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The Scratching Post
Snowshoe 
The Snowshoe is a beautiful pointed-pattern cat in fancy white gloves. They are a medium-sized shorthaired cat that combines the heftiness of the American Shorthair and the body length of the Siamese. The body is moderately long with surprising weight for its size. The head is broad and wedge-shaped with high cheekbones. The nose is medium wide and the chin is firm. The medium ears are alert with slightly rounded tips and broad at the base. The eyes are a bright and vivid blue and are oval shaped. The legs are long and the tail tapers to the end. This breed's coat color and pattern are like snowflakes ? no two are alike. The Snowshoe breed standard is strict when it comes to acceptable patterns; however, TICA's standard allows for more variation in pattern in show-quality cats.
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Temperament
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Snowshoes have a pleasing personality with a mellow temperament. This people-oriented breed shows extreme devotion to their families. Some say that the Snowshoe may be a bit too intelligent as many can easily learn to open cabinets, close doors and refrigerators. They love to carry objects in their mouths and love to retrieve. Watch out because this breed loves to run off with small personal items. If you are missing an item, check the water dish first. Though not as outspoken as their Siamese relatives, this breed is never at a loss for words. Snowshoes do not like to be left alone for long periods of time or even short ones. They will register their complaints if you decide to leave the house for any reason. Snowshoes love to be by your side or on your lap. They also love to perch on the highest spot in the house. Snowshoes that lack the color and pattern to be show cats still make grand champion pets.
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Weight
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Males: 8-14 lbs. ; Females: 6-12 lbs.
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Health Problems
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There are no known health issues or breed specific problems, but it is advisable to have annual health checks from about the age of eight or nine to ensure proper liver and kidney function. Also check the teeth of this breed.
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Living Conditions
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Keeping your cat indoors and neutering or spaying are essential elements for maintaining a healthy companion, and most importantly will extend the life expectancy of your cat.
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Exercise
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Cats receive valuable exercise from playing. Playing builds the bond that you share as well as burns calories, releases aggression and burns off excess energy in younger cats. Snowshoes are very active cats. They need lots of toys and perhaps another feline companion to play with.
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Life Expectancy
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About 9-15 years
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Grooming
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The Snowshoe does not require special grooming but will enjoy the attention that comes with it.
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Origin
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The Snowshoe breed began as three kittens in an ordinary Siamese litter were found to have four white mittens. The owner, Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty of Philadelphia, PA, was charmed by these tiny gems and sought to repeat the look. She crossed the seal-pointed Siamese with a bicolor American Shorthair but failed to achieve the desired coloring. By breeding the resulting kittens back to Siamese mates, she was successful. She named the new breed Snowshoe, since the kittens looked like they had just romped through the glistening snow. The Snowshoe is not a shorthaired Birman and has never been outcrossed to the Birman. The breed is recognized by TICA, ACFA and CFF.
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