Snowshoe Cat

 

Find information about the origin and qualities of the Snowshoe cat.  You will see the beautiful coloring of this kind, lovely and rare breed of cat.


The Snowshoe Cat breed originated in Philadelphia in the 1960’s.   Breeder Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty crossed a Siamese Cat with a bicolor American Shorthair cat.  The Snowshoe Cat was accepted for registration in 1974. The Snowshoe cat is a shorthaired cat with a pointed coat pattern.  It has white markings on the feet (for which the breed is named), and an inverted white “V” on the face.  The Snowshoe cat comes in two color combinations:  seal point and white, and blue point and white.


PetStreetMall - Quality Products at Low Prices!The Snowshoe Cat is a medium size cat that combines the stocky, robust appearance of the American shorthair with the length of the Siamese.  The pleasing result is a powerful, agile cat of intermediate body type.  The head is a rounded wedge shape.  The eyes are oval and bright blue and the ears are medium in size, slightly rounded tips.


Snowshoe kittens are all born white.  Their coat is short, white and gray when young with dark markings.  You will notice the coat on their back will darken considerably with long exposure to the sun.  In purebreds the eyes are always blue.

The Snowshoe Cat has the easygoing temperament of its American shorthair forebears, making it a fine companion for children and other pets.  The Snowshoe cat is affectionate and is people oriented.  They are amiable and a loving friend and Drs. Foster and Smith Inc.companion.  Snowshoe cats are usually friendly to everyone in the household, but will typically be primarily focused on one person.  They are not as vocal as a Siamese but the Snowshoe can be quite a talker.  They have a softer, more melodic voice than a Siamese.


The first Snowshoes appeared in the 1960s in the United States as a result of cross-breeding between a Siamese and a bi-colored American Shorthair producing a sturdy, pointed cat with white markings on the face, chest and feet.  The Snowshoe is a relatively small cat with a lean and muscular stature.  The ACFA standard for this cat breed states that it gives the appearance of great power and agility, yet has the look of a runner rather than a weight lifter.


PetSmart - CatThe ears are large and triangular. The head will also be triangular and usually has black markings. In purebreds, the eyes are always blue. Coat is short-haired, and is white and gray. The tail is medium-sized. Snowshoe cats come in blue, lilac, lynx, fawn, chocolate, and seal points.


They are generally sweet tempered, energetic, playful, intelligent, and adaptable. They are a very social breed that requires more attention than most cats do, and consequently cannot be left alone for long periods of time.  In a typical household they will be friendly to everyone, but will usually devote themselves almost entirely to one person.


Snowshoe kittens are all born white. Their colors and markings become visible within 1-3 weeks after birth. The pattern on each individual cat is different. No two Snowshoes are alike.


The Snowshoe Cat is considered to be a rare breed.



 

Return to top