Snowshoes: kittens for life!

Snowshoe cats are like snowflakes, no two are the same; they vary in their own unique patterns and personalities.

The alluring looks…

[caption id="attachment_4710" align="alignright" width="300"] Snowshoe Cats[/caption]

The Snowshoe’s coat is very silky, with a bounce that’s close lying and short. All Snowshoes have beautiful blue eyes and white feet, except the colour points who do not have any white on them at all. The colour point pattern Snowshoes resemble the old style Siamese in looks. The most preferred pattern is white mitts and inverted ‘V’ on the face with coloured ears and tail, giving the distinctive snowshoe look. You can get Snowshoes in all varieties of Siamese colours, including tortie and tabby Snowshoes.

Their expected lifespan is 12-15 years. Males can be quite a bit bigger than the females and weigh around 5 kg.

Lovely personality…

Snowshoe cats are naturally assertive and confident cats and are true people pleasers. When bred in the right circumstances and socialised well, they are very adaptable cats who love change. Snowshoes are very intelligent cats and like to make eye contact. They use a wide variety of different sounds to communicate and will happily talk to you, although some are quieter than others. They have softer voices than Siamese with a gentle melodic voice.

Living with them…

Snowshoes require very little grooming and love water, so enjoy a good bath every now and then. Health of the Snowshoe cat is considered very good, with little or no problems. What’s more? They thrive in busy homes and love families, other cats and children. They can be clicker trained and need quite a lot of exercise, so access to a secure garden or walk out on a harness is recommended. Snowshoe cats feel secure with set boundaries and will try to get their way especially during the growing up phase. They love lots of interaction and play and are pretty much kittens for life. Snowshoes have a laid back attitude and will happily flop in your arms for a cuddle.

To live with a Snowshoe Cat, expect to be accompanied everywhere you go and any changes will be fully investigated. Snowshoes have a ‘need to be touched attitude’ and love interactions with people and animals alike. If left on their own, they can get mischievous, but another Snowshoe or lots of games usually keep the Snowshoe occupied. They are very social and make wonderful companion cats.

(Kelly Cruse of Destrier Snowshoe Cats Cattery is based in the UK and Secretary for Snowshoe Cat Club.)

You are their love…their life…

Often, we have heard and read that ‘Cats are independent creatures,’ but it is not so. They are dependent on their pet parents for various needs – love, care and attention. Let’s see how.

When you bring home a kitty, you bring home a treasure of memories. You love her antics, you love the way she yawns, her nature – sometimes indifferent, sometimes playful…you just love spending time with her. Yes, they do seem to be independent, but they need you in their life, just like you need them in yours. Here’s how you can help your kitty have an enjoyable time at your home:

• Make your home kitty-safe: Drop down on all fours and look around your house – make your home kitty safe.


• Take care of her meals: Consult your vet and give her cat food at specified intervals.


• Give her a comfy bed: Cats love to sleep. Give your kitty a nice comfy bed to sleep – warm and cosy - that’s how her bed should be.


• Give your cat her ID: Always put an identification tag around your cat’s neck, just in case, she strays out and is not able to come back home.


• Keep her litter tray clean: Cats are clean creatures, keep their litter trays clean too!


• Groom her even though she can groom herself: Even though they are very good at grooming themselves, they still need to be groomed to detect any problems in the skin.


• Play with her: When you play with your cat, she feels cared for. They love to chase, so bring her cat toys to keep her occupied.


• Spend quality time: Some pet parents think that cats can be left alone as they are happy themselves. But it is not so. They too need company – yours and other pets.


• Take care of her health: They need to be regularly monitored to detect any signs of illness. Take them to your vet at regular intervals.


• Be prepared for emergencies: They depend on you to take care of them in case of emergencies, keep your vet’s number and a first-aid kit handy.