Snowshoe Cat: Cat Breed Information, Characteristics and Facts
The Snowshoe cat is very special. They sense your various moods, they are always inquisitive about everything that you and your family are doing, and they will undoubtedly purr their way into anyone’s heart. You will have probably chosen a Snowshoe because of their distinctive markings but you can also expect them to have positive traits that will fit in with busy homes.
The History Of The Snowshoe Cat
The amazingly beautiful Snowshoe cat is categorized as a rare breed which was created in the US in the 1960’s. The first Snowshoes were bred by mistake, when a breeder with Siamese cats discovered that they had a litter of Siamese cats who all had white paws. This irregularity received a lot of attention and was thought to be rare and sought after and so the Snowshoe cat was born.
The breeder Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty, began breeding these cats to yield more of these Siamese cats with white feet. She originally called the Snowshoe cat “Silver Laces.” The breed has been around years now, but this breed is still fairly uncommon, owing to the trials of reliably creating cats with white paws instead of any other markings. The gene for white feet is recessive, so this means that reproducing it within a given litter is not guaranteed. The Snowshoe’s popularity has meant that it has now gained official recognition from The International Cat Association.
Quick Facts About The Snowshoe Cat
- They have even temper and make a good companion cat.
- Snowshoe kittens are born totally white and the Snowshoe cat coat markings get better as they age. Only as they reach maturity do their white feet begin to develop.
- Whereas a Siamese cat is known for their loud voices, Snowshoe cats have a soft, musical sound. This is a trait that you may see as a plus as they frequently want to vocalize their feelings to you.
- Aside from being ludicrously active, the Snowshoe has intelligence too. All of these cats can learn to do lots of tasks, are also highly trainable and able to perform tricks, open doors and even play a game of fetch as they get on well with dogs too.
- The Snowshoe cat loves kids as they are a warm breed that blooms with interaction, friendship and loads of love.
- Snowshoes usually have a favorite person. The Snowshoe cat loves everyone in their family, but a favorite they must have, someone who they stick by and play follow the leader with.
- The most famous Snowshoe cat is Dusty the Klepto Kitty. This cat stole over 600 objects from his neighbors which led him in 2011 to being on The Late Show with David Letterman.
Things You Should Know
Since the Snowshoe’s existence relies on several independent genetic factors, it can be difficult to reliably get the desired Snowshoe look. No cat has picture-perfect markings. The closest to a model cat are the ones which have an upturned white “V” between their eyes and over their muzzle and uniformed white paws. Symmetrical markings on a Snowshoe cat are highly desired but difficult to find. Markings that are also satisfactory include a white marking on the face, throat, and stomach. All four feet must be a solid white, a white that goes either too high or low on a Snowshoe cats’ leg or face is a defect and puts a cat like this into the “pet quality” class. A Snowshoe cat should not have spots in the white areas or have any white runners traveling from the white areas.
Snowshoe cats have large, wide sparkling blue walnut-shaped eyes. Their eyes are larger and more circular than a Siamese cats’ eyes from where they originated. The body is muscular in this cat, but never huge and they are more powerful than they look. When you go to pick them up, you might be astonished at how substantial they feel. Snowshoe cats have medium-large sized ears on top their rounded head. They also have medium-size paws which are elongated and taper towards the toes.
Snowshoe Cat’s Health
Snowshoe cats have variable incidences of health difficulties that are probably genetic in nature. However, the Snowshoe cat is commonly a healthy cat because they are so active. Rarely, a Snowshoe might have a twist in their tail or have crossed eyes, remnants of their Siamese heritage, but these superficial flaws will not affect their health. Like all other cats, Snowshoe cats are vulnerable to bacterial and viral infections which luckily are avoidable through vaccination. The risk of your Snowshoe contracting these diseases is really high, so vaccines are offered to provide your cat invaluable protection from dangerous illnesses.
Most of what a pet owner can do at home to ensure that your cat is fully content and healthy is basic common sense. Watch their diet, ensure that they get sufficient amounts of exercise, habitually brush their teeth, care for their coat, and call a vet when anything seems unusual. Make sure that you stick to your vet’s schedule of examinations and vaccinations for your cat. This is where your vet will perform the essential “check-ups” and test for common diseases and conditions in Snowshoes.
Dental health is an issue for these cats. It is vital to brush your Snowshoe’s teeth at least once a week. Since these cats clean themselves frequently, you should not need to worry too much about bathing your cat too often. If they get dirty while playing outside, this would usually be the only occasion that you may need to give a Snowshoe a bath.
Check out our guides on Cat Toothbrushes and Cat Toothpaste for more info.
Feeding a Snowshoe Cat
If you have brought your Snowshoe kitten from a recognized breeder, then they will most likely have given you a comprehensive feeding schedule and it will be vital to stick to this same feeding routine to avoid any stomach problems. You are able to gradually change a kitten’s diet, but you will need to make sure that they do not have any digestive problems if you do.
All cats are unique, and each have their very own specific likes, dislikes, and requirements when it comes to nutrition. But cats are carnivores and every single cat has to get specific nutrients from their diet, so it is important to pay attention to what you are feeding them. The amount of these required vitamins and minerals will differ depending on age, routine and the general health of your cat. It is not surprising to know that a growing kitten requires a different balance of vitamins in their diet than a less energetic older cat.
In an ideal world, the diet of a Snowshoe cat ought to help them uphold their lean muscle mass while evading extra weight gain. Their diet must also be simple and digestible to benefit them and to protect their delicate stomachs. Older Snowshoe cats are not recognized as being fussy eaters, nevertheless, this does not mean a lower quality diet can be given. Feed a mature cat numerous times a day ensuring that they have good quality food which will meet all dietary requirements, particularly important as a Snowshoe cat gets older. It is so important to keep an eye on a Snowshoe cat’s weight as if they begin to put on too much then it will have a grave impact on their general health and wellbeing. Also remember that just like all other cat breeds, Snowshoe cats always require access to fresh water.
For more guides on choosing the right cat food, you may wish to check out our reviews of the best wet cat food, senior cat food, cat food for indoor cats, cat food for constipation and cat food for sensitive stomachs.
Care of Snowshoes
Snowshoes are an easy to care for cat. Brush a Snowshoe’s short coat once or twice a week to remove dead hair and distribute skin oils, they need to have their teeth brushed to prevent periodontal disease and other than this they are just like any other cat.
It may be that you want to keep your Snowshoe cat as an indoor cat to protect them from illnesses spread by other outdoor cats, being taken by strangers, from attacks by dogs, and from a range of other dangers which cats who go outside face like being hit by a passing car. Snowshoe cats are unique and attractive and when they do go outdoors you will run the risk of having them stolen by somebody who wants an exclusive and beautiful cat.
Grooming
Snowshoe cats have a short, flat coat which is easy to look after. The snowshoe cat requires as much maintenance as just about any other known breed of cat. It is a great idea to brush them at least twice a week to dispense the oils in the skin as this keeps the fur from breaking. A weekly brush is all they need to keep their coats in a nice condition with a glowing sheen. Just like other cat breeds, they have a habit of shedding their fur the most during Spring and again in Autumn when more everyday brushing is typically essential to keep on top it. Snowshoes are not known to be substantial shedders however so work well in a family home.
It is likewise imperative to check a Snowshoe cat’s ears on a consistent basis and to freshen them up when needed. When a lot of wax is permitted to build up, it might become an aching infection which may be hard to get rid of. Prevention is often easier than having to find a cure. These cats regularly suffer from ear mites which is why while you are grooming it is vital to check their ears.
For more help on cat grooming, you may wish to read our guides on the best cat ear cleaners, cat nail clippers, cat brushes, cat grooming gloves and cat shampoos.
Temperament
The snowshoe cat is a really caring and bright cat with a lively personality. They will do whatever they can to get their owners attention like jumping on you whenever you take a seat or watching you from a high height. Their temperament is certainly not that of a reclusive cat, as they need friendship and they are never happy if they have to be left alone for a long time. Snowshoe cats will assign themselves to one family member and the fortunate chosen one will learn that they have a persistent companion in a similar way to owning a dog. These cats like to be close you, but dissimilar to a dog, they wish to lead you rather than wanting to follow you. The minute you own a Snowshoe cat you will possibly never want to be deprived of owning one again. The snowshoe feels at its happiest when all the family is at home, and since they are so good-natured, they are a fantastic option for families with other cats.
The energetic and social Snowshoe cat is a textbook choice for families that have small children and even for those homes which have cat-friendly dogs. They are likely to play fetch alongside any dog, learn tricks quickly, and love the attention that they get from children who treat them with respect. The Snowshoe enjoys to be kept busy in between a long and luxurious cat nap. As they are high energy cats, it means that they like playing fun, interactive and intelligent games before nuzzling up for a nap. When these cats are kept as indoor cats then they require lots of stuff to do, lots of toys to play with and they always enjoy having places to hide. They are a watchful cat and really enjoy a window seat. Snowshoe cats likewise need to have heaps of places that they can nestle up for a doze when the mood takes them since Snowshoes are really good at taking a snooze during the day. Snowshoe cats do like being able to see the sights outdoors, but ought to only go outside where it is safe.
Since they initially appeared, Snowshoe cats have been making their way into the homes and hearts of lots of people thanks to their gorgeous looks and their delightful, loyal and loving natures. Today they are fast becoming a prevalent breed across the world. It is all worth it when you own a Snowshoe cat as they are full of personality, and you will adore them for it. They are a sweet-natured cat with an attraction for being an adorable family companion.
