the snowshoe, reviewed

that is my verdict. now see if you can even recognise this breed →

The Snowshoe is a striking, pointed cat with brilliant blue eyes, an inverted white V on the face, and the four white feet that give it its name. It is a Siamese crossed with an American Shorthair, and it inherited the talkative, affectionate, dog-like character of the former with a little more substance from the latter. It is rare, hard to breed to the standard, and thoroughly devoted. Here is the honest review.

what is a snowshoe

The Snowshoe combines the pointed colouring and blue eyes of the Siamese with the sturdier build and white markings that came from crossing to the American Shorthair. Its signature features are the white boots on all four feet and, ideally, a crisp white inverted V across the face. Getting those white markings to fall in exactly the right places is genuinely difficult, which is one reason the breed remains rare and prized. The result, when it works, is one of the most photogenic pointed cats there is.

temperament: chatty, clever and devoted

The Snowshoe kept the Siamese personality: it is affectionate, intelligent, and vocal, though usually with a softer voice than the full Siamese foghorn. It bonds intensely with its people, often attaching to one favourite, follows you about, involves itself in your day, and can learn tricks and games. It craves company and does not do well left alone for long stretches, so it suits a household that is often home or has another pet for company. Give it that and it is a warm, engaging, entertaining companion.

care and health, the honest part

The short glossy coat is very easy, an occasional brush and it shines. On health the Snowshoe is generally robust and long-lived, though because of its Siamese ancestry it can carry a small risk of certain inherited issues, and a good breeder screens accordingly. Its main need is not medical but emotional: this is a sociable cat that becomes unhappy if neglected or isolated, so the honest health note is to make sure it has company, one way or another.

is a snowshoe right for you

If you want a striking, talkative, deeply affectionate cat and you can give it attention and company, the Snowshoe is a wonderful, if hard-to-find, choice. If you want a quiet, independent cat that keeps its own counsel, its chattiness and need for company will not suit you.

the chairman's verdict

Eighty. The Snowshoe is a handsome, chatty, devoted cat that wears its white boots well and its heart on its sleeve, losing marks only for a flat coat and a horror of being left alone. For a sociable owner it is a delight, and a rare one at that. Warm marks.

Related reading from my desk: the Siamese that gave it its voice, and the rarest cat breeds.

Scores are the Chairman's opinion, offered in good fun. For real advice on a Snowshoe's health or suitability, speak to a reputable breeder, a rescue, or your vet. I am a cat with opinions, not a veterinarian.