The Snowshoe cat breed combines the beautiful pointed coat and outgoing personality of the Siamese with the dense, shorthaired coat, body shape, and white markings of the American Shorthair. As a rare breed in the UK, you might not know much about the Snowshoe, but we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about these charismatic cats.
Appearance of the Snowshoe Cat
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- Height: 22-28 centimetres
- Weight: 3-5.5 kilograms
- Coat: Shorthaired
- Colour: White or cream base with coloured points, plus white socks, bib, and blaze
- Life expectancy: 14-19 years
- Vocal level: Medium
- Potential issues: Needs a lot of outdoor space, prone to some health conditions
The Snowshoe has a unique combination of striking blue eyes, a pointed coat, and white markings. Their pointed coats can be found in the same wide range of colours as the Siamese, including seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac. They might also have tabby, bicolour, or tortoiseshell markings.
Kittens are born completely white, and their markings start to show during the first month. As Snowshoe cats age, their points tend to become darker, and their bodies may become creamy-coloured. Just like snowflakes, the white markings on each Snowshoe cat are unique. Snowshoe cats always have blue eyes, although these can range from bright cobalt blue to a lighter sky blue.
What Makes a Cat a Snowshoe? How do I Know if My Cat is a Snowshoe?
Snowshoe cats make great pets, but not all cats with pointed coats and white markings are Snowshoes. As this breed is relatively rare, it’s unlikely that your domestic moggy is a Snowshoe, even if it does have similar markings.
A Snowshoe cat will usually be registered with one of the main registration bodies for purebred cats, such as the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) or The International Cat Association (TICA).
Most Snowshoe pet parents buy their kittens from a specialised breeder, although older cats are sometimes available to adopt from rescue centres. Expect to pay £500 to £1000 for a kitten from a registered breeder. At rescue centres, adoption fees can vary, so it’s best to ask at your local centre.
Snowshoe cats are quite rare in the UK. In 2023, only 35 kittens were registered with the GCCF.
The Personality of the Snowshoe Cat
Snowshoe cats have engaging personalities with plenty of variation. Some can be extroverted attention seekers, while others are curious but less outgoing.
As the Snowshoe is descended from the Siamese, this breed can be quite chatty, often chirruping to their pet parents or meowing to say hello. They’re a little less demanding than most Siamese cats but can still have strong opinions. You’ll probably know if your Snowshoe doesn’t like something, because they’ll tell you!
This breed is inquisitive and needs plenty of enrichment opportunities. They love playing, climbing, and exploring. Some pet parents even teach Snowshoe cats tricks, like fetch and high-five.
Snowshoes are also typically very calm, making them a great choice for families and multi-pet households. They’re also very affectionate, typically forming a strong bond with one family member, although they’ll readily accept attention from everyone else. Snowshoes love company, so they best suit families where someone is home for most of the day. Otherwise, they may develop separation anxiety.
Unlike most domestic cat breeds, snowshoes love water. You might find your Snowshoe playing in the sink or dipping its paw into the garden pond.
The History of the Snowshoe Cat Breed
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The Snowshoe is a relatively recent breed and was developed in the United States in the early 1960s when a Siamese cat gave birth to a litter of kittens, three of which had white socks.
The breeder, Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty, wanted to develop more kittens with this distinctive colouration, so began crossing the kittens with other breeds, including the American Shorthair. The breed was originally called “Silver Laces” but became known as Snowshoes thanks to their white socks.
Snowshoes were imported to the UK in the early 1980s and have slowly gained popularity since then, although they’re still considered a rare breed. The breed was recognised by TICA in 1993 and granted full breed status by the GCCF in 2013.
How to Give a Snowshoe Cat the Best Care
Before you commit to getting a Snowshoe cat—it’s important to make sure you can care for them properly. As with many purebred domestic cat breeds, “Snowshoe cats encounter certain health conditions that prospective and current owners should be aware of,” explained Dr Nick Horniman, veterinary surgeon and founder of online pet pharmacy MyPetsVet.
“These conditions, while not unique to Snowshoes, do manifest in ways specific to the breed. One of the most notable health concerns in Snowshoe cats is heart disease, specifically hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM),” he explained. While HCM is found in many cat breeds, it’s particularly common in Snowshoes.
“The cause of HCM is largely genetic, and while it can be managed with proper veterinary care, it remains a significant concern for the breed.”
Snowshoe cats can also suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD) and allergies. Neither of these conditions is breed-specific, but they are common in Snowshoe cats. These conditions can result from various factors, including genetics and environmental influences.
When it comes to the right diet for Snowshoe cats, Dr. Horniman recommends choosing a “high-quality, protein-rich food.” He added that “given their active nature, Snowshoes may benefit from a diet that supports their energy levels, but this doesn’t necessarily mean additional calories. Instead, a balanced diet tailored to their life stage, activity level and any health conditions is key.”
Snowshoes have a short coat but need weekly grooming sessions to remove shed fur. At the same time, check your cat’s ears, eyes, teeth, and claws.
>Potential new cat parents also need to consider the annual cost of cat ownership—estimated at between £530 to £2,025 per year.
Alternative Cat Breeds to Consider
Not 100% sure that the Snowshoe is the right cat for you? Consider these other breeds that share some similar characteristics:
- Siamese: As one of the founding breeds of the Snowshoe, the Siamese has the same pointed colouration but is slightly more vocal and opinionated.
- Ragdoll: These sweet and placid cats share similar colouration to Snowshoes but with a semi-longhaired coat.
- Ragamuffin: This large breed comes in a wide range of colours with white markings. They love companionship and have a playful yet gentle nature.
- Maine Coon: This large, active breed loves spending time with their families and enjoys playing with water like the Snowshoe.
