If you're looking for a rare breed with more charisma than the average feline, the Snowshoe Siamese cat fits the bill perfectly! Possessing a wealth of enchanting traits, the Snowshoe is the ideal cat for people who like to spend a lot of time with their feline companion and who will appreciate having an intelligent cat with oodles of affection to share. They need more attention than the average cat, so if you are home a lot, the Snowshoe would be a great companion for you.
Facts About the Snowshoe Siamese Cats and Kittens
First appearing in the 1960s in the United States, a result of cross-breeding between a Siamese and a bi-colored American Shorthair, the Snowshoe Siamese inherits the best of both of these wonderful breeds and is becoming increasingly popular with cat lovers throughout the world.
Snowshoe Siamese Breeding
Over the years, Oriental Shorthairs were also bred with American Shorthairs, but today, Snowshoe Siamese usually are the result of breedings of Snowshoe to Snowshoe. Any of the three breeds are acceptable for out-crosses provided they are the right color. Out crosses are generally made to expand the gene pool, introduce new colors, or improve specific desirable traits within the lines.
Snowshoe Siamese Temperament
The Snowshoe's soft and melodious voice is used to communicate or "talk" to its people and particularly its special person. Although gregarious and friendly with the entire family, the Snowshoe will often attach itself very closely to one person and follow him or her around the house.
Possessing a sweet temperament, the Snowshoe gets along well with other animals in the household, so it's a great fit in a home with dogs and other cats. In fact, these cats don't tell to do well alone so it's best to have another pet companion for them if you are not home all day. These cats also love playing with the trickle of running water, and their energy and playful attitude is infectious!
Snowshoe Siamese Health
With a solid history of good health, the Snowshoe tops the list for a great choice for a cat-loving family who embraces life in the home! They are not known for any specific genetic diseases. You may occasionally encounter a Snowshoe Siamese with a defect however such as a kinked tail or crossed eyes.
Description of the Snowshoe Siamese Cat
The Siamese Snowshoe is sturdy with white markings on the face, chest and feet; hence the name snowshoe. Often small through medium-sized with a lean muscular appearance, Snowshoe Siamese have medium to large triangular ears and intense blue eyes making for a strikingly beautiful appearance.
Snowshoe Cat Breed Standards
The Snowshoe is accepted by AACE, ACFA, CFF and TICA. As with all purebred cats, there are a specific set of criteria the cat is judged by. Breed standards set the bar for perfection in any particular breed. The following are the ideal physical characteristics of Snowshoe Siamese.
Head
- Wide as it is long
- Triangular, however, may be slightly rounded (apple head shape like traditional cat head)
- Medium size
- Good proportion and visual balance with the rest of the body
- High set cheek bones
- Nose of good length, neither extremely broad nor extremely pointed and in proportion to the rest of the head
- Forehead should be a flat plane rising slightly above the muzzle giving the appearance of two distinct, parallel planes, no less than the width of an eye between the eyes
- When the whiskers are smoothed back, the underlying bone structure is evident with allowances for stud jowls in older males
- Ears are medium to medium-large with slightly rounded tips
- Exhibits striking black or black-based color points
Coat
- Short-haired
- Solid and white patterns
- Points are on ears, tails, face-mask, and sometimes the legs are black or black-based colors
- Body has an even coloration with subtle shading to point color on the back
- Patterns vary, however, will typically fall along the face, chest, stomach, and paws
Paws
Paw pads may be white, point color, flesh tone or mottled with the color and darkening with age, even to the point of turning a chocolate brown shade. Snowshoe cats come in blue, lilac, lynx, fawn, chocolate and seal points.
Is the Snowshoe Siamese for You?
When choosing a cat breed to bring into your family and home, it is crucial to do the research about the breeds you are considering.
Is Your Lifestyle Compatible?
It is important to assess your lifestyle and the place a cat or cats will have in it. Do not consider the Snowshoe unless you can give this cat the time and attention on which it thrives. This is not a breed for busy people who work long hours, travel often, or are otherwise away from the home for extended periods. Keep in mind Snowshoes require considerably more attention than many other breeds of cat and are a fabulous match for cat lovers who enjoy a retired or work-at-home lifestyle.
Meet Snowshoe Breeders
If there are Snowshoe breeders in your local area, arrange to visit and meet them in person. Breeders are one of the best sources of information on the care and lifestyle of their chosen breed. Look for breeders through The International Cat Association and the American Cat Fanciers' Association.
Snowshoe Clubs
Cat lovers are discriminating, and every cat breed has its aficionados. Cat clubs dedicated to exclusive cat breeds abound. Just one of the many cat clubs dedicated to the irresistible qualities of the Snowshoe is Snowshoe Cats.
Choosing a Snowshoe Breeder
Due to their increasing popularity, there are a number of breeders of Snowshoes. It is wise to be extremely careful in your investigation of these breeders. Conduct thorough research by email, telephone, and in person (if possible) before deciding upon a breeder. While breeders should certainly interview you as a potential forever home offering their kitten or adult cat a loving environment, you as the potential purchaser must likewise interview the breeder paying close attention to detail. Make sure you feel comfortable about the breeder and pay close attention to whether the facility is clean and well managed. Most importantly, the breeder should express through words as well as actions their complete love of the cats. Get as many references as you can and check them out thoroughly for credibility. It's important to only deal with the best of the best, people who absolutely love the breed and do not simply breed rare and exotic cats like the Snowshoe to make money!
