Snowshoe

By 1000 Ventures · Last reviewed

A Siamese-type cat with blue eyes, a white face marking and four white 'boots'.

A Snowshoe cat sitting, full body
Size
Medium
Weight
7 to 14 lb (3 to 6.4 kg)
Lifespan
14 to 20 years
Coat
Short and smooth
Colors
Pointed with white: seal and blue
Origin
United States, from Siamese and bicolor American Shorthair crosses in the 1960s
98% of the time, our scanner puts a Snowshoe in its top three. It names it first 82% of the time. How we tested

What does a Snowshoe look like?

Snowshoes have Siamese-style points and blue eyes plus white markings: an inverted V on the muzzle and four white paws, like snowshoes. The body is medium and athletic, heavier than a modern Siamese, and the coat is short. No two Snowshoes have the same white pattern.

Snowshoe personality

Snowshoes are affectionate, chatty (though softer than a Siamese) and smart. Some even learn to open doors.

How to care for a Snowshoe

The short coat needs only a weekly brush.

How do I know if my cat is a Snowshoe?

Short hair, points, blue eyes and white paws add up to a Snowshoe. With a long coat, think Ragdoll or Birman. Without white, think Siamese.

A photo can only tell you what your cat looks like. Pedigree papers from a breeder, or a cat DNA test, are the only ways to prove a breed. For a quick first answer, upload a photo to our free cat breed identifier. It compares your cat with 31 breeds and the ordinary house cat and shows the three closest matches.

Curious which breed your own cat looks like? Upload one photo to the free cat breed identifier and see the three closest matches in seconds.

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Breeds that look like the Snowshoe

Siamese SiameseA slim, talkative cat with a pale body, dark points and striking blue eyes. Ragdoll RagdollA big, gentle colorpoint cat with blue eyes that often goes limp when picked up. Birman BirmanA gentle colorpoint cat with deep blue eyes and four pure white 'gloves'.

Or browse all 31 cat breeds side by side.

Frequently asked questions

Snowshoe or Siamese?
Both are pointed with blue eyes. The Snowshoe has white paws and usually a white V on the face, and it is sturdier.
Are Snowshoe cats rare?
Yes. The white pattern is hard to breed consistently, so Snowshoes are uncommon.

What breed is your cat?

Upload one photo and the free cat breed identifier shows the three closest breeds in seconds, or tells you it is a classic house cat.

Identify my cat