The Snowshoe cat originated by crossing a Siamese with a Bicolor American Shorthair.
Dorothy Hinds Daughtery, who owned the Kensijng Cattery in Philadelphia, Pa., was the original breeder. She passed the Snowshoe breed to Vikki Orlander who resided in Norfolk, Virginia.
The Traditional Snowshoe has short hair, four white feet that extend over its ankles, and a white “v” shaped marking over the nose and muzzle. The head is shaped like a modified triangle. The body is muscular but not overly so, with the look of a runner. The white pattern should not cover more than two-thirds of the body.
Males are larger in size than females; they can weigh up to 12 pounds. It is considered a medium to large cat with bright blue eyes. The eyes are oval in shape when the cat is undisturbed, but when alert, the eyes become walnut in shape. The name of Snowshoe originated because of the combination of points and white patterns on its feet.
The Snowshoe’s personality is similar to the Siamese. They are gregarious, love human contact, and are very intelligent. Unlike the load, raucous Siamese, the Snowshoe has a light faint voice. It also has an interest in water and likes to watch it move.
The genetic defects of this breed are small but when considering breeding the Traditional Snowshoe, the amount of white fur is hard to manage. The longevity of the Snowshoe Siamese is 10 to 12 years.
Official Breed Recognition
The Snowshoe is popular in America and all over the world. It was recognized by The American Cat Association in 1974. Cat Fanciers Association saw the Snowshoe as an untried breed. The Snowshoe gained in popularity in 1977 after a lack of interest between 1960 and 1977. The CFF helped the Snowshoe gain a championship level at their semi-annual meeting in 1982.
Maia Sornson helped the breed gain recognition in the CFF, ACFA and TICA and is dealing with the Cat Fanciers association to have the Snowshoe acknowledged by them.
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