Snowshoe
The Good
- Incredibly affectionate and forms strong bonds with their humans
- Excellent with children and other pets, making them perfect family cats
- Smart and trainable - can learn tricks and even walk on a leash
- Low-maintenance grooming needs with their short, easy-care coat
The Real
- Can't handle being alone for long periods - they genuinely need companionship
- Quite vocal and chatty, though softer than their Siamese relatives
- Rare breed means higher costs and potentially long waiting lists
- Need plenty of mental stimulation and enrichment to stay happy
Gallery
Breed Overview
The Snowshoe is like having the best of both worlds - imagine the striking beauty of a Siamese with the laid-back charm of an American Shorthair, all wrapped up in those adorable white "boots" that give them their name. These medium to large cats are absolute people-pleasers who'll follow you around your Brisbane apartment or sprawling Perth home with equal enthusiasm.
What makes Snowshoes truly special is their balanced personality. They've inherited the Siamese love of conversation but with a much more melodic voice - think gentle chirps rather than demanding yowls. They're incredibly social cats who genuinely enjoy being part of family life, whether that's supervising your work-from-home setup in Melbourne or joining weekend barbecues on the Gold Coast (from a safe indoor vantage point, of course).
These cats are proper little athletes too - they love climbing, playing fetch, and even enjoy water play, which can be a blessing during those sweltering Adelaide summers. Their intelligence makes them wonderfully trainable, and many Snowshoe owners find their cats can learn to walk on a leash for supervised outdoor adventures.
The breed's rarity means you'll definitely turn heads at the local vet clinic, but it also means patience and a decent budget are essential when searching for your perfect Snowshoe companion.
History
The Snowshoe's story begins in 1960s America with Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty, a Siamese breeder who discovered something extraordinary in one of her litters - three kittens sporting perfect white paws that looked like they'd stepped through fresh snow. Rather than seeing this as a breeding "mistake," she recognised the potential for something special and began deliberately crossing these white-footed Siamese cats with American Shorthairs that had tuxedo markings.
The goal was ambitious: create a cat with the Siamese's striking colour-point pattern and intelligence, but with the American Shorthair's more relaxed temperament and those distinctive white markings. It wasn't easy work - the white markings are controlled by recessive genes, making consistent breeding results quite challenging.
By the late 1970s, Vikki Olander had taken over the breeding programme and found herself the only Snowshoe breeder in the United States. The breed nearly went extinct during this period, but thankfully, other dedicated breeders stepped in to save these remarkable cats. The breed slowly gained recognition, with the Cat Fanciers' Association accepting them in 1982 and The International Cat Association following suit in 1994.
Interestingly, the breed gained unexpected fame through Grumpy Cat, the internet sensation whose distinctive markings came from her Snowshoe heritage (though her grumpy expression was due to dwarfism, not typical breed characteristics). Today, Snowshoes remain one of the rarer breeds, making them quite special for Australian cat lovers lucky enough to share their homes with one.
Traits & Characteristics
Snowshoe characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Snowshoes are generally robust cats with excellent longevity, often living 14-20 years with proper care. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions. The most significant concern is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart condition that causes thickening of the heart walls. Since genetic testing isn't available for Snowshoes, regular cardiac screenings with your local vet are crucial, especially if you're considering breeding.
Some Snowshoes may also develop pica - the tendency to eat non-food items, particularly wool or fabric. This behaviour, inherited from their Siamese lineage, can be dangerous if they ingest harmful materials. Keep an eye on your cat's chewing habits and cat-proof your Canberra apartment or Darwin home accordingly.
Australian Seasonal Care: During those scorching 35°C+ summer days across most of Australia, ensure your Snowshoe has access to air conditioning or cooling mats, as their moderate coat can still cause overheating. In humid Brisbane or tropical Cairns, maintain good ventilation to prevent skin issues. Winter care varies dramatically - while Sydney cats might need a warm bed during 5°C mornings, Perth cats rarely face such cold. However, in Melbourne's unpredictable weather or Hobart's genuine winters, provide warm sleeping spots away from drafts.
Watch for signs of temperature stress: excessive panting, lethargy, or seeking extreme cool/warm spots. Keep fresh water available year-round, and during summer, consider multiple water stations throughout your home. For rural Australian owners, be mindful of tick prevention in eastern states and snake awareness, as these curious cats love exploring.
Snowshoes thrive on high-quality, meat-based diets that meet their needs as obligate carnivores. Look for foods that comply with Australian pet food standards and contain adequate taurine - an essential amino acid found in animal proteins that prevents serious heart and eye problems.
These active cats benefit from portion control rather than free-feeding, especially given their American Shorthair heritage can predispose them to weight gain. Most Snowshoes do well with two to three smaller meals daily rather than one large serving. During Melbourne's chilly winters or Darwin's humid summers, monitor their appetite as temperature changes can affect eating patterns.
Consider incorporating puzzle feeders or foraging mats to engage their hunting instincts - these intelligent cats love the mental challenge of "working" for their food. This is particularly beneficial for apartment-dwelling Snowshoes in Sydney or Perth who might not have as many natural enrichment opportunities.
Given their playful nature, treats can be excellent training rewards, but keep them under 10% of daily caloric intake. Fresh water should always be available, and many Snowshoes enjoy drinking from pet fountains - their fascination with water makes this both practical and entertaining.
As your Snowshoe reaches their senior years (around 10+), discuss transitioning to a senior-specific diet with your Australian vet. These formulations often include joint-supporting omega-3 fatty acids, which can help maintain mobility during those active Brisbane beach walks or Melbourne park adventures on their leash.
One of the Snowshoe's greatest appeals is their relatively low-maintenance grooming needs. Their short, single-layer coat doesn't mat easily and requires only weekly brushing with a rubber grooming brush to remove dead hairs and distribute natural oils. During spring and autumn shedding seasons, you might want to increase this to twice weekly, especially if you're living in areas with distinct seasonal changes like Adelaide or Canberra.
These cats are naturally clean and rarely need baths unless they've gotten into something messy during their curious explorations. However, many Snowshoes actually enjoy water, so don't be surprised if yours joins you in the bathroom or plays in their water bowl - particularly refreshing during those steamy Gold Coast summers.
Regular nail trims every 2-3 weeks will keep their claws healthy and protect your furniture. Their ears should be checked weekly for any signs of wax buildup or infection, and dental care is crucial - aim for regular teeth brushing if your cat tolerates it, or provide dental treats and toys.
Coat Specifications:
- Coat Length: Short, single-layer coat that's dense but not fluffy
- Coat Colours: Light body with darker points in blue, chocolate, cinnamon, or lilac variations
- Coat Patterns: Colourpoint with distinctive white markings on chest, paws, and facial areas
- Hypoallergenic: No, they produce normal amounts of allergens despite their short coat
The grooming routine is perfect for busy Australian families - a weekly brush while watching the footy or during weekend Netflix sessions is usually sufficient to keep your Snowshoe looking their stunning best.
Snowshoes are among the more trainable cat breeds, combining high intelligence with a genuine desire to please their humans. Their athletic nature and social personality make them excellent candidates for clicker training, and many Australian owners successfully teach their Snowshoes to fetch, sit, and even walk on a leash - perfect for exploring those beautiful coastal paths around Byron Bay or the botanical gardens in Melbourne.
Mental stimulation is absolutely crucial for these bright cats. Puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing toys, and rotating toy selection will keep them engaged during those long work-from-home days in your Sydney apartment or Perth suburban home. They particularly enjoy interactive play sessions - aim for four 10-minute sessions daily using feather wands, laser pointers (always ending with a physical toy they can "catch"), or motorised mice.
Their love of climbing means tall cat trees are essential, especially near windows where they can watch the world go by. This is particularly important for apartment dwellers in Brisbane or Adelaide high-rises where vertical space maximises their territory.
Socialisation remains important throughout their lives. These cats thrive on routine social interaction, making them perfect for families with predictable schedules. If you work long hours, consider puzzle toys that dispense treats throughout the day, or even a companion cat - Snowshoes often do brilliantly in pairs.
Their water fascination can be turned into enrichment too. Shallow water play areas or pet fountains provide both hydration and entertainment, especially valuable during Australia's intense summer months when indoor cats need extra engagement.
Who is an ideal owner?
Snowshoes are perfect for Australian families who want an interactive, engaging feline companion rather than an independent cat who'll ignore them. They're ideal for households where someone is home most of the time - whether that's work-from-home professionals in Melbourne's inner suburbs, retirees on the Sunshine Coast, or families with school-age children in Perth's outer areas.
These cats suit active households that appreciate a chatty, social pet. If you enjoy teaching tricks, going for supervised outdoor adventures, or having a cat that genuinely wants to be part of family activities, a Snowshoe could be your perfect match. They're excellent for first-time cat owners who want a responsive, affectionate breed that's forgiving of mistakes.
Apartment living works well for Snowshoes provided they receive adequate mental stimulation and aren't left alone for extended periods. They're suitable for rental properties as they're generally well-behaved and trainable. However, check your lease agreement and body corporate rules first.
Families with children will find Snowshoes particularly rewarding - these cats genuinely enjoy gentle play with kids and can become wonderful companions for teenagers dealing with school stress. They also work well in multi-pet households, often becoming the social coordinator among resident cats and dogs.
However, they're not suitable for people who travel frequently for work or prefer very quiet, low-maintenance pets. Their need for social interaction and mental stimulation means they require engaged, committed owners who view them as family members rather than independent housemates.
Interesting facts about the Snowshoe
Interesting Fact
Snowshoe kittens are born completely white, with their distinctive colour points and markings developing as they mature
Interesting Fact
The breed nearly went extinct in the 1970s when only one breeder in the entire United States was working with them
Interesting Fact
Their white markings are controlled by recessive genes, making it challenging to breed cats with the perfect "snowshoe" pattern
Interesting Fact
Many Snowshoes inherit a fascination with water from their genetics, often playing in water bowls or joining owners in the bathroom
FAQ
Snowshoes are generally cuddly cats who enjoy human contact and don't mind being held or settling on laps. However, like all cats, individual preferences vary - some love extended cuddle sessions while others prefer to show affection by staying close rather than being physically restrained.
Expect to pay $2,000-$3,500 AUD for a Snowshoe kitten from a reputable breeder. Due to their rarity, you may need to join waiting lists or travel interstate. Always budget for additional costs like vaccinations, desexing, and pet insurance, which can add another $1,000+ in the first year.
Absolutely! Snowshoes adapt well to apartment living provided they receive adequate mental stimulation and aren't left alone for long periods. Their moderate size and trainable nature make them excellent urban companions, though they'll need plenty of vertical climbing space and interactive toys.
Snowshoes can be quite vocal, inheriting some chattiness from their Siamese ancestry, but their voices are typically softer and more melodic. They enjoy "conversations" with their humans and may chirp or trill when excited, but they're generally less demanding than pure Siamese cats.
Weekly brushing is usually sufficient for their short, single-layer coat. During spring and autumn shedding seasons, you might want to brush twice weekly. They're naturally clean cats and rarely need baths unless they've gotten into something messy.
Excellent with both! Snowshoes are known for their social, adaptable nature and typically do very well with respectful children and other pets, including dogs. Proper introductions and early socialisation help ensure the best relationships.
With their short coat, Snowshoes generally cope well with heat but need access to cool areas during extreme temperatures (35°C+). Ensure they have air conditioning or cooling mats, fresh water, and avoid letting them overheat during outdoor supervised time.
Snowshoes really struggle with extended alone time and can become depressed or develop behavioural issues. If you work full-time, consider getting two cats for companionship, arranging midday visits, or ensuring you can provide intensive interaction before and after work.