the ground up to the shoulder. Their total body length measures around 16 inches.
The growth rate of a snowshoe cat can vary throughout its life. During their kittenhood, they grow rapidly and will reach full adult size by the time they are 8 months old.
As adults, the Snowshoe Cat is known for having a slow and steady growth rate that emphasizes both physical and mental development. This allows them to stay active well into their golden years.
It is understandable why so many people adore these cats, given their distinctive combination of slow but steady growth.
Life Expectancy
The Snowshoe cat’s life expectancy ranges from 14 to 20 years. This means these cats can be around for a long time if cared for properly!
By providing them with proper nutrition and care, you can ensure your snowshoe reaches its maximum lifespan. A balanced diet with daily exercise will help keep them healthy and active.
Snowshoe Cat Care
Caring for a Snowshoe Cat is fairly easy and straightforward, so long as you keep up with regular grooming. Start by brushing their coat once a week; this will help to remove dead hair, distribute skin oils and make sure that your cat looks its best.
As is the case with all cats, it is essential to trim their nails on a regular basis. Not only does this not only prevent them from snagging on carpeting or furniture, but it also helps to maintain their overall health.
Brushing their teeth with vet-approved pet toothpaste will also go a long way. It will keep your cat healthy and will also prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar.
It is also important that you schedule regular veterinary checkups for your snowshoe cat. These visits are essential for monitoring overall health as well as catching any potential illnesses early on.
Diet
The Snowshoe cat is a beautiful and unique breed, so it’s important to make sure they receive proper nutrition. A high-quality diet should be the number one priority for these cats, as it will help them stay healthy and happy.
Protein should be the foundation of any good diet for a Snowshoe cat. Your cat must get enough proteins like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. This will help them maintain their strong muscles and bones.
Along with proteins, your snowshoe requires an ample supply of vitamins and minerals. To make sure your cat is well-cared for, several commercial pet foods have extra vitamins and minerals.
If you’re supplementing with canned food or homemade meals, then adding in some specific supplements might be necessary too. Talk to your vet about what would work best for your cat’s individual needs.
Don’t forget about the water! You should provide Snowshoes with fresh, clean water daily. To ensure that they drink enough each day, a few water bowls should be placed around the home.
Exercise Requirement
Snowshoe cats are known for their athletic and speedy nature, so you must keep them active and engaged. Cat exercise toys are a great way to keep your Snowshoe cat healthy and provide mental stimulation as well. Invest in some toys that your cat can chase around the house.
In order to help your furry buddy burn off energy and improve your bond, make sure to set aside time every day to engage in interactive play with them.
If possible, take your cat outdoors for fresh air on a harness. Make sure she’s supervised at all times since they’ll be able to move quickly when outside.
Shedding Levels
As kittens, Snowshoe cats have a short, soft coat that is easy to groom and sheds minimally. During this time, shedding levels are the lowest of all ages, as their fur is just beginning to grow.
Once they are fully grown adults, Snowshoe cats have medium-length coat that has a smooth and shiny appearance. Shedding levels at this age will be slightly higher than when they were kittens.
But compared to other cat breeds, they do not shed very much. To keep their coats healthy and shiny, brush them often with a slicker brush.
Health Issues
Snowshoe cats are generally considered healthy, but they can be susceptible to some common diseases. The most common diseases for this breed include:
- Feline Distemper
- Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1)
- Ringworm.
They may also be at risk of developing upper respiratory infections and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). It is important to keep up with regular vaccinations and parasite treatments to prevent any of these illnesses from occurring.
Malnutrition, low-quality cat food, or an absence of variety in the Snowshoe cat’s diet can cause many health problems, and bad living conditions can have a major impact on their overall health.
Stay on top of the care and maintenance requirements for this breed. This will ensure a healthier life for your cat. Unsanitary living conditions can lead to internal and external health issues like flea infestations, parasites, and infections caused by bacteria buildup. So, keep their litter box clean and take them to the vet regularly.
Buying Tips
- Research the breed: Before purchasing a Snowshoe Cat, it’s important to do some research about the breed. Learn about their temperaments, health concerns, grooming requirements, and other traits that may affect your decision to buy one.
- Visit a breeder: If you are interested in buying a Snowshoe Cat from a breeder, make sure to visit them and ask questions about their cats and kittens. Find out how long they have been breeding cats and get an idea of their experience with the breed. Make sure they have healthy cats that have been raised in clean conditions with plenty of socialization opportunities for the kittens.
- Consider adoption: If you are open to adopting an adult cat or kitten from a rescue organization or shelter, this can be an excellent option for finding your perfect pet! It’s important to find out as much as possible about each cat so that you can make sure it is compatible with your lifestyle before committing to adopting them into your home permanently.
- Vaccinations: Vaccinations are essential for keeping any pet healthy and safe from preventable illnesses like the feline leukemia virus (FLV). Ask the breeder or rescue organization what vaccinations the cat has had before bringing them home so you can ensure they stay up-to-date on regular shots and booster vaccines throughout its lifespan.
You Might Like: 250+ Amazing Snowshoe Cat Names & How To Select One!
Conclusion
The Snowshoe Cat is an unusual and lovely breed of cat with large blue eyes and a striking bi-color coat. It is a wonderful family pet with a lively personality and a high level of intelligence; you can teach it tricks like fetching and hide-and-seek.
These cats need plenty of room to explore and exercise, so if you’re looking for an active pet, then the Snowshoe Cat might be the perfect choice for you! With proper care, these cats will live long, healthy lives full of love and friendship.