Snowshoe Quick Facts
- Weight: 5.5 – 12 pounds
The Snowshoe’s Appearance
White markings on the paws, a white inverted V on the face that starts at the forehead and extends down over the nose, and the Snowshoe’s pointed coat are characteristics that set it apart from other species. The short coat is available in two patterns, mitted and bicolor, as well as the characteristic Siamese hues of seal, chocolate, lilac, blue, red, cream, cinnamon, and fawn. Kittens are born white, and as they become older, their point color changes.
A modified wedge-shaped head with medium-sized ears and slightly rounded ears on top is capped with bright blue eyes that stare out at the viewer. This medium-sized cat has a body type that falls somewhere between sleek and delicate and is firm and muscular.
Traits
- “Point colors” on the coat
- Moderate wedge-shaped head with blue eyes
- Talkative and easygoing
- Likes people
Ideal Human Companion
- Families with children
- Multi-pet households
- People who want a lap cat
- First-time cat owners
What It’s Like to Live With Them
The American Shorthair and Siamese are both more gregarious than the Snowshoe. It might or might not be chatty. When it does vocalize, it typically speaks more softly and melodically than Siamese.
Although some Snowshoes can be a little reserved among strangers, they generally have a vivacious and affectionate disposition and enjoy being around humans. Generally speaking, if a cat is raised and socialized properly, they get along well with other cats. The Snowshoe is a smart, trainable dog.
Things to Be Aware Of
Although some Snowshoes may have kinked tails or crossed eyes as a result of their Siamese ancestry, in general, they are in good condition.
The cat likes the attention, and its smooth, short coat makes grooming simple.
The Snowshoe generally weighs 10 to 12 pounds.
Snowshoe History
Early in the 1960s, Philadelphia breeder Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty created the Snowshoe. A solid, pointed cat with white markings on its face, chest, and feet was the offspring of her mix between an American Shorthair and a Siamese. Vikki Olander, a different breeder, established a standard for the new cat and pushed for its approval, which was granted in 1974. The Snowshoe was given breed status for the first time by the American Cat Association (ACA).
The American Association of Cat Enthusiasts (AACE), the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA), the Cat Fanciers Federation (CFF), and The International Cat Association now acknowledge the Snowshoe as a breed, despite its continued status as a rare one (TICA). Without incurring any consequences, snowshoes can be outcrossed to American Shorthairs, Oriental Shorthairs, and Siamese.