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Breed Characteristics
1 paw - breed exhibits the least amount of this characteristic
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Snowshoe Cat
| Origin And History | In the 1960s, a cat, owned by Siamese cat breeder Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty, produced a litter of Siamese kittens in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Three of the kittens had unique markings, consisting of white points and feet. Intrigued by their looks, she began working to breed cats like them, using seal point Siamese with bicolor American Shorthairs. The offspring of those cats lacked the Siamese points, but by breeding the offspring to Siamese cats, the desired look was accomplished. Hinds-Daugherty named the breed "Snowshoe" because of their white feet. Hinds-Daugherty promoted the Snowshoe at local cats shows, though they were not recognized at the time. Hinds-Daughtery eventually abandoned the Snowshoe breeding program, and it was taken up by Vikki Olander. Olander wrote the first breed standard for the Snowshoe, and succeeded in obtaining the Cat Fanciers Federation (CFF) and the American Cat Association's (ACA) "experimental breed" status for the Snowshoe in 1974. However, by 1977, Olander was the last breeder of the Snowshoe in the United States. After struggling to keep the breed alive, Olander was contacted by Jim Hoffman and Georgia Kuhnell, who were interested in the breed. Other breeders joined Olander, Hoffman, and Kuhnell, and they obtained the champion status from the CFF in 1983. In 1989, Olander left the program, as her fiancé was allergic to cats. However, by then the Snowshoe had a strong following, and the breed attained champion status with the American Cat Fanciers Association in 1990 and was recognized by The International Cat Association in 1993. Currently, breeders work to attain acceptance with the Cat Fanciers Association, but struggle with the lack of cats and breeders needed for the association's requirements. In the UK a breeding programme was started in 1986. By 1998, Mollie Southall of Coldenufforsnow Cattery joined the program, there was only one breeder left, Maureen Shackell. Between them, they had five cats to save the breed. Mollie's senior male, Ferry Vom Friedewald, is an import from Germany and gave us a completely new bloodline. Concerned with progressing the breed and widening the gene pool even further Kelly Cruse of Destrier Cats got involved in 2006, introducing new colours and patterns. Destrier Dodge Viper son of the famous Southpole JFK (face of the Snowshoe Cat Club) was the first Apricot Snowshoe known worldwide. Ultimately with team effort and dedicated breeders all over the UK bringing the Snowshoe Cat to full breed Status with the GCCF elected during the council meeting on 26 June 2013. Snowshoe Cats from 26 October 2013 will be officially be allowed to be shown at Championship level with the GCCF. The Snowshoe Cat Association was the first Snowshoe club to establish in the UK, now called The Snowshoe Cat Club In April 2005 the Snowshoe Cat Society was born. Snowshoes are also fully recognized by the Fédération Internationale Féline, the American Association of Cat Enthusiasts, and the Cat Fanciers Federation. |
| Personality | Snowshoes are generally affectionate, sweet-tempered, and mellow. They enjoy the company of humans and being given attention, and are compatible with children and other pets. Snowshoes are very social and docile, and show great devotion and love towards their owners. Consequently, the breed dislike being left alone for long periods of time and are able to cope with working hours more if they have another cat companion. Snowshoes may express themselves and their complaints vocally, though their meows are not as loud as the Siamese. The cats are also noted as being intelligent; they can learn to open various types of doors, and can be taught tricks, especially fetch. Snowshoes also enjoy water, particularly running water, and may on occasion swim. Though very active, they are not restless or easily agitated, and they have a fondness for perching in high places. |
Physical Attributes
| Appearance | One reason that the Snowshoe has not attracted more breeders in the 25 years of his existence is that blending all the genetic elements together to create the perfect Snowshoe isn't easy. Four traits in particular make it difficult. The first is the inverted 'V' facial pattern that should extend from the mouth to the whisker tufts above the eyes. This pattern is governed by the piebald white spotting gene symbolized (S). Because this gene is incompletely dominant, if a cat inherits two copies of the gene, he will have larger areas of white than a cat with one copy of the gene. The effect, however, is not consistent, and other genes can affect the white areas. It's difficult to predict how this gene will express itself, or predict which kittens will inherit two copies, so regulating the gene is a real challenge. The second trait that gives breeders pause is the white boots for which the Snowshoe was named. This trait may be governed by the piebald gene as well, or may be governed by a recessive 'gloving' (g) gene. Either way, this trait is also difficult to control. Ideally, the boots should extend to the bend of the ankle in front, and to just below the hock joint on the back feet. Often, however, the white doesn't extend high enough or extends too high. Some-times a foot will lack white, and sometimes a Snowshoe will not possess any white at all. Achieving the perfect Siamese pattern and shading can be challenging, too. The pointed pattern comes in either seal or blue point, because lavender and chocolate, being 'dilute' colours of seal and blue, tend to mask the white pattern important to this breed. On top of everything, the Snowshoe standard calls for a body type that combines the heftiness of the American Shorthair with the length of the Siamese. Although the conformation is easier to perfect than the pattern, getting just the right head shape and ear set further complicates the already complicated. With this exacting standard, it's no wonder that creating the perfect Snowshoe is a tricky task. |
| Health | Health issues do not occur very often in this cat breed. Owners are very pleased with how healthy, their Snowshoe Cat is. As with all pets, owners should expect health problems to occur as the pet gets older. Common health problems for the Snowshoe Cat breed are Diarrhea, Fleas, and Vomiting. People with cat allergies, are taking a risk by being in contact with Snowshoe Cat breed. It may cause an allergic reaction. |
