Introduction to Snowshoe Cats
Basic Introduction
Snowshoe cats are a newly developed breed in the United States, resulting from the crossbreeding of a
mottled American Shorthair and a Siamese cat. Their distinctive feature is the snow-white fur on all four paws.
In Japan, cats with white lower limbs are referred to as “wearing white socks.” The long-haired Burmese cat is one
such example, but it’s important to note that the Snowshoe cat and the Burmese cat are only similar in
appearance and share no blood relation.
Basic Information
Chinese Name: 雪鞋猫
English Name: Snowshoe
Alias: Snowshoe Cat
Ancestry: American Shorthair x Siamese Cat
Coat Type: Short and Smooth
Size: Medium
Weight: 4.5-5 kilograms
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Place of Origin: United States
Uses: Family Pet, Show Cat
Temperament: Gentle, Friendly, Energetic, Intelligent
Colors: Seal, Chocolate, Blue, and Violet, with White
Physical Characteristics
Head
- Shape: Broad, wedge-shaped. Gentle contours with the highest cheekbones. The width and length
of the entire head are nearly equal, resembling an equilateral triangle. A broad and strong double chin may
be present, but when the whiskers are smoothly backward, the underlying bone structure should be
noticeable. The size of the head should be proportional to the body and limbs. - Ears: Moderately wide at the base, extending the wedge-shaped head. Tips slightly rounded,
proportionate to the body. - Eyes: Shape: Oval – medium-sized, oval or round oval shape, slightly inclined towards the
base, not protruding. The color can be any shade of blue. - Chin: Strong.
- Nose-Mouth: Smooth curvature, proportional to the head, neither too wide like a rectangle,
nor too small like a dot. - Nose: Moderately wide, neither too broad nor too narrow. The nose is flat or slightly
convex, proportional to the head. - Profile: Slight, gentle curvature at the bridge of the nose, dividing the face into two
distinct, even planes. - Neck: Length between that of an American Shorthair and a Siamese, proportional to the head
and body.
Body
- Torso: Semi-foreign, moderate length, not extremely elongated or oriental in type. The
body is not short or slender. Overall proportions are very balanced, robust and muscular, agile; not
extreme. Male cats are medium to medium-large. Female cats are proportionately smaller than males, with a
medium-small to medium size. - Limbs: Limbs are of good length, like that of a long-distance runner or jumper, with
moderate bone mass, and proportionate to the trunk. - Feet: Proportionate to limbs and trunk. Oval-shaped at the tips.
- Tail: Moderately sized at the base, gradually tapering from the base to the tip; length
proportional to the trunk. - Skeleton: Moderate bone mass. Considering gender, the bone structure of female cats can be
slightly finer.
Coat
- Fur: Thick, short hair, close to the body, with only a small amount of undercoat. Recognized
patterns: Similar to Siamese cats, with both pointed colors and white markings, most notably “white gloves”
on the front and hind legs. - Colors: Seal, Chocolate, Blue, and Violet, with White.
Personality Traits
Snowshoe cats are known for their:
- Proactive Nature: Active, very friendly, and curious.
- Loyalty: They are devoted to their owners.
Snowshoe cats are intelligent and have quick reactions, full of personality. They enjoy the family atmosphere and
are always willing to be around family members. Most Snowshoe cats get along well with other cats, and their
stable temperament makes them an excellent choice for those new to cat ownership.
Care Guidelines
Feeding Considerations for Snowshoe Cats
Snowshoe cats have a robust constitution and do not have strict dietary requirements. Following standard pet cat
care methods is sufficient. Their daily diet primarily consists of cat food, supplemented with meat, fruits,
and vegetables. It’s important to control the feeding frequency of treats such as nutritional pastes and cat
treats. Additionally, when selecting food, consider the following:
- Animal Liver: Some cats love eating animal liver and may refuse other foods. Animal liver
contains a high amount of vitamin A, but excessive intake can lead to muscle stiffness, neck pain, skeletal
and joint deformities, and liver disease. - High-Fat Foods: A diet containing a large amount of high-fat fish or stale fatty meat can
result in insufficient intake of vitamin E, causing inflammation of the cat’s body fat and extreme pain. - Raw Fish: Some raw fish contains enzymes that can destroy vitamin B1. A deficiency in
vitamin B1 can lead to neurological diseases in cats, and in severe cases, it can be fatal. These enzymes can
be destroyed by cooking, so it’s crucial to cook the fish before feeding it to the cat. - Meat: While a cat’s diet should mainly consist of meat, feeding only meat can result in
uneven intake of minerals and vitamins, leading to serious skeletal metabolic disorders. - Dog Food: The nutritional content in dog food differs from that in cat food. The nutrients in
dog food cannot fully meet a cat’s needs. Although both cats and dogs are carnivores, cats have higher
nutritional requirements. - Fish Liver Oil: Exercise caution when supplementing cats with additional vitamins and
minerals. Excessive consumption of fish liver oil can lead to an overdose of vitamins A and D, resulting in
bone diseases.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High Aesthetic Appeal: Snowshoe cats are born entirely with snow-white fur, and it is only
between 1-2 years of age that patterns gradually appear. The most charming feature is the four snow-white
paws, adding significantly to their overall aesthetic appeal. Combining the advantages of the American
Shorthair and Siamese breeds, Snowshoe cats have excellent appearance and temperament, with large round eyes
and well-proportioned bodies, making them very visually appealing. - Mild Temperament: Snowshoe cats are known for their gentle nature, not only in interactions
with people but also in harmonious relationships with other cats. Their friendliness towards other cats and
moderate dependence on family members make them highly popular.
Cons:
- Active and Energetic: While being lively and energetic is generally an advantage, it can
become a drawback when considering a cat’s mischievous behavior. Active Snowshoe cats tend to explore and
touch everything with strong curiosity, often causing small items to be knocked down. - Shedding: Although Snowshoe cats have short hair, shedding is noticeable during seasonal
changes. While it is not as severe as some long-haired cats, it’s still significant. If you cannot tolerate
a house filled with cat hair during shedding seasons, regular grooming is necessary.