Snowshoe
The blue-eyed pointed cat with four white socks
The Snowshoe was created in the 1960s in Philadelphia, when a breeder noticed Siamese kittens with white feet. Breeders crossed Siamese with American Shorthairs, and the result was a pointed cat with white paws, which the breeder named for its “snowshoes”.
It is a rare breed, and a beautiful one: a blue-eyed pointed cat with four white socks and a sweet nature.
Snowshoe at a glance
- Origin
- Philadelphia, USA
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- Usually 3 to 5.5 kg
- Lifespan
- Often 12 to 17 years
- Coat
- Short, smooth and fine
- Colours
- Pointed (seal and blue are the best known), with white feet and often an inverted V on the face
Personality scorecard
- Energy
- 4 out of 5
- Affection
- 5 out of 5
- Chattiness
- 3 out of 5
- Grooming needed
- 1 out of 5
- Good with children
- 4 out of 5
- Good with other pets
- 4 out of 5
Our own rough guide. Every cat is different.
What they look like
A medium-sized, muscular cat, a little heavier than a Siamese, with a rounded wedge head and bright blue eyes. The coat is pointed, with a darker face, ears, tail and legs, and a paler body. Each foot is white, and many have a white inverted V that runs down the nose.
Personality
Sociable, gentle and chatty. Snowshoes love company and are usually friendly with children, other cats and even dogs. They are clever, enjoy games and often follow their people from room to room. Many like water, and they do not enjoy being left alone for long.
Care and grooming
Very little grooming: a weekly brush. They need company, play and climbing space. Keep portions measured, and book regular dental checks.
Health to know about
Generally healthy, but because Siamese lines were used, ask about dental disease, breathing problems and eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Kittens are born white and their points develop over time.
Could suit
- Families and homes with other pets
- Homes where someone is around most of the day
- People who want a sociable, chatty cat
Think twice if
- If you want a quiet, independent cat
- If you are out all day
- If you want a widely available breed, because Snowshoes are rare
“I wore my best socks today. Same as yesterday. Same as always.”
Name ideas for a Snowshoe
- Boots
- Socks
- Mittens
- Frosty
- Flurry
- Skate
- Powder
- Blizzard
- Sleet
- Alpine
Want more? Try the cat name generator, or find out their age in human years with the cat age calculator.
Questions people ask
Why are they called Snowshoes?
Because of their four white paws, which look like snowshoes.
Are Snowshoe cats rare?
Yes. It is one of the less common breeds, so you may need to join a waiting list.
Are Snowshoe cats vocal?
They are chatty, though usually a little quieter than a Siamese.
What is the difference between a Snowshoe and a Ragdoll?
A Snowshoe is a slimmer, short-haired cat with white feet, while a Ragdoll is a bigger, long-haired cat. Both are pointed and blue-eyed.
Other breeds to meet
This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about your own cat.
