Snowshoe cats are not often talked about, but they are well-known by sight. These small to medium-sized cats weigh between 7 and 12 pounds and display muscular, agile builds that make them look bulky under their coats of hair. These cats enjoy hanging out on countertops, tables, chairs, and couches, especially when their human companions are nearby.
They happen to come in a few different colors and patterns, too. These cats are like Siamese cats in that they have point coloration. This means that their bodies are white, to begin with, but they have colored markings on their tails, legs, ears, and face. The markings can vary in size and color. The following colors may be seen on a Snowshoe cat:
The 5 Snowshoe Cat Colors
1. Seal Point
Snowshoe cats can be seal-pointed, which means that they have light-colored bodies (like they all do) with dark brown legs, ears, and tails. The coloring is reminiscent of a seal, hence the name of the coloring. Instead of white paws and noses, they are dark brown on seal-point Snowshoes.
2. Blue Point
This type of coat displays as smokey “gray” due to the diluted black and brown markings on the cat. These darker markings are also on the legs, ears, and tails, like on seal point cats.
3. Chocolate
As the name suggests, a Snowshoe cat with chocolate markings looks just like chocolate. The deep brown markings look good enough to be drunk on a cold winter day or night.
4. Lilac
No, a Snowshoe cat will not look purple when they have a lilac coat. However, they will display a light smokey hue that can look slightly purplish in the sunlight. Otherwise, the coat markings look light gray.
5. Red Point
This coat color is more orange than red, but the contrast of the orange-tipped hair against the white body base is fiery. Therefore, this coat color is called red point–point blank.
Snowshoe Cat Patterns
According to The International Cat Association, the two recognized patterns for the Snowshoe cat are mitted and bicolor. Like the name “mitted” suggests, Snowshoe cats should have white gloves on all four feet. Bicolor means “a cat with sections or streaks of solid white fur within their coat”.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are Snowshoe Cats the Same as Siamese Cats?
Snowshoe cats are not the same as Siamese cats, although they have similar coats and markings. They are typically a little smaller and thicker than their Siamese counterparts.
Are Snowshoe Cats Suitable for Snow Living?
Yes, these cats can live in snowy areas, but they should not live outside in the snow. They prefer warm spaces just like we humans do.
Can Snowshoe Cats Have Dark Base Colors?
Snowshoe cats do not have dark bodies. They are white all over, but they have darker markings on their bodies, as described in our color listings above.
Conclusion
The Snowshoe cat is beautiful at first sight. They have snow-white paws and bodies and display darker markings that give them a dramatic look overall. While they may display one of many different colors, the coloring is only slightly different in tone, so it might not be possible to determine their exact color at a glance. Some inspection might be necessary.
Featured Image Credit: Anna Krivitskaya, Shutterstock
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