Snowshoe Cat Breed Description

Active: Snowshoe cats have a high activity level. They demand attention and love to learn new tricks but still also love to be affectionate and cuddle.

Size: Medium build, ranging in weight from approximately 7 - 12 pounds.

Characteristics: The Snowshoe is popular breed among cat fanciers because of two major things - their look and their personality. The signature white "V" shape extends down between the eyes and over the nose and muzzle of the cat. They have a triangular or apple overall head shape and medium-sized ears with rounded tips with. The body tends to be lighter than the limbs and tail and the most common colors are seal point or blue point and eye color is a range of shades of blue, giving them their stunning gaze. Another signature feature of the Snowshoe is their four white "boots" on their feet. This medium-bodied cat has a muscular build that gives it power and strength along with great agility.

Temperament: If you want a cat that is both sweet and entertaining, the Snowshoe is right for you. They will choose a favorite and quickly endear themselves to that person, often opting to cuddle up in their lap whenever possible. While they can be incredibly sweet, they can also be bossy and entertaining. Snowshoe cats are very smart so they quickly and easily learn new tricks such as walking on a leash or even swimming, and they are happy to entertain with their silly games or antics. Snowshoe cats will demand your attention and steal your heart by being incredibly affectionate and sometimes even a chatterbox! They have a beautifully melodic, sing-song way of speaking that makes them fascinating conversation partners. While they may occasionally boss you around, trying to lead you to do things that they are interested in doing, you will happily do so because of the wonderful companionship and friendship that Snowshoe cats provide.

Care: Because of their single layer coat, Snowshoe cats require minimal grooming. In fact, they will take care of grooming themselves unless they are ill or stressed in some way.

Coat: The Snowshoe coat is a shorthair cat breed with a single layer and no undercoat. This makes them a very easy cat to groom and keep looking their best. The coat feels very soft and smooth which makes giving attention with petting enjoyable for everyone.

Origin: Snowshoe cats are known for their unique personality and strong charisma. The Snowshoe cat breed has a very distinct look with some of the most beautiful markings in all the cat breeds. The breed, and its special look and personality, dates back to 1960 and finds its roots in the Siamese heritage. In 1960, Dorothy Hinds Daugherty was looking at a litter of Siamese cats when she discovered three kittens that immediately got her attention because they had four white feet. Their special feet, paired with their combination of pointed colors, was what initially began to establish the new breed.

Daugherty then began breeding the cats to a shorthaired cat with tuxedo markings which helped create and establish the distinct "V" facial markings that Snowshoe cat fans have come to love. Daugherty stopped breeding but another breeder, Vikki Olander, remained steadfast and wrote a breed standard, helping the Snowshoe cat breed to become officially recognized in 1974 by the American Cat Association (ACA). Interest in the breed declined leaving only 1 remaining breeder in 1977, but, over the course of the 1980s and early 1990s, popularity began to grow again. In 1994, The International Cat Association (TICA) recognized the breed and today the Snowshoe cat breed is also recognized by such major organizations as American Association of Cat Enthusiasts (AACE), the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA), and the Cat Fanciers Federation (CFF).