Your guide to finding and caring for a Snowshoe in Lakeland
Snowshoe cats suit Lakeland's older bungalows and rental apartments, because they're happiest indoors with someone around. A window perch in a Dixieland house or a Lake Hunter Terrace apartment gives a curious Snowshoe plenty to watch, and its soft, chatty voice won't bother the neighbors. Most bond closely with one favorite person and love interactive play. Expect a cat that follows you from room to room, and plan on keeping the air conditioning running through Lakeland's long summers.
Adopt a Snowshoe today
While we don't have enough cats near Lakeland, keep in mind that many rescues may offer transport.
F, 6 mo.-2 y., 808 miles
Snowshoe
F, 6 mo.-2 y., 808 miles
Snowshoe
F, 6 mo.-2 y., 808 miles
Snowshoe
F, 6 mo.-2 y., 808 miles
Snowshoe, Calico
F, 6 mo.-2 y., 808 miles
Snowshoe, Calico
F, 6 mo.-2 y., 808 miles
Snowshoe, Calico
F, 6 mo.-2 y., 808 miles
Snowshoe, Calico
F, 4 y., 809 miles
Snowshoe, Domestic Short Hair
F, 6 mo.-2 y., 822 miles
Snowshoe, Siamese
F, 2 y., 827 miles
Dilute Tortoiseshell, Snowshoe
The Snowshoe began in 1960s Philadelphia, when Siamese kittens with white feet were crossed with bicolor American Shorthairs. The result is a medium-sized, athletic cat, usually 7 to 12 pounds, with a short, smooth coat, Siamese-style points, blue eyes and white mittens. Many have a white inverted V on the face. The pattern is hard to reproduce, so true Snowshoes are rare.
Most cats you'll meet are Snowshoe-patterned domestics, which can share the same sociable charm. Snowshoes tend to be affectionate, intelligent and gentle, and many attach to one person. They talk in a soft, melodic voice and often learn tricks or how to open doors. In Lakeland, that means a clever indoor cat who needs puzzle toys and company during the hot months. Each cat's personality varies.
Having a Snowshoe in Lakeland
Snowshoes pair Siamese-style looks and smarts with a mellow, people-loving nature. Their need for company, playful curiosity, easy coat care and generally sturdy health matter most when you're deciding whether one fits your home and your schedule.
Snowshoes tend to be sweet and companionable, often following a favorite person around the house. Many are a little shy with visitors but devoted at home, and they usually chat in a soft voice. Personalities vary, especially in Snowshoe-pattern mixes, so spend time with a cat before deciding.
Most Snowshoes are moderately active and enjoy daily play with wand toys, balls and puzzle feeders. In Lakeland's heat and afternoon storms, indoor sessions are the reliable option, so add a cat tree and a sunny window perch. Without enough stimulation or company, some become bored or demanding.
Snowshoes are generally healthy and often live well into their teens. They may be overrepresented in urate bladder stones, and some carry cosmetic Siamese traits like crossed eyes or kinked tails. Dental disease and heart conditions are worth watching. Florida requires a rabies vaccine at 4 months, and year-round flea prevention suits Lakeland's warm climate.
A Snowshoe adapts well to apartments or houses, since it values company more than space. Cat trees and shelves add vertical territory to a small rental. Many dislike long stretches alone, so homes where someone is around often, or with another friendly pet, usually suit them best. Keep it indoors.
| Expense | Typical cost | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption fee | $500, one time | $500 in year one |
| 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* | $460 to $1,160 per year | $460 to $1,160 |
| Estimated yearly total (after year one) | $1,210 to $2,710 | |
| First-year total (with adoption fee) | $1,710 to $3,210 | |
Adoption fee is the fee on Snowshoe listings in Lakeland on GetBuddy today. Other costs are estimates and vary with size, age and health.
* Litter, flea prevention, a dental cleaning allowance, toys, scratchers and bedding, occasional brushing, and the $10 Polk County tag for an altered cat.
Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below currently have Snowshoes available.
Lakeland adopters can look to a county shelter in Winter Haven and a private nonprofit adoption center in town. Here are the rescues & shelters in the Lakeland area where you can find Snowshoes and other cats available for adoption.
Yes, you can. Florida law bars breed-specific rules, so a Snowshoe isn't restricted in Lakeland. Polk County requires cats 4 months and older to have a rabies vaccination and a county tag, which costs $10 a year for an altered cat. Because true Snowshoes are rare, watch the listings on this page, where Snowshoe-pattern cats also appear.
Often, yes, for people who are home a fair amount. Snowshoes are affectionate, social and happy indoors, which suits Lakeland's heat and summer thunderstorms. They tend to dislike long days alone, so a cat tree, puzzle feeders or a second friendly pet help. Personalities vary, especially in Snowshoe-pattern mixes.
Yes, indoors. Lakeland sees about 119 days a year at 90°F or higher, with warm nights, so air conditioning, shade and plenty of fresh water matter. A Snowshoe's short coat helps. Keep it inside, block hot afternoon sun on window perches, and never leave it in a parked car.
No. Citrus Connection buses allow only service animals, and no pets are permitted on any bus. Lakeland has no rail transit. A Snowshoe is best moved by car in a secure carrier, with the air conditioning on in summer and never left alone in a parked vehicle.
Yes. Snowshoes adapt well to apartments as long as they get play, company and vertical space like a cat tree or shelves. About 44% of Lakeland homes are rented, and Florida doesn't cap pet deposits or pet rent, so review each landlord's pet terms and costs before signing.
Very little. A Snowshoe's short, smooth coat has little undercoat, and shedding is low to moderate, so a weekly brushing is usually enough. Lakeland's year-round warmth doesn't require special coat care. Grooming costs fall under the Other line in the cost table, along with litter and parasite prevention.
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: SPCA Florida. You can see every rescue with Snowshoes available in the list above these questions, or scroll to the top to see the Snowshoes near Lakeland.
Expect roughly $25 to $50 a month for food, $25 to $50 for optional insurance, and $150 to $350 a year for routine vet care. Other yearly costs, including litter, parasite prevention, dental care, supplies and the county tag, run about $460 to $1,160. The adoption fee is shown on current listings.
Expand your search to find Snowshoes available for adoption near Lakeland.
Looking for a different breed? Browse other cats available for adoption in Lakeland.
