The Snowshoe is a very eye catching cat with a charming personality, and very people minded. They love to spend time with you and to be involved in whatever is happening in the home. They are intelligentand sociable and mix readily with other cats, dogs and of course children. Having good looks and being very sociable they also make excellent show cats. The perfect cat!

They are very active and will benefit from spending time with their humans as they love interactive play. A climbing frame, the taller the better, preferably with a tunnel and beds will help entertain them when you're not at home. A second kitten will of course be most welcome as a companion, especially if you are at work for the greater part of the day.

 

DESCRIPTION:

The cats are described as ' foreign' type. They are pointed pattern, shorthaired and have blue eyes, the brighter the shade the better. Average weights are : Female 6 - 9 lbs (2.7kg-4.1kg) and males 10 - 12lbs (4.5kg- 5.5kg).

They usually have a good appetite and may need to have their weight checked occasionally. They thrive on a good premium food not usually requiring any special diet. Fresh water should be available daily.

 

GROOMING:

Their good looks are easily maintained, a light brushing with a soft bristle brush is usually the only coat care required. Eyes and ears should be checked daily and gently wiped if necessary, with nails being trimmed once a month. Teeth should be checked occasionally, especially if the cat is seen to be 'fiddling' with it's mouth.

 

COLOURS:

The Snowshoe may be bred in all the Siamese colours, although the seal and blue are the most popular as they provide the greatest contrast withthe white patterning.

Patterns vary from cat to cat. They can be found without any white at all, known as 'colourpointed'. These cats may not be shown in pedigree classes but may be used in breeding programmes, and of course as they have the superb Snowshoe temperament they can be shown in the Pedigree Pet classes.

As well as the solid point colours the Snowshoe can be found in tabby and occasionally tortie varieties.

 

 

 

KITTEN COLOURS:

In common with all other pointed breeds Snowshoe kittens are born white, with the patterns and colours beginning to show from around five or six days old. Although the pattern is relatively easy to see at this age it can take a couple more weeks to be sure of the colours.

 

PATTERNS:

The patterns currently recognised for showing are:

 

MITTED. Pointed (Siamese/Colourpoint) pattern overlaid with white mittens on the front paws and boots on the hind legs. Chin, throat, chest and belly may also be white.

 

CLASSIC or PREFERRED pattern. This is the same as the mitted but with the addition of a white facial 'vee' which runs from the muzzle and nose and up between the eyes.

 

BICOLOUR. Pointed pattern showing varying degrees of white. The white on the front feet may extend to include the whole leg while on the hind legs the white may extend above the hocks and right up to the hips.

 

HARLEQUIN. Pointed pattern with the white extending to cover up to two thirds of the body.

 

 

 

 

Whichever pattern you choose if you want a cat for show it is preferable to choose a symmetrically marked one.

For more information visit Snowshoe Cat Society