Snowshoe cat breed

Snowshoe cat breed information and advice

The Snowshoe cat is a new and developing breed. The breed, first known as “Silver Laces”, originated in Pennsylvania, USA in the early 1960s from American Shorthair and Siamese breeds. Three Siamese kittens born with white feet formed the foundation of the breed. These were then bred with American Bi-coloured Shorthairs. The breed was named ‘Snowshoe’ because of their white feet.

With their endearing personalities and distinctive white paws, the Snowshoe is a rare but increasingly popular breed. They’re intelligent, affectionate and easy to care for. They’ll get along with everyone, including dogs. But be prepared to give these energetic and playful cats lots of attention.

Snowshoe cat facts

Snowshoe cat insurance

The Snowshoe cat is generally a healthy and robust breed. But they can have several breed-related problems owing to their Siamese and American Shorthair ancestry. It’s always important to protect your cat with pet insurance. Cat insurance will help with the cost of any treatment that your furry friend may need.

Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance

With Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance, there are flexible options to make sure you get your Snowshoe cat the pet insurance they need. We offer different policies to help you find the cover that’s right for you and your cat.

How to care for a Snowshoe cat

Snowshoe cats are low maintenance and will only need grooming once a week. They should have a balanced diet and have lots of exercise.

Temperament and behaviour

Snowshoes are affectionate, loyal and docile and usually bond closely to one person. They don’t like to be left alone all day. If their owners are out at work, a companion cat or a littermate will keep them company. Sainsbury’s Bank does offer multi-pet insurance.

Like their Siamese ancestors, they can be talkative, but their meowing is soft and melodic. If kept indoors, make sure they have lots of toys, perches, and places to hide. And, of course, places to curl up and have a nap. They might be too active to be a lap cat though.

They’re not known to have a high prey drive but will enjoy playing with interactive toys. They also like playing in water, especially running water, and some have even been known to enjoy a swim.

Common health problems

The Snowshoe cat is considered a healthy breed, but every cat is at risk of illness or injury. Taking out Snowshoe cat insurance will help cover any health conditions your cat may need.

How long do Snowshoe cats live?

The average lifespan of a Snowshoe cat is 12-15 years. But how long they live depends on how well they’re cared for and if they’re free from any inherited heart or kidney conditions.

How much is a Snowshoe cat?

A well-bred Snowshoe kitten from a reputable breeder can cost upwards of £350.

Are Snowshoe cats rare?

The Snowshoe is a rare cat breed. This is partly due to the difficulty in breeding Snowshoes with the desired markings and patterns.

Are Snowshoe cats hypoallergenic?

No cat is entirely hypoallergenic. However, the Snowshoe does produce less of the glycoprotein Fel d1 in their saliva. If you have a cat allergy, this might make them less allergenic than other breeds.

So, is a Snowshoe cat right for you?

Snowshoe cats are smart, affectionate and low maintenance cats. They usually have a favourite person but will get along with everyone. They thrive in families that can give them lots of attention. This means they are suited to busy households with children, other cats and, even cat-friendly dogs.

Their sweet personalities make them great companions for single people too. They don’t like to be left alone for very long, so they may need a littermate or another cat to keep them company.