Your guide to finding and caring for a Snowshoe in San Bernardino
Snowshoes are a good match for San Bernardino apartments and bungalows, as long as someone's home often. These blue-eyed cats attach closely to their people, so a bungalow in the Wildwood neighborhood or a rental in Arrowview suits them well. They're happy with a window perch and a wand toy, and they'll follow you from room to room while you cook or work. In an Inland Empire summer, a cool back bedroom with the blinds drawn makes a good afternoon nap spot.
Adopt a Snowshoe today
M, 0-6 mo., 401 miles
Siamese, Snowshoe
F, 0-6 mo., 401 miles
Siamese, Snowshoe
M, 0-6 mo., 401 miles
Snowshoe
M, 2 y., 419 miles
Snowshoe
F, 4 mo., 461 miles
Domestic Long Hair, Snowshoe
M, 8 y., 776 miles
Domestic Short Hair, Snowshoe
M, 2 y., 776 miles
Snowshoe
F, 3-7 y., 941 miles
Snowshoe
F, 7 mo., 977 miles
Snowshoe
M, 8 y., 1172 miles
Siamese, Snowshoe
The Snowshoe began in 1960s Philadelphia, when white-footed kittens turned up in a Siamese litter. Crosses with bicolor American Shorthairs kept the look: a medium, athletic cat of roughly 7 to 12 pounds with a short, smooth coat, pointed markings, blue eyes and white mittens. Purebred Snowshoes are rare, and most cats adopters meet are Snowshoe-patterned domestics.
Many are gentle, intelligent and devoted to a favorite person, with a soft, melodic voice. In San Bernardino, that people-focused streak matters more than the coat: a Snowshoe left alone all day in a warm unit may turn bored and demanding. Cats vary, so a pattern doesn't promise a personality, and the short coat needs little more than a weekly brush.
Having a Snowshoe in San Bernardino
Snowshoes combine Siamese-style smarts with a mellow, people-loving streak. In San Bernardino, company, daily play and a cool place to rest matter most, while the short coat and generally sturdy health keep day-to-day care simple.
Snowshoes tend to be sweet and companionable, often choosing a favorite person and following them around. Many are a bit reserved with visitors but relaxed at home, and they talk in a soft voice. In a busy apartment building, a quiet corner to retreat to helps. Each cat's personality varies.
Daily play does the work: wand toys, balls and food puzzles suit a moderately active Snowshoe. Cat trees and window perches add climbing and people-watching without leaving home. Short sessions morning and evening fit San Bernardino's hot days, and a harness-trained cat can try a quiet early walk.
Snowshoes are generally healthy and often live into their teens. Urinary bladder stones are reported more often in the breed, so fresh water and a vet's diet guidance matter, especially in dry summer heat. Dental disease and heart conditions are worth screening for at yearly checkups. Crossed eyes or a kinked tail are cosmetic.
A Snowshoe does well in a San Bernardino apartment or house, since company matters more than square footage. Cat trees and shelves add vertical room to small units. Because many dislike long stretches alone, homes where someone's around often, or with another friendly pet, usually work best. Keep windows screened and secure.
| Expense | Typical cost | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Food | $25 to $50 per month | $300 to $600 |
| Pet insurance | $25 to $50 per month | $300 to $600 |
| Routine vet care | $150 to $350 per year | $150 to $350 |
| Other* | $450 to $1,150 per year | $450 to $1,150 |
| Estimated yearly total (after year one) | $1,200 to $2,700 | |
Other costs are estimates and vary with size, age and health.
* Litter, flea prevention, a dental cleaning allowance, toys, scratchers and bedding, and occasional brushing for a short coat.
Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below currently have Snowshoes available.
San Bernardino's shelter and rescues care for thousands of cats and dogs yearly, and adoptions typically include spay or neuter. Here are the rescues & shelters in the San Bernardino area where you can find Snowshoes and other cats available for adoption.
Yes, you can. The main challenge is finding one, since purebred Snowshoes are rare and many cats sold under that name are Snowshoe-patterned domestics with pointed coats and white feet. Availability changes often, so watch the listings on this page, browse similar breeds and nearby cities, or save a search to hear about new cats.
Yes, in a carrier. Omnitrans buses and sbX allow pets only in a secure carrier that fits on your lap, and Metrolink and Arrow allow small pets in a ventilated carrying case held on your lap or stored under a seat. Cats can't sit on seats or roam free, so pick a sturdy, well-fitted carrier.
Yes, when they live indoors. Summer highs average about 93°F and some days top 100°F, but the heat is dry and nights cool to around 60°F. Close blinds, run the air conditioning or a fan, and leave water in several spots. Never leave a cat in a parked car, and call a vet if you see heavy panting or lethargy.
Yes, Snowshoes adapt well to apartments because they care more about company than space. Add a cat tree, a window perch and daily play. They dislike long hours alone, so they suit people who work from home or have a friendly second pet. Secure window screens and balcony doors before letting your cat explore.
It can be, especially for people who are home often. Snowshoes are affectionate, playful and comfortable indoors, which suits the Inland Empire's hot summers and mild winters. They're a weaker match for long workdays away, so if you're out most of the day, consider a friendly second cat for company, and keep a carrier handy for emergencies.
Very little. The short, smooth coat needs a weekly brush, a bit more during seasonal shedding, and the dry Inland Empire air doesn't encourage mats. Nail trims and tooth care matter more. Grooming sits within the Other costs in the cost table, and a home brush is inexpensive, so a professional groomer usually isn't necessary.
A Snowshoe cat is a rare American breed developed in the 1960s from Siamese and bicolor American Shorthair cats. It has a short coat, Siamese-style color points, blue eyes and distinctive white paws that look like snowshoes, often with a white inverted V on the face. Many are affectionate, intelligent and soft-voiced companions.
We have 1 rescue with Snowshoes available: City of San Bernardino Animal Services. You can see every rescue with Snowshoes available in the list above these questions, or scroll to the top to see the Snowshoes near San Bernardino.
Plan on about $25–$50 a month for food and $25–$50 a month for insurance, if you choose coverage. Routine vet care runs $150–$350 a year, and other costs such as litter, flea prevention, dental care and supplies add roughly $450–$1,150 a year. Adoption fees vary by listing.
Expand your search to find Snowshoes available for adoption near San Bernardino.
Looking for a different breed? Browse other cats available for adoption in San Bernardino.
