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. The pattern is hard to reproduce, so the breed remains rare, and many cats called Snowshoes are pointed domestic cats with white feet.
Snowshoes are typically affectionate, intelligent and curious, and they often bond closely with one person. Many learn tricks or open doors, and some like playing with water. Their voices are soft rather than loud. In San Antonio, that people-focused streak fits households where someone is home often, though each cat's personality varies, and mixes can differ from the breed description.