Snowshoe cat
Appearance
Origin
Temperament
English
Appearance
Origin
Temperament
Appearance
Origin
Temperament
English
Appearance
Origin
Temperament

Snowshoe cat

Other names: Snowshoe Siamese, Silver Laces
The Snowshoe is a relatively new breed of cat that originated in the United States of America. The breed has been in existence for 45 years, but it is still considered rare due to the challenges associated with reproducing the correct coat markings. It is primarily found in the United States.
Male
Female
hight
20-33
7.9-13
cminch
cm inch 
weight
3.2-6.4
7-14.1
kglbs
kg lbs 
weight
0
0
kglbs
kg lbs 
life span
14-20 years
US
Country of Origin:
USA
Sh
Fur Length:
Short
Cr
Breed origin:
Crossbreed
Recognized by: 6 registers
ACFA
CCCOFA
CCA-AFC
ACA
GCCF
LOOF
TSACC
CFSA
ACF
FIFE
WCF
NZCF
TICA
CFA

Appearance

The Snowshoe is a medium-sized, short-haired cat with a coat that shares the color pattern of the Siamese breed. However, it is easily distinguished by the presence of four 'little white boots' on its legs, which give it the name "Snowshoe." Additionally, this breed bears an inverted 'V' marking on its face, which is white in color. As they age, the white markings on their coat may darken, and the spine often takes on a chocolate brown tone. The head of a Snowshoe cat can be either triangular or rounded, and their eyes are typically oval to round in shape, always appearing as a striking blue color.
Coat type
Eye colour
Fur colour
Body type
Coat type
Eye colour
Fur colour
Body type

Origin

The Snowshoe cat breed was created by Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty, a breeder from Philadelphia, in the 1960s. She aimed to develop Siamese cats with white feet, inspired by old photos from the Victorian era. To achieve this, she initially crossed the Siamese with an American Shorthair and later with the Burmese. This new breed was named "snowshoe" due to their distinctive white feet. In 1990, the Snowshoe breed achieved champion status with the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA) and gained recognition from The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1993. Snowshoes are also officially recognized by the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe) and the Cat Fanciers Federation.
Parent animals
Breed origin
Parent breeds
Origin countries

Temperament

Snowshoes are described as intelligent, sociable, demanding, and affectionate cats, with males sometimes being territorial. They adapt well to indoor living but do not like being alone for extended periods. Snowshoes are good hunters and get along with other cats and dogs due to their sociable nature. They are playful and great companions for children, gentle with their owners, but can be quite vocal with loud meows. Snowshoes also have a unique affinity for water, especially running water, and may even swim occasionally.
Activity Level:
Active

Keeping conditions

Diet preferences
Reproduction
Grooming
Common health issues
Diet preferences
Reproduction
Grooming
Common health issues
Snowshoe cats do not have any special dietary requirements. They need a high-quality diet that is rich in protein, such as a balanced cat food formulated for their specific life stage and health needs. It is important to provide them with fresh, clean water at all times to ensure they stay hydrated. Additionally, it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best diet plan for your Snowshoe cat to maintain their overall health and well-being.
Female Snowshoe cats typically give birth to 3-7 kittens in a litter. The kittens are born white, and their markings begin to appear within 1 to 3 weeks. Each Snowshoe cat has a unique pattern that is specific to the individual cat.
Litter size
3-7 kittens
kittens
The short coat of the Snowshoe cat does not shed much and does not require much maintenance. Simply brushing it once a week is enough to keep the coat shiny and healthy. In addition, it's important to regularly clean your cat's ears, trim its nails when needed, and brush its teeth as often as possible to avoid periodontal disease.
The Snowshoe is considered to be a healthy breed. However, they can inherit several health conditions from their Siamese ancestors; these typically include a kinked tail and crossed eyes that do not affect the health of the cats and are purely aesthetic.

References

  1. Snowshoe Wikipedia article https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snowshoe_cat