Snowshoe Cat: White Paws, Blue Eyes and a Sociable Nature

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

The Snowshoe looks as if it has stepped in fresh snow, with four white feet, a pointed face and bright blue eyes. It is a sweet-natured breed that blends the Siamese's devotion with a calmer manner, and it is a good example of how a few spots of white can make a breed unforgettable.

Origins

The Snowshoe began in Philadelphia in the 1960s, when a breeder noticed Siamese kittens with white feet in a litter. She crossed Siamese with American Shorthairs carrying the bicolor pattern to develop a pointed cat with white mittens. The breed was recognized in the 1970s and 1980s and remains uncommon, since the white pattern is difficult to produce consistently.

Appearance

Snowshoes are medium, muscular and slightly heavier than a Siamese, with a triangular head, medium ears and vivid blue oval eyes. The short coat is pointed, with darker color on the ears, mask, legs and tail, and white feet that ideally stop at the ankle or wrist. A white inverted V on the face is the hallmark. Colors include seal and blue points, with other point colors in some registries.

Temperament

Snowshoes are devoted, gentle and talkative. They follow their people, sit on laps and join in activities, and they make soft, pleasant sounds to communicate. They are playful and intelligent and learn tricks and fetch. Many enjoy water. They usually get along with children, cats and cat-friendly dogs.

They dislike being alone and may become depressed or destructive without company. A second pet or a home with someone present suits them.

Grooming

Little is needed. Brush weekly with a rubber glove or soft brush to remove loose hair. Trim nails, check ears and brush teeth. The breed is sensitive to cold, so provide warm resting spots. See how to brush a cat.

Enrichment

Provide climbing structures, window perches, interactive toys and puzzle feeders. Aim for two daily play sessions and consider clicker training. See our indoor cat enrichment ideas.

Health

Snowshoes are generally healthy and long-lived, but they carry Siamese-linked concerns.

• Dental disease and gingivitis.
• Progressive retinal atrophy, reported in Siamese lines.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, so ask about screening.
• Respiratory issues and asthma.
• Obesity, since neutered cats gain weight easily. See how much should I feed my cat.

Ask breeders about testing, and see our cat health guides.

A day with a Snowshoe

The day starts with a morning greeting and a trip to the kitchen. A Snowshoe naps in a warm spot, then follows you from room to room, helping with chores. In the evening, it wants play and a lap, then sleeps nearby, often on the bed. Expect a gentle, steady presence with a few bursts of energy.

Questions to ask a Snowshoe breeder

• What health screening have you done on breeding cats?
• Can I see the parents, and how do the kittens' patterns compare?
• How are the kittens raised and socialized?
• What health guarantee and take-back policy do you offer?

Is a Snowshoe right for you?

A Snowshoe suits families and people who want an affectionate, social cat and are home often. It is not a match for those wanting an independent cat or who are away for long hours. For the original pointed breed, see the Siamese, and for a gentler white-gloved cat, the Birman. The cat breed finder can help you compare.

Why the pattern is hard to breed

The white feet come from a gene that is independent of the pointed pattern, and the amount of white varies from cat to cat. Breeders aim for even white mittens and the inverted V on the face, but many kittens end up with too much or too little white. Because show-quality Snowshoes are hard to produce, litters often include pet-quality kittens that have the same lovely temperament, and those are usually available at lower prices.

Snowshoes and other pets

Snowshoes are usually friendly toward other cats and cat-friendly dogs, but each cat is an individual. Introduce new pets gradually, with scent swapping and short supervised meetings. A Snowshoe that has a companion is usually happier when you are out, and many enjoy sharing a window perch or a warm bed with a feline friend.

Dental and weight care

Brush teeth several times a week if your cat allows it, and ask your vet about dental checks. Weigh your cat monthly, because a long-lived breed has many years in which extra weight can affect joints and the heart.

Costs and finding one

Snowshoes are uncommon, and prices vary. Rescues occasionally have Snowshoe and Siamese mixes. Plan for veterinary care across a long life. See cat vet visit costs for typical ranges.