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Pet Insurance for Snowshoe Cats

Snowshoe cats, with their distinctive markings and engaging personalities, make wonderful companions for families and individuals alike. Discover more about their unique characteristics, potential health considerations and pet insurance options with us today!

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, updated on September 11th, 2023       

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Price range

$800 – $1,500

Height

22–28cm

Weight

2.5–5.5kg

Coat length

Short

Life expectancy

14–20 years

Personality

Sociable, affectionate, playful

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Suitable for

Families, multi-pet households, apartment living

Snowshoe

Overview

The Snowshoe cat is a breed that originated in the United States in the 1960s, known for its distinctive white paws. Initially called “Silver Laces”, this breed emerged when a Siamese breeder's cat gave birth to kittens with unique markings.

Snowshoes are characterised by their coat, which is predominantly white with darker points on the ears, tail, face and sometimes legs, and their striking blue eyes, which give the breed a distinctive appearance. One of the standout features of a Snowshoe’s appearance – and from which the breed gets its name – is their four white paws, which resemble little “snowshoes”.

Snowshoes are intelligent, affectionate and sociable animals with a playful nature and can even be trained to perform tricks. Snowshoes are generally good with other pets and children and form strong bonds with their owners, making them a great addition to family households.

Common Snowshoe cat diseases and conditions

  • Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD): this condition affects the urinary tract and is characterised by symptoms like straining to urinate, blood in the urine and urinating outside the litter box.
  • Feline rhinotracheitis virus infection (FVR): also known as feline herpesvirus 1, it causes respiratory symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and fever.
  • Diabetes mellitus: this is a metabolic disorder resulting in high blood sugar levels, leading to symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination and weight loss.
  • Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): this genetic condition causes degeneration of the retina, resulting in vision loss, particularly at night.
  • Hyperthyroidism: an overproduction of thyroid hormones leads to increased metabolism, causing symptoms like weight loss and increased appetite.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Snowshoe cat?

A range of factors can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Snowshoe cat, including the following:

  • Age: young cats and kittens generally enjoy lower premiums due to their lower risk of health issues. As cats age, premiums may increase to account for potential age-related health risks.
  • Type of cover: your choice of coverage directly impacts the premium. Comprehensive plans offer broader protection but with higher premiums, while accident-only plans are more budget-friendly, covering only injuries from accidents.
  • Annual limits, benefit percentage and excess: choosing lower limits and a higher excess can lower premiums, but may lead to higher costs in case of a claim.
  • Discounts and offers: some insurers providers offer discounts for multiple pets, bundling policies or enrolling your pet at a young age.
  • Veterinary history: your Snowshoe cat’s medical history, including pre-existing conditions or past illnesses, can impact coverage options and policy terms.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Snowshoe cats

Are Snowshoes suitable indoor cats?

Yes – Snowshoe cats are exceptionally well-suited to indoor living. They thrive in stable, indoor environments where they feel secure and comfortable. Their adaptable nature allows them to adjust to various living situations, making them excellent companions for apartment dwellers or those without access to outdoor spaces. Providing them with engaging toys, interactive play sessions and vertical spaces like cat trees can help satisfy their natural curiosity and energy levels while indoors.

How often should I groom my Snowshoe cat?

Snowshoe cats have a short, sleek coat that generally requires minimal grooming. While they are not prone to extensive shedding, a weekly brushing session is beneficial for removing loose fur and distributing natural oils, which helps maintain the health and shine of their coat. Additionally, regular grooming offers an opportunity to check for any skin irregularities or abnormalities that might require attention.

Are Snowshoes good family cats?

Yes – Snowshoe cats are renowned for their affectionate and sociable nature, making them excellent family companions. They often form strong bonds with their human family members and enjoy spending quality time together. Many Snowshoes are fond of sitting on laps, providing comfort and warmth while creating a sense of closeness.

Are Snowshoes a rare breed?

Yes – Snowshoe cats are rare due to the challenge of breeding them to meet specific coat markings and patterns in line with breed standard, which rely on recessive genes and other complex factors that are hard to predict or control. 

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Snowshoe

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