Snowshoe

A Siamese in white socks

Also known as: Snowshoe cat · Snow Shoe · Silver Laces · White-footed Siamese

Snowshoe, a medium cat from United States (photo 2)

Snowshoe, a medium cat from United States (photo 3)

Snowshoe, a medium cat from United States (photo 4)

Snowshoe, a medium cat from United States (photo 5)

Photos: SnowshoeCatRu (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Cooseman22 at the English Wikipedia project (CC BY 2.5) · Cooseman22 at English Wikipedia (CC BY 2.5) · Heikki Siltala (CC BY 3.0) · FatalFit (CC0), via Wikimedia Commons.

Breed profile

23–30 cm(9–12 in)Height at the shoulder

3–5.5 kg(7–12 lb)Adult weight

12–15 yearsLife expectancy

30 min of play a dayDaily play

GroupOriental

OriginUnited States

SizeMedium

CoatShort and smooth, with little undercoat

ColoursSeal point or blue point with white feet and muzzle (mitted or bicolour); blue eyes

HypoallergenicNo

Breed dates from1960

Estimated cost in Spain*€830–1,150 a year

* An estimate for Spain in 2026 (food, litter, vet and insurance), based on the size, grooming and health needs of the breed, not on measured costs of individual cats.

What it is like

In the 1960s Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty, a breeder from Philadelphia, spotted three kittens with white feet in a Siamese litter and decided to fix the trait by crossing them with bicolour American Shorthairs. That is how the Snowshoe was born, named for its white feet. It has the coloured points of the Siamese, blue eyes, in many cats an inverted white V on the face, and a sturdier body than the modern Siamese. It is one of the hardest breeds to breed to standard, because the white is distributed rather unpredictably, and it is still rare. It is affectionate, chatty in a soft voice and very much a creature of habit.

Coat colours and patterns

Colours and patterns that are common or accepted in this breed. Each page explains where the colour comes from, the myths around it and other breeds that have it.

Mitted White spotting · Mitted, Gloves

Colourpoint Pattern · Pointed, Siamese

All cat coat colours and patterns →

Temperament

AffectionateTalkativePlayfulCreature of habit

Activity

4/5

With children

5/5

With dogs

4/5

With other cats

4/5

Ease of learning

4/5

How vocalless is better

4/5

Sheddingless is better

2/5

Brushing needsless is better

1/5

Health robustness

4/5

Indoor and flat life

4/5

Copes with being alone

2/5

For first-time owners

4/5

the more, the better the less, the better

Care

Its short coat needs little more than a weekly once-over. It needs daily play, high places and company: it handles being alone less well than an independent cat, although better than the Siamese. Many enjoy water and learning tricks for treats. It likes a stable routine; sudden changes stress it. Check its mouth and teeth every year.

Health

It is a fairly robust cat. Through its Siamese side it can inherit squint, dental problems and progressive retinal atrophy rdAc, with a DNA test. The pink nose and white areas burn in the sun if it has access to a terrace, so give it shade. Annual check-ups, and ask for the parents' test results.

General information about tendencies in the breed, not a diagnosis. Any symptom should be checked by your vet.

Fun facts

Getting a kitten with exactly the white markings in the standard is so hard that many breeders liken it to a lottery.

As in the Siamese, the kittens are born white and the points appear over the weeks.

TICA recognises it for championship, while other large registries, such as the CFA, do not accept it.

It has a reputation for getting on with water better than most cats, although that depends a lot on the individual.

Frequently asked questions

How big does a Snowshoe get?

An adult Snowshoe usually weighs 3–5.5 kg (7–12 lb) and stands about 23–30 cm (9–12 in) at the shoulder, which makes it a medium cat.

How long does a Snowshoe live?

Its usual life expectancy is 12–15 years. Living indoors, being neutered and having regular vet check-ups make the biggest difference.

Is the Snowshoe hypoallergenic?

No. It produces the usual cat allergens. If someone at home is allergic, spend time with the breed before deciding and talk to an allergist.

Is the Snowshoe good with children?

Usually yes: it tends to be patient and sociable with children. As with any cat, teach children to let it walk away when it has had enough.

How much play does a Snowshoe need?

As a guide, 30 min of play a day. Its activity score is 4 out of 5: short daily play sessions with a wand toy work better than one long one.