Snowshoe Cat Insurance | Cat Breed Guide

Snowshoe cat breed

Named for their distinctive white feet, Snowshoe cats are playful, curious and sociable. Learn about their care needs in our guide.

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Snowshoe cat breed information and advice

The Snowshoe cat is a new and developing breed. They originated in Pennsylvania, USA in the early 1960s from American Shorthair and Siamese breeds. Three Siamese kittens born with white feet formed the foundation of the breed. These were then bred with American Bi-coloured Shorthairs. The breed was named ‘Snowshoe’ because of their white feet.

With their endearing personalities and distinctive white paws, the Snowshoe is a rare but increasingly popular breed. They’re intelligent, affectionate and easy to care for. They’ll get along with everyone, including dogs. But be prepared to give these energetic and playful cats lots of attention.

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Snowshoe facts
Lifespan	12 – 15 years
How much	£200 – £1000
Size	Medium
Weight	3 – 6 kg
Colours	Seal-pointed blue, lilac, lynx, fawn, chocolate or seal. White bib, blaze and socks with darker legs, ears and tails.
Grooming	Once a week
Temperament	Affectionate, friendly, easy-going
Exercise	Low

Pet insurance for your Snowshoe cat

The Snowshoe cat is generally a healthy and robust breed. But they can have several breed-related problems owing to their Siamese and American Shorthair ancestry.

Snowshoe cats can be more prone to developing the following conditions:

It’s always important to protect your cat with pet insurance. Cat insurance can help with the cost of treatment that your furry friend may need.

How to care for a Snowshoe cat

Snowshoe cats are low maintenance and will only need grooming once a week. Here’s how to care for your kitty to keep them happy and healthy.

Feeding and nutrition

Make sure you provide your Snowshoe cat with a nutritious diet that fits their requirements. The breeder should provide you with a feeding schedule and let you know what brand of food they’ve been eating.

Feeding the same type of food at first will also help them settle in and prevent upset tummies. If you want to change their diet, do it gradually to allow your cat to adjust.

Grooming

Snowshoe cats have a short and dense coat. All they need is a weekly brush or comb to remove dead hairs and distribute skin oils. They’ll shed more often in spring and autumn when more frequent brushing may be needed. They’re good at grooming themselves and will only need a bath if they get very dirty. Their teeth should also be brushed regularly to prevent dental disease.

Exercise

Snowshoes are active, high-energy cats and like playing so keep them entertained with lots of interactive toys. They also enjoy watching the world around them, so it could be worth investing in a perch or cat tree.

Training

Snowshoes are intelligent and can be taught tricks. You should find toilet or litter training will be picked up quickly. Make sure you provide at least one litter box per cat and that these are kept clean.

Temperament and behaviour

Snowshoes are affectionate, loyal and docile and usually bond closely to one person. They don’t like to be left alone all day. If their owners are out at work, a companion cat or a littermate will keep them company. Sainsbury’s does offer multi-pet insurance.

Like their Siamese ancestors, Snoeshoe cats can be talkative, but their meowing is soft and melodic. If kept indoors, make sure they have lots of toys, perches, and places to hide. And, of course, places to curl up and have a nap. They might be too active to be a lap cat though.

They’re not known to have a high prey drive but will enjoy playing with interactive toys. They also like playing in water, especially running water, and some have even been known to enjoy a swim.

So, is a Snowshoe cat right for you?

Snowshoe cats are smart, affectionate and low maintenance cats. They usually have a favourite person but will get along with everyone. They thrive in families that can give them lots of attention. This means they are suited to busy households.

Their sweet personalities make them great companions for single people too. They don’t like to be left alone for very long, so they may need a littermate or another cat to keep them company.

Frequently asked questions

How long do Snowshoe cats live?

The average lifespan of a Snowshoe cat is 14 – 19 years. But how long they live depends on how well they’re cared for and if they’re free from any inherited heart or kidney conditions.

How much is a Snowshoe cat?

A well-bred Snowshoe kitten from a reputable breeder can cost upwards of £500.

Are Snowshoe cats rare?

The Snowshoe is a rare cat breed. This is partly due to the difficulty in breeding Snowshoes with the desired markings and patterns.

Are Snowshoe cats hypoallergenic?

No cat is entirely hypoallergenic. However, the Snowshoe does produce less of the glycoprotein Fel d1 in their saliva. If you have a cat allergy, this might make them less allergenic than other breeds.