Also called Snowshoe Siamese, Silver Laces · United States
Sweet-natured and steady, often forming a special bond with one person while staying friendly with the whole family, including children, dogs and other cats.
Sweet-natured and steady, often forming a special bond with one person while staying friendly with the whole family, including children, dogs and other cats. Snowshoes like to talk in a soft, pleasant voice. Each one has its own personality, from shy to bold.123
how to spot oneSnowshoe coat and colours
short, single-layer coat with no undercoat
A balanced, medium-sized cat with the lean, firm muscles of a runner and a rectangular body. It is a pointed cat with white 'snowshoe' feet and often a white inverted V on the face. The short, glossy coat lies close and has no undercoat. Kittens are born all white, and the points colour in gradually, taking up to two years to finish.123
Comes inseal pointblue pointchocolate pointlilac pointother Siamese colours including red, cream, cinnamon, fawn, tabby and tortie pointswhite feet and facial markingsdeep blue eyes123
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Snowshoe. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Nail trimevery 3 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
Litter scoopevery day
Litter changeevery week
PlayDaily playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
how busy a day looksSnowshoe exercise needs
High. Energetic and clever; enjoys chasing toys, learning tricks such as opening doors or walking on a leash, and splashing in shallow water.13
who they like aroundSnowshoe with people and other pets
Thrives on company and interaction; accepts other cats, dogs and children.12
the hands-on bitsSnowshoe grooming and care
Low. A weekly brush removes dead hair, plus regular nail trims and tooth brushing.12
what goes in the bowlSnowshoe food and feeding
A good-quality complete cat food with suitable protein, and fresh water every day.1
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Snowshoe, and at what times?
Feed your Snowshoe a good-quality complete cat food with suitable protein, and always provide fresh water. The exact amount and schedule depend on the food label and your cat's needs, so ask your vet for a routine that keeps them healthy.1
What should a Snowshoe eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A good-quality complete cat food with suitable protein is best. Avoid dangerous foods like alcohol, chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol, as these can harm cats.14
Does a Snowshoe need baths?
Baths are rarely needed for a Snowshoe; only bathe if they are very dirty or sticky. Their short, single-layer coat stays clean with regular brushing.5
How often does a Snowshoe need brushing?
Brush your Snowshoe once a week to remove dead hair. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days, which keeps their short coat glossy and healthy.12
How do I trim a Snowshoe's claws, and how often?
Trim your Snowshoe's nails every 10 days to 2 weeks, doing no more than two claws per session at first. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests every 21 days, but adjust based on your cat's activity.5
How much play does a Snowshoe need?
Your Snowshoe has high energy and loves chasing toys, learning tricks, and splashing in water. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends daily play to keep them happy and engaged.13
How do I look after a Snowshoe's teeth and ears?
Brush your Snowshoe's teeth regularly, ideally daily as Pet Wiki suggests every 2 days. For ears, check them weekly and clean gently if needed, but ask your vet for specific advice.12
How long does a Snowshoe live?
A Snowshoe typically lives between 9 and 15 years, with proper care and regular vet check-ups.2
Is a Snowshoe good with children and other pets?
Yes, Snowshoes are sweet-natured and steady, getting along well with children, dogs, and other cats. They often form a special bond with one person while staying friendly with everyone.123
Can a Snowshoe be left alone?
Snowshoes thrive on company and interaction, so they may not enjoy long periods alone. If left alone, provide toys and enrichment, but consider a pet sitter or another pet for company.12
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchSnowshoe health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Snowshoe. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
Fluid cysts grow in the kidneys and can cause kidney failure in middle age; a DNA test finds carriers. GCCF breed page: reported in the breed; no published rate ↗
Dental disease
Gum inflammation and tooth resorption cause pain and tooth loss; yearly dental checks help. General cat figure, not breed-specific: 50-90% of cats over four (Cornell); TICA calls the breed overall healthy ↗
Chronic kidney disease
The kidneys slowly fail in old age; early blood tests and diet changes slow it. General cat figure, not breed-specific: up to 40% of cats over ten (Cornell) ↗
Tests a good breeder can show you
DNA test for PKD1 GCCF breed page links to a lab test; no formal registration requirement found ↗
From veterinary references; the breed club publishes no health page we could find. Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Snowshoe costs
Running costs for a Snowshoe, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Snowshoe tip
Snowshoes love food puzzles and foraging mats to engage their hunting instincts, but watch their weight closely as they can easily become overweight. For dental health, look for vet-approved dental treats that help reduce plaque, and always ask your vet before introducing new treats.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Snowshoe kittens are born pure white; their point colour starts to show within a few weeks and keeps deepening for up to two years.3
2
Many Snowshoes enjoy water and some will even swim.3
3
GCCF describes the breed's temperament as 'bombproof'.2
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed was named Snowshoe because of the characteristic white feet that resemble snowshoes.6
This morning I padded softly to my human's bed and gave a gentle purr-meow. She smiled and scratched behind my ears. After breakfast I chased my feather toy across the living room, leapfrogging over the dog, who wagged his tail. Later I sat by the window, chattering at a squirrel. When my human settled on the couch, I curled on her lap and kneaded her sweater, my purr a steady hum. At dusk I splashed a paw in her water glass, just a little, then watched her laugh. A perfect day.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganSnowshoe history
In the early 1960s, Siamese breeder Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty in Philadelphia found three kittens with white feet in a Siamese litter. She crossed them with bicolour American Shorthairs to fix the look, and Vikki Olander later wrote the first standard and gained experimental status in 1974. International recognition followed through the 1990s and 2000s.123
Siamese
Ragdoll
Birman
American Shorthair