Snowshoe Cat Breed – Have you ever seen a cat with bright blue eyes and white feet? If so, you might have encountered a Snowshoe cat, a rare and stunning breed that originated from a cross between a Siamese and an American Shorthair. Snowshoes are not only beautiful, but also lively, intelligent, sociable, and mischievous. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this amazing breed, including its history, appearance, personality, health, and care.
History of the Snowshoe Cat
The Snowshoe cat was first created in the 1960s by an American breeder named Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty, who wanted to produce a Siamese cat with white markings on its feet. She used a seal-point Siamese and a bicolor American Shorthair to create the first Snowshoe kittens, which had a unique combination of pointed and bicolor patterns. She named the breed Snowshoe because of its distinctive white paws, which resemble snow boots.
The Snowshoe cat was not very popular at first, and faced many challenges in its development. Many breeders found it difficult to produce the desired markings, which are governed by a complex genetic mechanism. The Snowshoe cat also had to compete with other breeds that were more established and in demand, such as the Ragdoll and the Himalayan. As a result, the Snowshoe cat was almost extinct by the 1970s.
Fortunately, a few dedicated breeders continued to work on the Snowshoe cat and managed to save it from extinction. They also introduced new colors and patterns to the breed, such as blue, chocolate, lilac, and lynx points. The Snowshoe cat was recognized by the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA) in 1982, and by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1994. However, the Snowshoe cat is still considered a rare breed, and is not recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) or the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF).
Appearance of the Snowshoe Cat
The Snowshoe cat is a medium-sized cat with a muscular and well-balanced body. It has a wedge-shaped head with slightly rounded contours, medium to medium-large ears, and a medium tail that tapers slightly towards the tip. The most striking feature of the Snowshoe cat is its eyes, which are bright blue and walnut-shaped. The eyes are slightly slanted and set wide apart, giving the Snowshoe cat a sweet and expressive look.
The coat of the Snowshoe cat is short, smooth, and glossy, with a moderate undercoat. The coat color is based on the Siamese pointed pattern, which means that the body is lighter than the extremities, such as the ears, tail, face, and legs. The points can be seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, or lynx, depending on the genetic background of the cat. The Snowshoe cat also has white markings on its feet, chest, and face, which are based on the bicolor pattern of the American Shorthair. The white markings can vary in size and shape, but they should be symmetrical and harmonious.
The Snowshoe cat is a unique breed, and no two Snowshoes are exactly alike. Each kitten has its own distinctive pattern, which is determined by a combination of genes and random factors. Some Snowshoes may have more or less white than others, or have different shapes of white on their faces. Some Snowshoes may even have odd-eyed, which means that they have one blue eye and one eye of another color, such as green or yellow. This is a rare and desirable trait in the Snowshoe cat.
Personality of the Snowshoe Cat
The Snowshoe cat is a lively and intelligent cat, with a lot of personality and charm. It inherits the best traits of its parent breeds, the Siamese and the American Shorthair. It is sociable and affectionate, and loves to be with its human companions. It is also curious and playful, and enjoys exploring and having fun. It is not a shy or timid cat, and can adapt well to different situations and environments.
The Snowshoe cat is very vocal, and likes to communicate with its owners. It has a soft and melodious voice, unlike the loud and harsh voice of the Siamese. It will often talk to you and tell you what it wants or needs, or just to express its feelings. It will also respond to your voice and follow you around the house. The Snowshoe cat is a loyal and devoted cat, and will form a strong bond with its family.
The Snowshoe cat is also very dog-like, and can be trained to do tricks or to walk on a leash. It is very smart and can learn new things quickly. It can also be very mischievous and naughty, and will often get into trouble or make a mess. It likes to open doors, drawers, cabinets, or anything that catches its interest. It also likes to steal or hide things, such as your keys, socks, or jewelry. The Snowshoe cat is a fun and entertaining cat, and will never bore you with its antics.
Health and Care of the Snowshoe Cat
The Snowshoe cat is a healthy and robust cat, and does not have any specific health problems. However, like any other cat, it can be prone to some common diseases or conditions, such as dental issues, obesity, urinary tract infections, or parasites. Therefore, it is important to provide the Snowshoe cat with regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive care.
The Snowshoe cat does not require much grooming, as its coat is short and easy to maintain. However, it is advisable to brush its coat once a week to remove dead hair and dirt, and to keep it shiny and healthy. It is also important to clean its ears, eyes, and teeth regularly, and to trim its nails as needed. The Snowshoe cat is a clean and fastidious cat, and will groom itself frequently.
The Snowshoe cat is an active and energetic cat, and needs a lot of exercise and stimulation. It is recommended to provide the Snowshoe cat with a variety of toys, scratching posts, and cat trees, to keep it busy and happy. It is also a good idea to play with the Snowshoe cat every day, to strengthen your bond and to satisfy its hunting instincts. The Snowshoe cat can also enjoy going outside, as long as it is supervised and safe.
The Snowshoe cat is a friendly and sociable cat, and does not like to be alone for long periods of time. It is advisable to have another cat or a friendly dog as a companion for the Snowshoe cat, especially if you are away from home for many hours. The Snowshoe cat will get along well with other pets, as long as they are introduced properly and gradually. The Snowshoe cat will also be tolerant and gentle with children, as long as they are respectful and gentle with it.
Conclusion
The Snowshoe cat is a rare and stunning breed, with a unique combination of pointed and bicolor patterns, bright blue eyes, and white feet. It is a lively, intelligent, sociable, and mischievous cat, that will charm you with its personality and voice. It is a loyal and devoted cat, that will form a strong bond with its family. It is a healthy and easy-going cat, that does not require much grooming or special care. It is a fun and entertaining cat, that will never bore you with its antics.
If you are looking for a cat that is beautiful, lively, intelligent, sociable, and mischievous, the Snowshoe cat might be the perfect choice for you. However, before you decide to adopt a Snowshoe cat, make sure that you are ready to provide it with the love, attention, exercise, and stimulation that it needs. Also, make sure that you find a reputable and responsible breeder, that can provide you with a healthy and well-socialized kitten. The Snowshoe cat is a rare and precious breed, and deserves the best care and respect.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Snowshoe cat breed:
How much does a Snowshoe cat cost?
The price of a Snowshoe cat can vary depending on the breeder, the location, the quality, and the demand. Generally, a Snowshoe cat can cost between $300 and $800, depending on the factors mentioned above. However, the price is not the only thing that you should consider when buying a Snowshoe cat. You should also consider the health, temperament, and personality of the cat, as well as the reputation and ethics of the breeder.
How big does a Snowshoe cat get?
The Snowshoe cat is a medium-sized cat, with a muscular and well-balanced body. The average weight of a Snowshoe cat is between 4.5kg and 5.5kg for males, and between 3.5kg and 4.5kg for females. The height of a Snowshoe cat is between 20cm and 25cm, and the length is between 35cm and 45cm.
What is the lifespan of a Snowshoe cat?
The Snowshoe cat is a relatively healthy and long-lived cat, and can live up to 15 years or more, depending on the care and environment that it receives. However, like any other cat, the Snowshoe cat can be affected by some genetic or environmental factors that can shorten its lifespan, such as infections, accidents, or diseases. Therefore, it is important to provide the Snowshoe cat with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and preventive care, to ensure its well-being and longevity.
How rare is the Snowshoe cat?
The Snowshoe cat is a very rare breed, and is not widely available or known. According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), the Snowshoe cat is ranked 41st out of 45 breeds in terms of popularity in 2020. The Snowshoe cat is also not recognized by some major cat associations, such as the CFA or the GCCF, which limits its exposure and recognition. The Snowshoe cat is also difficult to breed, as the desired markings are hard to achieve and unpredictable. Therefore, the Snowshoe cat is a precious and unique breed, and is highly sought after by cat lovers and enthusiasts.
