Snowshoe Cats

Snowshoe cats are a hybrid cat breed. This cat breed originated from crossbreeding between Siamese cats and bi-color American Shorthair cats. Snowshoe cats have not been accepted for championship status by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) of the United States. This breed is eligible for championship competitions sponsored by The International Cat Association (TICA).

Most Snowshoe cats have the laidback temperament of the American Shorthair cat. They are thought to have gotten their intelligence from the Siamese cats. Snowshoe cats are active and playful. They are typically tolerant of other pets. Snowshoes crave attention and can be somewhat demanding. A Snowshoe cat may develop an especially strong bond with one person in the family.

Snowshoe cats are medium-sized. Female Snowshoe cats are often smaller than the males. They are agile and have an athletic build. Their bone structure should neither be fine or oriental nor heavily boned. They should have a well-balanced, medium build.

Snowshoe kittens are born completely white. Some Snowshoe kittens may develop ghost tabby markings that should fade. As the Snowshoe kittens mature, they develop their coloring which includes colorpoints. A Snowshoe kitten may take up to two years to mature and develop its coat coloring.

The length of the coat is short to medium in length. A mature Snowshoe cat has colorpoints, darker color on its face, ears, and tail. Snowshoes have white feet and chests. The color of the points can be chocolate, seal, lilac, blue, fawn, or lynx. The body should be a lighter shade of the point color. A bi-color Snowshoe cat has a white face.

Eyes of Snowshoe cats are blue. Their eyes are oval which can be medium oval or rounded oval. The outer corners of the eyes are slightly slanted towards the ears. The ears of Snowshoe cats are medium in size with slightly rounded tips.

In the United States, Snowshoe cats first appeared in the 1960’s. Perhaps due partly to its lack of acceptance by the Cat Fanciers’ Association, the Snowshoe cat breed is not very popular. Therefore, it may be difficult for a prospective cat owner to find an available Snowshoe kitten.