Snowshoe cat breed

The Snowshoe cat is a new and developing breed. They 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.

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. 

Snowshoe cats can be more prone to developing the following conditions:

• Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (AD-PKD)
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
• Gingivitis 

It’s always important to protect your cat with pet insurance. Cat insurance can help with the cost of treatment that your furry friend may need.

Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance

With Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance, there are flexible options to choose from. We offer different policies to suit your cat’s needs and your family’s budget. Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance can be taken out as soon as your cat is eight weeks old, right up until their tenth birthday. And once you have cover in place, we’ll insure your Snowshoe cat for their entire life – as long as you renew your policy year after year. Giving you one less thing to think about.

• Lifetime pet insurance covers your cat with up to £10,000 towards medical costs each year. 
• Maximum benefit provides cover up to £6,000 per year.
• Time limited covers your Snowshoe cat with vet costs for short-term health conditions of up to £3,000, or for 12 months.

Please note, we won't cover any pre-existing conditions. Terms, conditions, excesses, exclusions and limitations apply.

Snowshoe cats are low maintenance and will only need grooming once a week. Here’s how to care for your kitty to keep them happy and healthy.

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, Snoeshoe cats 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 pet insurance for your Snowshoe cat can help cover any health conditions your cat may need.

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.

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.