Breed Guide

Snowshoe

General Information

The Snowshoe is a striking and affectionate cat breed known for its unique white “snow boots,” inverted white facial “V,” and vivid blue eyes. A cross between the Siamese and the American Shorthair, this breed combines elegance with athleticism. Snowshoes are intelligent, social, and playful companions who enjoy being around their human families. They are curious, expressive, and often use their gentle voices to communicate, forming strong emotional bonds and thriving in interactive, loving homes.

Physical:

The Snowshoe has a medium-sized, muscular body that balances strength and grace. Its short, sleek coat lies close to the body, with distinct color points on the ears, tail, and face—similar to a Siamese—but always paired with white markings on the paws, chest, and often an inverted white “V” on the face. Eye color is always a vivid blue, ranging from deep sapphire to light sky tones. The head is slightly rounded with a medium-length nose and well-proportioned ears. Their athletic build and strong legs make them agile jumpers and energetic players, while their silky coat gives them an elegant, polished appearance.

Personality:

The Snowshoe is affectionate, intelligent, and highly social. They love spending time with their humans and often follow them from room to room, offering gentle companionship rather than constant demands. Known for their soft, melodic voices, Snowshoes are more talkative than most cats—but quieter than their Siamese ancestors. They enjoy interactive play and can even learn to fetch or open doors. Despite their athleticism, they are emotionally sensitive and thrive in calm, loving environments. With proper socialization, they get along well with children, other cats, and even cat-friendly dogs.

Health & Care:

The Snowshoe has a short to medium-length coat that is smooth, dense, and silky to the touch. Because of their short coat, grooming is minimal—brushing once a week is enough to remove loose hair and keep the coat shiny.

Hygiene

Full baths are rarely needed and only when the cat is visibly dirty, using a mild, cat-safe shampoo.

Nails should be trimmed every 2–3 weeks with a proper cat nail clipper.

Teeth should be brushed 2–3 times per week using a cat toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste—ask a vet to demonstrate proper technique if you’ve never done this before.

Ears should be checked weekly and cleaned gently with a cotton pad or a vet-recommended solution as needed.

Common Health Issues

The Snowshoe is generally a healthy and robust breed, though a few conditions may appear due to their Siamese ancestry. Some cats can be prone to dental problems, so regular teeth cleaning is important. They may also develop heart conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), though this is not overly common.

Maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring regular vet visits, and keeping them at a healthy weight are key to preventing most issues.

History:

Origin

The Snowshoe originated in the United States in the 1960s, when a Siamese breeder in Philadelphia named Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty discovered kittens in her litter with unique white paws—an unusual trait for Siamese cats. Intrigued, she began selectively breeding Siamese cats with American Shorthairs to stabilize this charming feature.

The result was a cat with the Siamese’s striking blue eyes and pointed pattern but with a sturdier body and white markings on the face, chest, and feet—hence the name Snowshoe. Although it took years for the breed to gain official recognition, the Snowshoe is now admired worldwide for its gentle temperament, balanced looks, and affectionate nature.

Extra Infos: