Why Snowshoe Cats Are So Special: 10 Facts You'll Love
Have you ever heard of a Snowshoe cat? If not, by the end of this blog, you’ll know all about this rare and beautiful breed. With their distinctive features and playful personality, the Snowshoe is a delight to be around.
After hearing our ten Snowshoe cat facts, you’ll know all about everything this special breed has to offer. Whether you’re looking to become a pet parent or just curious to learn more, this guide will reveal all the interesting and adorable details about the beloved Snowshoe.
What Is a Snowshoe Cat?
A Snowshoe cat, originally called ‘Silver Laces,’ is a relatively new breed that originated in the 1960s in the US, when a litter of Siamese kittens were discovered to have white paws (or ‘snowshoes’!). The breed was developed by crossing Siamese cats with American Shorthairs, with ‘tuxedo’ markings, to preserve their signature white feet.
What Does a Snowshoe Cat Look Like?
The Snowshoe cat’s personality and character are part of what makes them so special. The other part is their distinctive look. Their striking appearance is what makes this breed rare, so if you’re looking to spot a Snowshoe, keep an eye out for these qualities:
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A medium-sized, muscular build, with a rounder face and body compared to their Siamese cousins. Their coat is single, short and smooth.
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They have elements of colorpoint markings like their Siamese ancestors, with darker points on their ears, face, legs and tail, as well as striking blue eyes that Siamese cats are known for.
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Look for their signature white paws, white chest and often a white blaze on their face.
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Striking blue eyes that are more of a walnut shape and are rounder than those of a Siamese.
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Between their eyes, they can have an upside down V marking in white.
What Is a Snowshoe Cat's Personality?
This breed’s sweet soul comes from their fun and loving personality. The Snowshoe cat’s characteristics are similar to those of a Siamese, but they are a little less demanding. Their playful nature and ability to form a strong bond with their human make them great for first-time cat owners.
Although all cats are individuals, some of the personality traits you can expect from a Snowshoe cat include:
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Affectionate and people-oriented – They often bond closely with one person, sometimes taking on a ‘caregiver’ role with their people.
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Intelligent, playful, and curious – They enjoy puzzle toys, interactive play and are receptive to training. They’re known to climb and love exploring 3D spaces.
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Loyal – Often referred to as having dog-like loyalty, Snowshoes will happily follow their humans around the house.
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Vocal and chatty – Compared to a Siamese, they have a softer voice, but they will still chirp and chirrup at any opportunity they can get!
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Sociable – They’re great with children, other cats and can even be friendly with dogs.
Snowshoe Cat Facts
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As kittens, they are born completely white. When they get older, their coat darkens to shades such as seal point, blue point and variations of white.
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No two Snowshoe cats have the same markings. They are always unique, a lot like snowflakes!
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Their signature white feet make it look like they’ve been running around in the snow, which is what inspired the breed’s name.
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Unlike many other domestic cats, Snowshoes love water. They can enjoy swimming and playing in water, and they have been known to be found in sinks and jumping into the bathtub.
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Snowshoes are one of the rarest cat breeds because of their specific markings. The breed nearly went extinct in the late 1970’s, but other breeders showed interest that kept them going. Now, there are only a few select breeders of Snowshoe cats.
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The Snowshoe cat’s personality traits mean that they love companionship and are best suited to families where someone is home most of the day so they don’t experience separation anxiety.
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They are known for their intelligence, with some owners saying that their Snowshoes follow them around, learn tricks and even open doors.
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Snowshoes are a relatively healthy breed and low maintenance in terms of their grooming needs, as the breed isn’t a frequent shedder. The most common health problem for a Snowshoe is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), or heart disease.
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Their vocal and expressive nature is a way they communicate their needs and feelings, meaning they’re likely to chirp and chirrup to get the attention they need!
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Snowshoes are athletic and speedy. They benefit from different exercises and toys to play with. They’ll likely enjoy a game of fetch as it gives them a chance to run across the room!
Living With a Snowshoe Cat
Due to the Snowshoe cat’s characteristics, be prepared to give unlimited cuddles when living with this breed. Snowshoes thrive in homes where they get plenty of attention, as well as both physical and mental stimulation.
Your Snowshoe will appreciate an environment with toys and people willing to play with them. They don’t like being left alone for long periods of time, so they can become lonely without enough company.
As mentioned, Snowshoes are a relatively low maintenance breed with moderate grooming needs. They are a short-haired variety and are known for being very clean. They will shed slightly, but weekly brushing is usually enough to keep any shedding hairs at bay.
Famous Snowshoe Cats
Grumpy Cat (Tardar Sauce) – The internet sensation that was Grumpy Cat was believed to be part Snowshoe due to her markings and blue eyes. However, her humans do not know what her genetic makeup was.
Dusty the Klepto kitty – Dusty lived up to the name of a cat burglar and collected over 600 items from the neighborhood over 3 years!
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