- Snowshoe Cat Size: Medium size up to 35cm shoulder height
- Classification: short-haired cat
- Color: brown, lilac, fawn
- Body care: Brush weekly.
- Character: Curious and spirited, but also very sensitive and calm.
- Origin: USA
- Weight: Up to 5kg (female) and 6kg (male)
- Eyes: Walnut-shaped, longer than wide. Medium-sized and set at an angle to the base of the ears. They should be set one eye’s width apart and not protruding.
- Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Snowshoe cat origin and history
The Snowshoe comes from the USA, from Philadelphia to be precise Its history began there in the 1960s. The breeder Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty crossed her Siamese cat with an American Shorthair . However, it was not until the 1980s that the new breed “Snowshoe” was recognized.
What does the Snowshoe look like?
This cat is called “Snowshoe” for a reason: it “wears” white boots . On the front legs, these go down to the ankle, and on the back legs, even down to the hock. The Snowshoe cat is medium-sized and can live for 12 to 15 years . It is very agile overall and its fur is shiny and flat. The Snowshoe cat also has hardly any undercoat. The eyes of the Snowshoe should always be blue. It is clear that it is descended from the Siamese cat , as it has the typical Siamese markings. The Snowshoe is a quiet cat, but also very talkative and playful . It is also affectionate and very intelligent . This means that it is very fond of people.
Care, Health and Diseases
The Snowshoe cat has a very dense and short coat , which offers a certain amount of protection from the cold, but not very good. This is why it is also very suitable as an indoor cat .The Snowshoe cat does not tend to be overweight, however, as it is very active . However, the owner must ensure that it can exercise as much as it needs. The Snowshoe is also quite rare and therefore there is little information about whether or not it is prone to certain diseases. So far, however, the breed has enjoyed good health. The Snowshoe sheds very little. They just need to be brushed from time to time to maintain the shine of their short-haired coat.
How much movement does the Snowshoe need?
The Snowshoe cat is a very sporty cat with a high need for exercise . Climbing walls and plenty of jumping opportunities are a must in a Snowshoe’s home. Hunting games and intelligence games are just as suitable for the Snowshoe as an interactive feeding game. However, as she is very sensitive, she is not really suitable for walks with a leash on.
What do I need to keep a snowshoe?
The Snowshoe is very talkative and adaptable. It can live just as well in a household with children as in one with other pets. However, it needs the opportunity to retreat from the hustle and bustle. Elevated sleeping places and caves should definitely be available. You should also plan enough time to keep the Snowshoe busy. Clicker training , for example, is suitable for this . Cat grass and sufficient litter boxes are just as important as scratching and climbing opportunities. The environment should be varied and you can never have enough intelligence toys at home for a Snowshoe, as this is just as much a way to offer it variety.
All in all, the Snowshoe combines the curiosity and temperament of the Siamese cat with the calm and composure of the American Shorthair.
