Snowshoe Cat

Breed Overview

Introduction

The Snowshoe cat’s allure lies in its captivating blend of traits inherited from its Siamese and American Shorthair lineage.

This unique genetic heritage has produced a cat that is not only visually striking but also possesses a rich and engaging personality.

Snowshoes are often described as intelligent, playful, and deeply affectionate, making them highly desirable companions for active families and multi-pet households.

Their ability to adapt to various living situations, coupled with their distinctive appearance, sets them apart in the feline world.

Breed History

The Snowshoe cat breed traces its origins to a serendipitous discovery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the early 1960s. 

Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty, a Siamese cat breeder, found three kittens in one of her Siamese litters that possessed an unusual trait: four white feet. 

Captivated by this distinctive marking, which deviated from the typical Siamese pattern, Hinds-Daugherty embarked on a mission to establish a new breed. 

Her vision was to combine the elegant, pointed coloration of the Siamese with the robust build and white “tuxedo” markings found in other breeds, specifically utilizing the American Shorthair for its solidity.  

The development of the Snowshoe breed was not without its challenges. The desired white markings, particularly the “snowy-white shoes,” are a result of recessive genes, making them difficult to consistently reproduce in breeding programs. 

This genetic hurdle contributed significantly to the breed’s rarity, and by the 1970s, the Snowshoe was on the brink of extinction. However, the breed’s survival was ensured through the dedicated efforts of Vicki Olander, another breeder, who tirelessly worked to refine the breed standard and promote its recognition. 

Her perseverance led to the breed’s acceptance by the Cat Fanciers Federation (CFF) in 1983, followed by recognition from the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1994.  

Interestingly, there is historical evidence suggesting that cats with similar white-footed, pointed markings may have existed long before the 1960s. 

Depictions in old Victorian photographs and Japanese silk-screens hint at their presence much earlier. Before officially adopting the name “Snowshoe,” these distinctive felines were sometimes referred to as “Silver Laces“.

Physical Characteristics

The Snowshoe cat is a striking example of feline athleticism and grace, embodying a balanced physique that is neither overly delicate nor excessively bulky.

Their overall build combines the substantial nature and solidity of the American Shorthair with the elegant, lithe lines of the Siamese. When lifted, a Snowshoe often feels surprisingly hefty for its size, a testament to its well-knit musculature.  

The head of a Snowshoe is typically a broad, modified wedge shape, characterized by high-set cheekbones and gentle contours. It is nearly as wide as it is long, often resembling an equilateral triangle.

Their ears are medium-large, broad at the base, and continue the triangular line of the head, culminating in slightly rounded tips. One of the most captivating features of the Snowshoe is their eyes, which are always a stunning shade of blue, ranging from a pale sky blue to a deep azure.

Their eyes are oval to medium oval or rounded oval in shape, with greater length than width, and are set with a slight slant towards the base of the ears. A distinctive inverted ‘V’ of white fur between their eyes is a hallmark marking of the breed.  

The body of a Snowshoe is moderately long, giving it a rectangular appearance, reminiscent of a runner or jumper rather than a weightlifter. Their paws are neat and oval, tapering gently to the toes, and their tail is of moderate length.  

The coat of a Snowshoe is short to medium-short, smooth to the touch, and lies moderately close to the body. A fascinating aspect of their coat is its color development. Snowshoe kittens are born entirely white due to the temperature-sensitive colorpoint gene.

The distinctive point coloration—darker shades on the ears, tail, face, and legs—begins to develop within a few weeks as these are the coolest parts of their body.

The body remains a lighter cream color, though it also darkens with age. This process can take up to two years for the full adult coloration to manifest, particularly in dilute colors.

The white pattern on a Snowshoe is crucial for breed standards. White is required on all four paws, forming their characteristic “mittens” and “boots”.

This white can extend to include all white legs, a white tummy, and a white face (up to one-third white), creating “mitted” or “bicolor” patterns. Patches of point color within white areas are acceptable, and there should be a clear contrast between the point colors and the white markings.

Breed standards penalize cats with no white on all four paws, plush or woolly undercoats, long hair, or eye colors other than blue.  

Behavior and Personality

The Snowshoe cat is renowned for its captivating personality, a unique blend of traits inherited from its Siamese and American Shorthair ancestors. These felines are highly affectionate and sociable, thriving on interaction and companionship with their human families.  

They often form deep, singular bonds with one primary family member, seeking constant closeness and desiring to be near that person most of the time.  

This strong attachment means they actively seek out cuddles and enjoy being involved in household activities, making them truly integrated family members.  

Beyond their affectionate nature, Snowshoes are exceptionally intelligent and curious. Their sharp minds make them easy to train, and they readily learn new tricks, such as walking on a leash, playing fetch, and even figuring out how to open doors.

Without adequate engagement, a Snowshoe can become bored, which may lead to mischievous or even destructive behaviors.  

Snowshoes are also known for their vocal tendencies, a trait inherited from their Siamese lineage. They love to “talk” and express their needs and opinions to anyone who will listen.  

However, unlike the often loud and persistent vocalizations of some Siamese cats, the Snowshoe’s voice is typically softer, more melodic, and charmingly endearing. This makes them an ideal choice for individuals who enjoy a communicative cat but prefer a quieter home environment.  

The Snowshoe’s personality can exhibit a fascinating range, from being somewhat shy and demure around strangers to displaying a more “bossy” or “domineering” side within their familiar family unit. While they may initially be reserved with new people, they generally warm up quickly.

A particularly unique and endearing trait of many Snowshoes is their unusual fondness for water.

Unlike most felines, a Snowshoe might happily splash around in a shallow basin of water or even join their human companions in the bathtub for a swim, provided it’s on their own terms.

Care Guide

Diet

Snowshoe cats, like all felines, are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet must consist primarily of meat to provide essential nutrients for their health. A high-quality, meat-based diet, rich in animal protein, is paramount.

Snowshoes prefer to eat small meals throughout the day, so keeping fresh food accessible is beneficial, but treats should be given sparingly to avoid overfeeding.  

Exercise

Snowshoes possess a moderate to high activity level, characterized by a playful and energetic disposition. To keep them physically fit and mentally stimulated, daily play sessions are essential.

Engaging them with high-activity toys that mimic prey can satisfy their natural hunting instincts and provide ample physical exercise.

Environment & Enrichment

Given their intelligence and energetic nature, a stimulating living environment is vital for a Snowshoe’s well-being.

Owners should provide plenty of climbing spaces, such as cat trees, shelves, and high sleeping platforms, as Snowshoes enjoy observing their surroundings from elevated positions.

While Snowshoes thrive indoors with proper enrichment, some secure outdoor space, such as a fully enclosed garden or a purpose-built cat run (catio), can be highly beneficial for their physical and mental health, offering fresh air and sunshine.

However, this should never replace dedicated human companionship.  

Grooming

The Snowshoe’s short to medium-short, single-layered coat is relatively low maintenance. They are proficient self-groomers, but a weekly brush with a comb or soft brush is recommended.

This routine not only helps remove dead hair and dander, reducing shedding, but also serves as an excellent opportunity for bonding and for owners to check for any parasites or skin conditions.

Mental Stimulation

The Snowshoe’s high intelligence and curious nature necessitate consistent mental stimulation to prevent boredom and potential behavioral issues.

A lack of mental engagement can manifest as destructive behaviors, excessive vocalization, or even lethargy.

Therefore, owners must be prepared to dedicate time to interactive activities that stimulate their innate desire to hunt and explore.  

Health Concerns

Is This Breed Right for You?

FAQ

Are Snowshoe cats hypoallergenic?

No, despite their short coat and relatively low shedding tendencies, Snowshoe cats are not considered hypoallergenic. They still produce dander and saliva, which are common allergens. Individuals with allergies are advised to spend time with the breed before committing to adoption to assess their reaction.  

Do Snowshoe cats like water?

Yes, uniquely among feline breeds, many Snowshoes exhibit an unusual fondness for water. They may enjoy playing in shallow water, splashing in a sink, or even joining their human companions in the bathtub, provided the interaction is on their terms.  

Are Snowshoe cats easy to train?

Absolutely. Snowshoe cats are highly intelligent and possess a strong eagerness to learn, making them remarkably easy to train. They can be taught a variety of tricks, including walking on a leash, playing fetch, and even solving puzzles like opening doors.  

How vocal are Snowshoe cats?

Snowshoes are known to be vocal cats, inheriting this trait from their Siamese ancestors, and they enjoy “talking” to their humans. However, their voices are typically softer and more melodic compared to the often loud and demanding vocalizations of some Siamese cats, making them a good choice for those who appreciate a communicative cat but prefer a quieter home environment.  

Do Snowshoe kittens change color?

Yes, Snowshoe kittens are born entirely white. Their distinctive point coloration, which includes darker shades on their ears, face, legs, and tail, develops over several weeks and can take up to two years to fully mature. This color development is influenced by temperature, with colder environments often resulting in darker points.  

Bonus Facts

The Grumpy Cat Connection

While the internet-famous Grumpy Cat often shared a similar facial marking pattern with Snowshoes, she was actually a mixed breed. However, given the recessive nature of the Snowshoe’s signature traits, it is plausible she may have had some Snowshoe ancestry.  

Dusty the Klepto Kitty

One of the most famous Snowshoe cats is Dusty, affectionately known as “Dusty the Klepto Kitty.” This California-based feline gained notoriety for his nightly escapades, during which he stole over 600 miscellaneous items from his neighbors’ gardens.  

Historical Appearances

Evidence suggests that cats with markings similar to the Snowshoe may have existed long before the breed’s official establishment in the 1960s. Such cats have been depicted in historical records, including a Victorian photograph and an old Japanese silk-screen.  

Original Name

Before being officially named “Snowshoe,” the breed was initially referred to as “Silver Laces,” a nod to their elegant white markings.  

“Dog-like” Traits

Snowshoes are frequently described as having “dog-like” qualities due to their profound loyalty, deep affection, eagerness to learn tricks (like fetch and leash walking), and tendency to follow their chosen human companion from room to room.  

References

“Cat Lovers Only – Snowshoe”. Retrieved August 28, 2011.

“Animal Planet – Snowshoe”. Animal Planet. Archived from the original on May 7, 2006. Retrieved April 3, 2009.

 “Iams – Snowshoe”. Iams. Archived from the original on September 2, 2008. Retrieved April 3, 2009.

“Breed standards (Fédération Internationale Féline)”. Fédération Internationale Féline. Archived from the original on February 19, 2010. Retrieved August 2, 2010.

“SNOWSHOE” (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on July 26, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.

“the Snowshoe”. American Cat Fanciers Association. Archived from the original on January 2, 2010. Retrieved May 3, 2009.

“Snowshoe” (PDF). The International Cat Association. Retrieved December 11, 2023.

“FIFe – Snowshoe” (PDF). Fédération Internationale Féline. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 29, 2015. Retrieved March 25, 2011.

“the ACFA Snowshoe Standard”. American Cat Fanciers Association. Archived from the original on December 30, 2008. Retrieved May 3, 2009.

Harper, Lee; White, Joyce (2008). The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Cats. New York: Flame Tree Publishing. p. 242. ISBN 978-1-4351-0540-9.

Albasan, H.; Osborne, C. A.; Lulich, J. P.; Lekcharoensuk, C. (2012). “Risk factors for urate uroliths in cats”. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 240 (7): 842–847. doi:10.2460/javma.240.7.842. PMID 22443437