Seal Point, Blue Point, Chocolate Point, Lilac Point
Temperament
AffectionateGentleIntelligentPlayfulSocial
Description
The Snowshoe is a breed of cat originating in the United States of America in the 1960s. Snowshoes were produced by crossing Siamese and bi-colored American Shorthair cats, producing the pointed coat pattern in a variety of colors.
Article
Born from a surprise litter of Siamese kittens wearing white mittens, the Snowshoe cat blends striking blue eyes with a snow-dusted coat and a heart built for devotion. Discover how a 1960s breeding experiment created this rare, affectionate beauty that still melts laps today.
If you’re searching for a feline who greets guests at the door, plays fetch, and still curls up on your lap at night, the Snowshoe cat is impossible to ignore. Born from an accidental litter in 1960s Philadelphia, this rare American breed combines the elegance of a Siamese with the sturdy charm of an American Shorthair, all wrapped in a pointed coat and four adorable white “snow-shoes.”
History & Origin
The Snowshoe story begins in 1960 when Siamese breeder Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty of Philadelphia discovered three kittens in a litter sporting the classic Siamese points plus white mittens and chest markings. Intrigued, she crossed these kittens with a bi-colored American Shorthair to broaden the gene pool and lock in the new pattern. The resulting cats were named “Snowshoes” for their distinctive white feet, and by 1974 the breed had earned championship status in ACA. Still considered rare—only about 30 registered breeders exist worldwide—the Snowshoe remains a well-kept secret among cat lovers.
Breed Details
Property
Value
ID
00dc977b-8f77-42be-a61e-b4ed52fbf051
Name
Snowshoe
Origin
United States
Temperament
Affectionate, Gentle, Intelligent, Playful, Social
Life Span
14-19
Weight
3.0-5.5 kg
Length
30-40 cm
Coat Length
Short
Coat Colors
Seal Point, Blue Point, Chocolate Point, Lilac Point
Snowshoes are medium-sized athletes: females weigh 3–4 kg (6–9 lb), while males reach 4–5.5 kg (9–12 lb). Their body is firm yet surprisingly heavy when lifted, balanced on medium-length legs and rounded paws that flash bright white “snow-shoes.” The head is a modified wedge with high-set cheekbones and a gentle nose break, giving a perpetual smile. Ears are medium, rounded at the tips, and always alert to the sound of a treat bag. The short, single coat lies close to the body, silky rather than plush, and showcases the four recognized point colors: seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac. Regardless of coat color, every Snowshoe sports vivid sapphire-blue eyes that can look straight into your soul.
Temperament & Personality
Imagine a Siamese without the volume knob stuck on “max” and you have the Snowshoe. These cats score a perfect 5/5 for affection, friendliness, and intelligence, making them ideal family companions. They will follow you room to room, “help” you fold laundry, and learn to open doors or run a feline agility course with ease. Fetch comes naturally—many owners find toys dropped at their feet like a dog. While chatty (4/5 vocalization), their soft, melodic voice is more chirp than yowl, so midnight serenades are rare. Snowshoes adore children, respect cat-friendly dogs, and will greet visitors with head bumps rather than hide under the bed.
Care Requirements
Grooming is refreshingly simple: a weekly rubber-brush session removes dead hairs and keeps the coat gleaming. Thanks to minimal undercoat, shedding is low (2/5) and hairballs are infrequent. Exercise, however, is non-negotiable. These energetic cats (4/5) need daily interactive play—wand toys, puzzle feeders, or a running wheel—to prevent boredom-based mischief. Provide tall cat trees near windows so they can supervise the neighborhood. Because Snowshoes crave company, consider adopting two if you work long hours, or supply plenty of rotating toys and clicker-training sessions to engage their brilliant minds.
Health Considerations
Overall, Snowshoes are robust, with a lifespan of 14–19 years. They can inherit dental issues from their Siamese ancestry, so twice-yearly tooth brushing and annual vet dental checks are wise. Very occasionally, a kitten may display the traditional Siamese crossed eyes or kinked tail; these traits are cosmetic and don’t affect quality of life. Feed a high-protein diet and keep them lean—obesity stresses their athletic frame. Responsible breeders screen for common feline diseases, so request health certificates when purchasing a kitten.
Is This Breed Right For You?
Choose a Snowshoe if you want a playful, affectionate companion who thrives on interaction. They excel in active households with kids, other pets, or work-from-home professionals who enjoy conversational coffee breaks. Apartment dwellers are fine provided you supply daily play sessions and window perches. Avoid this breed if you’re away 12 hours a day and unwilling to invest time in enrichment; a lonely Snowshoe can become depressed or destructive. In return for your love and engagement, you’ll gain a loyal, blue-eyed shadow who keeps life entertaining for nearly two decades.
The Snowshoe cat offers the best of both worlds: the striking beauty and intelligence of the Siamese paired with the easy-going nature of the American Shorthair. Rare yet rewarding, these white-mittened charmers ask only for companionship, play, and a warm lap in exchange for a lifetime of devotion. If you’re ready for a feline friend who participates in every aspect of family life, the Snowshoe may be the perfect fit for your home and heart.
4/5
Health Issues
Generally healthy; may inherit dental issues from Siamese lines. Rare crossed eyes or kinked tail possible.
rare cat breeds
low-shedding cats
intelligent cats
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