Snowshoe | Blue-Eyed & White-Pawed Cat Breed
The Snowshoe cats are friendly and active by nature and is well-loved by many people who own cats as pets. The Snowshoe cat is one of a kind; it has white paws, blue sparkling eyes and is incredibly friendly. If you are thinking of adopting a Snowshoe, be prepared to have one of the most beautiful babies that are intelligent as well as affectionate.
In this article, let’s explore the history, types, requirements, characteristics of the Snowshoe cat, and some tips for this breed’s proper care, interesting facts, and questions and answers.
History of the Snowshoe Cat
The Snowshoe cat is a fairly young breed, having been developed in the 1960s in the United States of America. It originated from mating of a domestic shorthair cat with white paws and a Siamese cat. The kittens grow up to have white paws and the beautiful look of the Siamese breed with an extra addition of friendly personalities.
The Snowshoe cat was first bred by breeder Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty and is known to be the breed that she developed. She chose the domestic shorthair cats with white feet and bred them with Siamese cats and devoted much efforts to improve the breed standard. Over the years, she was able to breed the Snowshoe cat with its white color on the paws, inverted ‘V’ shape marking on the face and its intelligent, friendly and playful temperament.
The breed was admitted into The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1989 and by other associations in the following years. Since then the Snowshoe cat has become even more popular because of it nice looks and friendly temperament.
Classification of the Snowshoe Cat
By Purpose
The Snowshoe cat was developed for the purpose of being friendly, active, and sociable towards people. Unlike some breeds that have been bred for a particular working or hunting job, the Snowshoe cat was created to be a companion. Snowshoe breed is quite playful, intelligent and becomes very attached to the human members of the family.
There are various reasons as to why snowshoe cats should be taken as pets at homes; these include families, single people, and the elderly. They are appropriate for children mainly because they are playful and not aggressive dogs. They are also very social animals and thus can easily adapt to living with other pets such as other cats and even dogs.
By Size
Snowshoe cats are medium in size and they have an athletic physique with muscular build. It has an average weight of between 8-12 pounds and the male specimens are slightly bigger than the females. Snowshoes are also characterized as rather flexible and muscular animals, which makes them good climbers and jumpers. It has the lithe build and the strong bone structure of a cat that is at the same time both elegant and muscular.
Consequently, with respect to the physical attributes, Snowshoes are characterized by their coat and markings. They have a short to medium length of hair which is short and dense thus requiring minimal grooming. The colour preferences for Snowshoe cats are white with various colour points such as seal point, blue and black. Their most distinct characteristic is the white fur on their paws thus making them easily identifiable.
Most Popular Snowshoe Cats
The Snowshoe cat has become rather popular because of its pretty coat and friendly character. Even though it can be said that Snowshoes are not as popular as Siamese or Persian cats, for instance, their popularity is growing gradually.
Snowshoe cats have been displayed in different cat events and competitions and still emerge winners due to their beauty and character. They have also been popularly embraced because they are easy to train and have a friendly nature, thus perfect for most families.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Snowshoe Cat
Thus, the following are the various considerations you need to make before you introduce a Snowshoe cat into your household:
Temperament: The snowshoe cats are friendly, playful and quite spirited. They are very sociable animals and prefer to be with their human family members; the animals are noted to be very friendly. However, they may feel bored when left alone for long and this means one needs to ask himself whether he or she will have time to spend with them.
Health Concerns: Like any other breed, Snowshoe cats are vulnerable to one health condition or the other. They are not generally sickly, but they are vulnerable to hip dysplasia and heart disease which are diseases that are common in medium to large breeds. These animals should be taken for regular veterinary checkups for them to be in good health.
Grooming Needs: The coat of the Snowshoe cat is short, and therefore it does not require much attention when it comes to grooming. They do not need much attention to their appearance, but it is good to brush them often to avoid hairballs and to make their fur shimmer. It is only necessary to bathe the cat when it becomes very dirty for one or two reasons such as rolling in mud or something dirty.
Activity Level: Snowshoe cats are playful cats and so they will need enough space to roam and play within the house. They like chasing toys, climbing, and interacting with their owners so to keep them happy they need to be stimulated mentally.
Explore Other Popular Breeds
Where to Purchase Snowshoe Cat
If you wish to become an owner of a Snowshoe cat, you should choose a breeder who works with Snowshoe cats. Snowshoes are still a rare breed and it is crucial to select a breeder that practices healthy breeding and takes care of the cats.
When buying a Snowshoe kitten ensure that the breeder has the health records of the cat and this should include the vaccination records and the test records. Also, enquire about the cat’s parents and whether they have been tested for inherited diseases so as to be guaranteed with a healthy and purebred kitten.
Tips for Responsible Snowshoe Cat Ownership
Fancying Snowshoe cat is delightful but it also has its own demands. Here are some important tips that can help you in order to make the Snowshoe cat to be healthy :
Grooming: It is important to provide socialization to the Snowshoe cats as they are social cats and prefer to spend time with the members of the family. Make sure to pay them attention and company. In your absence for long hours, it is advisable to get another pet to keep the other company.
Enrich Their Environment: Snowshoes are intelligent cats that need to be stimulated and kept busy all the time. They like using toys, climbing structures and play on games. Provide them with different toys and activities so that they can be able to be engaged and their minds occupied.
Take Proper Training: Make sure that your Snowshoe gets enough training to keep him healthy and fit all the time. Bear in mind that obesity may be a problem with such lifestyles, so avoid over-eating or having large portions of food. Always, consult your veterinarian regarding the type of food that is best suited for your cat especially with regard to its age and activity level.
Another is that it is recommended to take your Snowshoe to a vet for check-ups and at least once a year. These are regular checkups that are recommended to be done every year so that any diseases can be detected early. It is recommended to regularly vaccinate your cat and protect him from parasites so that he can live a long and healthy life.
Fun Facts About Snowshoe Cats
Originating from Their Paws: The Snowshoe cat has white paws and this gives the cat its name since the white paws resemble snow shoes. This is where the breed gets its name Most of the remaining dogs were small and came from the town of Bologna in Italy.
Joviality: The Snowshoe cats are known to be playful and inquisitive cats. They like toys and games, and the most suitable are those that involve chasing such as the balls and toys that can be thrown and fetched back. They can be seen chasing toys, dashing in circles within the house, or even climbing up to the highest levels.
Vocal and Expressive: Snowshoes are also quite vocal and are known to make meowing sounds when interacting with their owners. They are not aggressive but also love to chat with people and their close ones.
FAQs About Snowshoe Cats
Conclusion
The Snowshoe cat is friendly, sociable, playful and would do well in any type of homes: families, singles, and seniors. This is due to its physical appearance especially the white fur on the paws as well as its friendly behavior. Love, care, and an appropriate environment for your Snowshoe cat will give you years of pleasant company from this wonderful pet. If you need a playmate or a companion that will cuddle with you at night, then the Snowshoe cat will indeed be a beloved addition to your home.