Color patterns are one of the most stunning features felines have. Apart from adding to their beauty, color patterns also distinguish cats from each other.
But while some felines are distinguishable through their coloration, others have patterns so similar that you’d mistake one for another. Among these cats are Snowshoe and Siamese.
If you want to understand the difference between Snowshoe vs Siamese cat, read on as we will discuss the things you need to know about them.
| Snowshoe Cats | Siamese Cats | |
| Appearance | Have white paws and facial patterns that cover their ears and eyes | Have dark paws and a facial pattern that covers almost their entire faces. |
| Body Type | Round and muscular | Slim, elongated, and muscular |
| Average Size And Weight | Height: 8 to 13 inches
Weight: 7 to 14 pounds |
Height: 12 inches
Weight: 5 to 9 pounds |
Table of Contents
What is a Snowshoe Cat?
The history of Snowshoe cats, sometimes called the Snowshoe Siamese cat, began in the 1960s. During that time, American Siamese cat breeder Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty found that three of her Siamese kittens had white paws instead of dark brown.
This color difference resulted from Daugherty breeding her Siamese cat with a bicolored American shorthair. She named this cat “Buddy” and continued breeding Snowshoe cats. In 1982, the Cat Fanciers Association(CFA) officially recognized the breed.
What is a Siamese Cat?
No one knows the exact origin of Siamese cats. However, many believe that they came from Siam, which is now Thailand, some hundred years ago.
British traders and diplomats brought the first Siamese cats to Europe in 1884. These early Siamese breeds had rounder bodies and less elongated features.
But in the early 20th century, breeders selectively bred them to make them more slender. The selective breeding also caused the Siamese cats to have color points on their face, ears, paws, and tails.
How Are Snowshoe and Siamese Cats Similar?
1. Color Point
Siamese is a cat breed known for its light-colored body, which contrasts with its dark-colored extremities. You can find the same color point pattern in Snowshoe cats.
The colors of the extremities of these breeds are also similar. Most of the time, they are chocolate, gray, lilac, and blue.
2. Coat Length
Another similar feature that you can find in Snowshoe and Siamese cats is their coat length. Both cats have short hair, which makes them require minimal grooming and suitable for people with allergies.
The fur of Snowshoe and Siamese felines are glossy, sleek, and soft to the touch. Due to the shortness of their coat, they tend to shed less than medium and long-hair felines.
3. Eyes
If you look at pictures of Snowshoe and Siamese cats and do a side-by-side comparison, you will notice that their eyes look similar. Both breeds have almond-shaped, bright blue eyes – a trait breeders highly value.
The shape and placement of these cats’ eyes make them look alert and intelligent, thus giving them a more charming appearance.
4. Personality And Characteristics
Siamese cats are intelligent and curious breeds. Once you bring this feline home, it will immediately explore its surroundings as if familiarizing itself.
They are vocal, so they will meow at their caretakers to communicate their needs. But what feline enthusiasts really love about these cats is their affectionate nature.
Similarly, Snowshoe cats are affectionate and friendly. They are known for their ability to tolerate children and other pets, making them ideal for multi-pet homes.
Snowshoes are also intelligent cats that you can teach tricks to. They even love enrichment toys and games.
5. Appearance
Siamese and Snowshoe cats both have color point patterns. However, Snowshoe cats have white feet, hence the name. On the other hand, Siamese felines have dark fur covering their paws.
These two felines also have different color point patterns on their face. While Siamese cats have dark noses and faces, Snowshoe felines have a color point that runs from their ears to their eyes.
You may also find a black Snowshoe cat. This feline variation still has a color point pattern, but the majority of its body is covered in black fur.
6. Body Type
Siamese cats are popular for their slim yet muscular bodies. Meanwhile, Snowshoe cats are also muscular, but they look rounder and fluffier than Siamese cats.
Snowshoe cats also have rounder and fuller faces than Siamese, which typically have a triangular face shape.
7. Average Size And Weight
An adult Snowshoe cat can reach an average height of 8 to 13 inches. Despite being slim, this breed is quite dense, having an average weight of 7 to 14 pounds.
On the other hand, Siamese cats grow up to 12 inches. They have an average weight of 5 to 9 pounds.
Siamese cats are a little lighter than Snowshoes, as the latter is rounder and fuller.
Which is Better: Snowshoe and Siamese Cats?
There is no clear “better” option between Snowshoe and Siamese cats. Both breeds have their own unique qualities and traits that make them wonderful pets for the right owner.
Both breeds are known for their striking appearance, high intelligence, and affectionate personalities. They are very vocal and enjoy being around people, making them a great choice for someone who is looking for a social and engaging companion.
That said, the decision between a Snowshoe or a Siamese cat will depend on your personal preferences and lifestyle. It is important to research both breeds thoroughly and spend time with each one to see which one would be the best fit for you and your family.
Both breeds make wonderful pets for the right owner, so it is up to you to decide which one is the better choice for your home.
1. Choosing the Right Breed
Choosing between Snowshoe and Siamese cats can be daunting, as these breeds have many similarities. Below are some factors to consider when deciding which feline to bring home:
- Your Lifestyle
Snowshoe and Siamese cats require a lot of attention. So, before choosing which feline to adopt, consider your lifestyle and the amount of time you can devote to caring for your pet.
For example, Siamese cats demand a lot of attention from their owners, whereas Snowshoe felines require lots of exercises to stay happy.
You also need to consider the cat price. A Snowshoe kitten costs $2,000 to $4,000, while Siamese kittens range from $1,000 to $2,500.
- Study About The Breeds
It is crucial to learn basic information about the breeds’ personalities, health issues, and care requirements. You can talk to people who have tried caring for Snowshoe and Siamese cats or read about their profiles online.
- Consider Your Living Space
Snowshoe and Siamese cats are active, so they need adequate space to run around. If you live in a home with limited space, you might want to choose a breed that does well in confined spaces.
2. Pros and Cons of Snowshoe Cats
- Striking Appearance: Snowshoe cats are beautiful breeds with striking blue eyes. Their beautiful appearance makes them charming pets.
- Playful: These cats are active, so they will not simply sit and sleep on the sofa. They love interacting with their caretakers, thus allowing them to keep boredom away.
- Temperament: Snowshoe cats have good temperaments that allow them to tolerate other pets and children.
- High Energy: Snowshoe cats can be too active and require a lot of exercise. Without enough enrichment and stimulation, this breed can become bored and destructive.
- Diet: These cats require a high-quality diet composed of meat and lots of amino acids.
3. Pros and Cons of Having a Siamese Cat
- Beautiful Appearance: Siamese cats are known for their distinctive coloring, with a light-colored body and darker points on their face, ears, paws, and tail.
- Affectionate: These cats are popular for their affectionate and loving nature. They often jump on the lap of their caretaker as if asking for cuddles.
- Intelligent: Siamese cats have the reputation of being one of the most intelligent breeds. They are curious, playful, and enjoy encountering new things.
- Demanding: Siamese cats can get vocal and demanding when they are not getting the attention they want from their caretakers.
- Health Problems: Siamese cats are prone to health problems, such as dental and respiratory issues. If you are bringing home this breed, you need to prepare for consistent vet care to keep them healthy.
Other comparisons are made for you:
Frequently Asked Questions
How to care for your new pet?
When caring for your cat, the first thing you need to ensure is a balanced diet. What you feed your pet should provide it with its nutritional needs.
You also need to spend enough time interacting with your pet. Apart from interaction, it needs toys to keep it busy.
Grooming and vet care are also important factors in caring for a feline. You need to schedule regular grooming and vet checkups to ensure that your pet is in great condition.
How do I know if my cat is a Snowshoe?
Snowshoe cats have a distinct marking. They are famous for their white paws, blue eyes, and V-shaped facial markings.
What is the average lifespan of a Snowshoe or Siamese cat?
A Snowshoe cat’s lifespan is longer than average felines. With proper care, they can live for 14 to 20 years, making them a long-life companion.
Siamese cats can also live for many years. This feline can live for 15 years on average, but some can reach 20 years, provided that you give them proper care and nutrition.
Conclusion
Snowshoe and Siamese cats have unique qualities and characteristics that make them wonderful pets for the right owner. If you compare Snowshoe vs Siamese cats, you will notice that they have many physical similarities.
However, they differ in origin, as Siamese cats come from Thailand, while the Snowshoe mix cat is a cross between Siamese and American shorthair.
Furthermore, we hope this article helped you decide which feline breed to bring home.
I am Amy Sawy, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) graduate from the University of Kansas. y husband, Dr. Plummer, and I own a veterinary clinic in Phillipsburg, Kansas. In addition to my professional background, I am a devoted pet owner myself, with a household that includes dogs, rodents, and most notably, cats – a total of five felines in my home.
In 2020, I joined an organization as a professional writer, leveraging my experience and collaborating with my team to deliver the most valuable information for your cat’s care.
