The Snowshoe began in 1960s Philadelphia, when a Siamese litter produced kittens with pure white feet. Crossing Siamese with bicolor American Shorthairs kept the look: a medium, athletic cat of about 7 to 12 pounds with a short, smooth coat, pointed color, bright blue eyes, white mittens and often a white inverted V on the face. The pattern is hard to reproduce, which keeps purebred Snowshoes rare.
Many Snowshoes are gentle, affectionate and attached to one favorite person. They're smart and curious, and some learn tricks, open doors or play in water. Their voices are soft and melodic rather than the loud calls of a Siamese. Most Snowshoe-type cats in Greensboro will be pointed domestic cats with white feet, so personalities vary. Shedding is low to moderate, and a healthy Snowshoe can live 14 to 19 years.