7 Surprising Facts About Snowshoe Cats You Probably Didn't Know

Short answer: the Snowshoe is a medium-sized, blue-eyed pointed cat with white feet, created in the United States in the early 1960s from Siamese stock. Its kittens are born white, its calm, "bombproof" temperament is part of its charm, and it is generally healthy, though polycystic kidney disease (PKD) has been reported. Here are seven facts that show what makes the breed unusual.

1. It began with four white feet

The GCCF explains that the Snowshoe began in the early 1960s with Dorothy Hinds Daugherty of Philadelphia, who noticed three kittens in a Siamese litter with four white feet. She bred them to a tuxedo-marked domestic cat, which is how the white "V" on the face arose. Your Cat magazine tells the story slightly differently, saying the cross was made with an American Shorthair, so sources vary on the details of the second parent. Either way, the breed owes its look to a lucky accident and a breeder who saw its potential. If you enjoy breed histories, read our British Shorthair guide too.

2. Kittens are born white

According to the GCCF, Snowshoe kittens are born white, and the points (face, ears, legs and tail) darken as they grow. That means a kitten's final pattern may not be clear for a while, so a breeder's pedigree and photos of the parents are more reliable than a newborn's colour.

3. The eyes are always blue

The GCCF says the eyes are deep blue in every colour and pattern. Your Cat describes bright, walnut-shaped blue eyes. Blue eyes and a pointed coat come from the breed's Siamese ancestry, the same colour-point pattern we describe in our Siamese guide.

4. There are several recognised patterns

The GCCF says all Siamese colours are possible, including tabby and tortie. Your Cat lists blue and seal point as common, and names these patterns: seal with an inverted V mask, mitted, colour-pointed, bi-colour and harlequin. The "snowshoes" give the breed its name, but how much white a cat shows varies.

5. It is built as a runner, not a weightlifter

The GCCF describes a medium-sized, athletic cat that looks like a "runner rather than a weightlifter". It gives typical weights of about 9 to 12 lb for males and 7 to 10 lb for females, while Your Cat gives 4.5 to 5.5 kg for males and 3.5 to 4.5 kg for females. These ranges overlap, and individual cats vary, so use them as a rough guide and rely on body condition. Our Snowshoe weight guide explains how to check it.

6. The temperament is calm, clever and sociable

The GCCF calls the Snowshoe "bombproof", rarely fazed, outgoing and quick to learn games such as fetch. It usually gets on with other cats, dogs and children, and often bonds closely with one person. Your Cat describes the breed as lively, extroverted, playful and mischievous, "very dog-like", and fond of supervising its owners. Both sources note that it enjoys wand toys and climbing frames, and that it does best where it will not be alone for long. For ideas, see our Snowshoe-friendly environment guide.

7. It is a talker, but a soft-voiced one

The GCCF calls the Snowshoe generally a "talker" with a soft, melodic voice, which is quieter than the Siamese's reputation. Your Cat describes one individual as very sociable and vocal. Read our guide to why Snowshoes are so vocal to learn what the chat means.

Bonus: health and lifespan

• Generally healthy. Your Cat says there are no known inherited diseases, but that PKD cases have been reported and breeders are not required to test for it. The GCCF also notes PKD has been reported.
• What PKD is. The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory describes PKD1 as an inherited form of polycystic kidney disease, mainly in Persians and Persian-derived breeds, with a DNA test available. Ask a breeder whether their cats' kidneys have been screened. See our eye and heart health guide for more on what to watch.
• Lifespan. Your Cat gives 9 to 15 years. The GCCF page quotes different figures in different places, so treat any single number with caution.
• Grooming. The coat is short and low-maintenance. Your Cat says occasional brushing helps during moulting; our hygiene guide covers the rest.

Is a Snowshoe right for you?

It suits people who want a friendly, active, adaptable companion and can offer play and company. It may not suit a home that is empty all day. If you like an affectionate cat but want something larger and fluffier, compare our Maine Coon guide.

Quick checklist

• Medium, athletic, blue-eyed, with white feet.
• Kittens are born white; points darken with age.
• Sociable, playful, "bombproof"; needs company.
• Ask the breeder about PKD screening.
• Regular vet check-ups: see our yearly check-up guide.

Keep reading

• Managing your Snowshoe cat's weight
• Decoding Snowshoe cat behavior: why they are so vocal
• How to create the ultimate Snowshoe-friendly environment
• Siamese cat guide
• British Shorthair cat guide
• How to keep your Russian Blue cat happy

Sources

• GCCF: Snowshoe breed profile
• Your Cat: Snowshoe cat breed profile
• UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory: Polycystic kidney disease (PKD1) in cats