Snowshoe Cat

The Snowshoe cat has a short, smooth single coat of fur that doesn’t require extensive upkeep. Like many other cat breeds, Snowshoes are fastidious groomers and will generally keep themselves clean. “They do shed, but not any more than any domestic shorthair,” Gee says, “and as they don’t have a thick, dense coat, it is not very evident.” Bathing is not usually necessary, unless your cat gets into a sticky or oily mess.

While you don’t need to devote much time to coat care, do trim your Snowshoe’s nails regularly. Graham suggests clipping your kitten’s nails from an early age so they become accustomed to it.

Further, don’t overlook the importance of regular dental care for your Snowshoe. Brush your cat’s teeth to remove plaque and ward off tartar and bad breath. Dental treats can also be helpful in this regard. Even with at-home dental care, regular veterinary dental exams can identify problems, and your veterinarian can recommend professional teeth cleaning when needed.

You might choose to feed your Snowshoe cat wet food, dry food, or a combination. Whatever the type, choose a food with an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement indicating that it is complete and balanced for your cat’s life stage. Your vet can help you choose the best cat food.

Snowshoe kittens, in particular, need a calorie-dense and nutrient-rich diet during their period of rapid growth. As your cat approaches adulthood (10–12 months), you should gradually switch over to an adult cat food formula.

The cat food you choose should have a recommended daily portion printed on the packaging. For most cats, you’ll divide that portion into two meals and feed twice a day. For cats who frequently ask for food between meals, you can feed smaller, more frequent meals or use an automatic feeder.

Snowshoe cats are comparatively active for a cat. Rather than spending hours camped out on a kitty perch or under the bed, they will frequently follow their pet parent around the house. In addition, Graham says these cats like to explore cat tunnels and bat around small toys. And when you finally sit down to relax, they will frequently look for a seat in your lap to receive your attention and affection.

Some Snowshoes also enjoy exploring the environment outside of your home on a harness, Gee says. Taking your Snowshoe for a stroll is a novel way to provide enrichment and exercise. If you want to leash train your cat, choose a harness that fits securely and get your kitty comfortable with the feel of a harness and leash indoors first.

Most Snowshoe cats are very sociable, so an ideal home provides plenty of human companionship. Even a lively household with kids and other pets doesn’t usually faze this breed. “They adapt really well to busy family life but also make great companion cats for homebound people,” says Gee.

In your absence, Snowshoe cats need appropriate enrichment and companionship. This highly social breed should not be left alone for long periods. A sunny window perch, toys, and other enrichment can help keep your cat occupied while you’re gone. They will likely be pleased when you return, following you around and seeking your attention.

Other features that create the perfect home for a Snowshoe cat include scratching posts, play tunnels, cat trees, and other high perches. “They love climbing and will climb just about anything. Lots of pet parents will get a climbing structure or put cat shelves on the walls for them to play on,” says Graham.