SNOWSHOE CAT PERSONALITY AND BREED (ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW)

Are you wondering about the Snowshoe cat personality and breed? Contrary to popular belief, the origins of this breed are always controversial. In addition, being the hallmarks quite unpredictable to manage, it also constitutes a difficult challenge for show breeders.

At a glance, the Snowshoe is a devoted companion, can get along well with children, can swing, and has a particular coat design.

Let’s see all the details about the Snowshoe cat personality.

WHAT IS THE SNOWSHOE GENERAL ASPECT AND SIZE?

The Snowshoe breed is not so known and widespread, but it combines the characteristics of the species from which it is derived: the length of the Siamese and the strength of the American Shorthair.

He has light blue eyes that confirm the contribution of the Siamese breed, and he has a rounded head which is less cuneiform than that of the Siamese and reflects the contribution of short-haired breeds

CHARACTERISTICS AND APPEARANCE OF THE SNOWSHOE CAT

Characteristic	Description	Notes
In summary	It is not so immediate to obtain a specimen that has all the brands (color spots) in the right place	The imperfect specimens they keep all the characteristics of the breed and they are excellent pets
Personality	Sociable and affectionate, but calmer than the Siamese
Appearance	Relatively large, it is recognized in different point coloration varieties, as long as it has the characteristics white paws
In the house	He does not like to be left alone for long and with regularity	If during the day you are away from home, think of the possibility of adopting two kittens
Behavior	Claim attention by meowing, but for sure it’s not as loud as a Siamese	Often he is fascinated by water
Grooming	Very easy, requires brushing once in a while
Most common health problems	He does not appear to suffer from hereditary diseases
Size	Medium, up to 6 kg
Ears	Rather large with front attachment, rounded at the tip and wide at the base
Eyes	Walnut-shaped, large and oblique
Head	Vaguely wedge-shaped, with rounded lines and a straight profile
Paws	In proportion to the rest of the body, round paws and medium-sized
Coat	Short, shiny, slightly rough to the touch and undercoat absent
Allowed colors	Seal, blue, lilac, mitted (the white part covers a third of the body), or two-tone (the white part covers about two-thirds of the body)

The different associations admit a wide variety of colors. However, the seal point is universally recognized.

▷ The name of this breed refers to the characteristic white gloved feet.

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE SNOWSHOE CAT?

The origins of the Snowshoe date back to the 1960s, when the Siamese cat belonging to Dorothy Hinds-Dougherry, a resident American breeder in Philadelphia, gave birth to three puppies with white legs and feet.

Eager to select a new breed, the woman decided to mate American Shorthair and two-tone Siamese cats. However, she unleashed the net opposition from other Siamese breeders, concerned that the peculiar white patches at the ends could also appear in their direct lines.

Finally, in 1974, the breeder Vikki Olander obtained the official acknowledgment of the breed for exhibition purposes. The name, literally “snow shoe,” derives from the characteristic white feet.

REASONS FOR THE SNOWSHOE’S APPEARANCE AND BEHAVIOR

The truly unique appearance of the Snowshoe depends on several genes. For example, the white patch in the shape of an inverted V on the muzzle is not carried by the same gene that determines the design of the limbs.

The presence of symmetrical brands is essential to certify that the cat has the traits of a purebred specimen. Even with some minor defects, these cats make excellent pets. They are affectionate and intelligent and often show an unusual fondness for water.

They are also surprisingly communicative (apparent legacy of their Siamese ancestry) and often show an unusual fondness for water.

▷ In the exhibitions, the mask upside down v it’s an appreciated characteristic.

WHAT ARE THE ORIGINS OF THE SNOWSHOE CAT?

The Snowshoe was born in Philadelphia in the 60s of the last century in a completely unexpected way.

Inside a Siamese litter, three kittens stood out for their unusual white paws. The kitten owner, the breeder Dorothy Hind-Daugherty, conquered by their particularity, decided to undertake a selective program starting from crossing Siamese and American Shorthair (two-tones).

After a few years of selection and appearance in cat shows, where they were not successful, the breeder abandoned her intentions which were, however, taken up again
by colleague Vikki Olander over the years ’70.

Finally, in 1974 the breeder obtained the first award, albeit three years later, she practically remained the only one to breed this type of cat.

During the 80s, some breeders took over the programs of Mrs. Olander, and in 1993, the Snowshoe got well-deserved recognition as a breed by all international associations.

THE CAT WITH THE SNOWSHOE

Although it is its most distinctive feature, the typical snowy color of the paws is one of the most challenging aspects to control during the selection process.

The “gloves,” in fact, are determined by a non-completely dominant gene that can manifest itself in a white mark, sometimes too high and other times too low, or even absent altogether.

✓ THE APPEARANCE OF THE MARKINGS
Snowshoe kittens at birth do not show the coloration and the typical signs of this breed. However, covered by a white coat, the kittens begin to display colors and markings between the first and third week.

SNOWSHOE CAT PERSONALITY

The Snowshoe has undoubtedly inherited from the Siamese cousin the affectionate and amiable behavior, even if it must be said that this breed is decidedly less “invasive” than the one from which it derives.

This cat actively participates in family life and does not like solitude very much; therefore, It is always advisable to ensure that he has a playmate, cat, or dog. But, generally, the Snowshoe does not suffer too much from staying home like many other breeds.

Equipped with an almost melodic meow, he can not help but communicate his moods to the whole family. It is undoubtedly less overbearing than the Siamese, but he doesn’t like to be disturbed while busy with activities sacred to him, such as meals and naps.

The desire to play accompanies him until old age, and he knows how to be a perfect
babysitter for children. He appreciates physical contact and has an authentic reverence for running water.

The Snowshoe is an intelligent, lively cat who loves to play with men.

▷ The white spots on the legs, known as “snowshoes,” are also known as “silver laces.”

HOW TO CARE FOR AND FEED THE SNOWSHOE CAT

The Snowshoe is one of the few cats that lose very little hair during molting. For this reason, a simple grooming routine is enough, such as a weekly brush with a toothed comb.

His diet must be varied and balanced, but apart from that, he has no particular needs, providing that the foods are always of excellent quality. Fortunately for him, the Snowshoe does not tend to obesity.

Don’t worry about checking your food rations for this cat because he is very active and will hardly face obesity problems.

The Snowshoe manages better than Siamese the solitude.

AN ADVICE
The Snowshoe is a sturdy cat, but at around eight years, he tends to develop kidney problems that, if neglected, can become lethal.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS