Snow shu - breed description and cat character

The cat breed Snow Shu, or Snowshoe (in English) is quite rare and unpredictable. This unpredictability is expressed in a color that even experienced breeders cannot predict. Although this breed has strict standards. Therefore, breeding cats Snowshoe - the same as playing Russian roulette.

The name of the breed is translated as "snow shoe". This is the main feature of cats, which are combined into a separate species. A characteristic feature of typical Snow Shu is the mixture of white shoes or socks that they took from American Shorthair. And also the color of the fur coat and blue eyes - like a Siamese cat. In addition, they are endowed with long legs and a peculiar character.

A striking representative of this breed is the cat, not unknown on the Internet, who was nicknamed The Grumpy Cat. A cat with a sullen face won the hearts of cat lovers. But his expression of his face is more likely an exception than a rule. But what can be said for sure is that at least one of his descendants was Snow Shu.

Breed history

It was this woman who gave the name to the breed, and also for the first time showed animals to a wide circle. But, unfortunately, at the first cat show, they did not recognize that it discouraged the breeder from further developing this species. The representatives of Snow Shu received recognition thanks to Vicki Olander. It was she who was able to justify the breed standards. And in 1974, the Snow Shu breed was recognized and was called experimental.

Then the cats were not yet popular, which led to the fact that in the 77th year this breeder was the only one who was engaged in breeding the breed in all states. But she still managed to achieve champion status, although for this she had to wait 6 years.

Characteristics of snow shu

Males are comparatively larger than females, so their weight can be as much as six kilograms, and the usual weight of a cat does not exceed four kilograms.

Description of breed standards according to TICA:

1. The shape of the head of a Snowshoe cat is wedge-shaped, more like an inverted triangle with equal hips. The reason for this is high cheekbones and smooth contours of the muzzle.
2. The ears of the animal are not very wide at its base, their ends are slightly rounded. The size of the ears is proportional to the body of the cat.
3. The nose is also medium in size, with the same average width. If you look in profile, the forehead and nose are connected in a smooth line. Sometimes there may be a hump on the nose.
4. The shape of the eyes is in the form of an oval; Snowshoe's eyes themselves are expressive, but non-convex. The color is mostly cyan, but blue is allowed by standards.
5. The body of the animal is powerful, but proportional.
6. The tail is of medium length; it tapers towards the end.
7. The coat is quite smooth; its length is medium or short.

Color

Typical Snow Shu cats are Siamese-colored animals. These include tortoiseshell, as well as a silpoint with a blue point.It is quite difficult to breed Snowshoe colors of another species.

Some compare these cats with pandas because of their color. And this is no accident, because they, like pandas, have dark spots around their eyes or on their heads. Pigmentation is also present on the hips and shoulders.

A characteristic breed feature of Snowshoe is the inverted letter “V” on its face. Well, snow-white socks, or, as they are also called, shoes. These are the main characteristics of the color that distinguish these cats from others. But talking about the color of a fur coat from birth is not worth it, because their color is fully formed only by two years. And at birth, animals have a white coat color.

The pads of cats and the nose of Snowshoe can be different. There are individuals with a pink nose and pads, and their color is spotty, and in the same coat.

If the cat has a long coat, or it does not have white socks, or the eyes are not blue, then this representative does not belong to the breed.

Animal character

Owners of such a unique color have the same unusual character. Their activities can be envied, but, in addition, they are very curious. Despite the fact that their descendants are loud Siamese, their voice is not at all disgusting, but rather melodic. Although there are individuals completely silent.

Most Snow Shu representatives make contact quickly. They are quite sociable. They love their master, and follow him everywhere. In addition to the owner and other people, cats like to communicate with other cats. They will also get along well with the dog and learn tricks with it.

To understand whether to buy a cat of this breed, it is worth answering some questions for yourself. Can you make time for the animal and not leave the animal for long at home? If the answer is positive, then this breed is a suitable option. It’s great if there are children in the family, because they are always delighted with the playful cats.

Fact! These animals are very fond of water, as well as swimming, so the bathing process will not cause stress neither the cat nor the owner.

Care and maintenance

1. In order to maintain the health of the animal and beauty, the owner needs to clean the coat by combing. This procedure can be performed no more than twice a week. This will be enough, especially since the cat’s coat is short, and this will not create problems.
2. Do not forget about the ears - they also need to be cleaned with cotton buds. Doing this is necessary.
3. In addition to the ears, you need to pay attention to the teeth. This representative needs to be cleaned to avoid periodontitis. If the owner does not know how to do this correctly, or is afraid to harm the animal, then a trip to the veterinary clinic where everything will be done as needed can be a solution to the problem. In this case, you need to go to the veterinarian at least once a month. But, besides this, a special balanced food, or the use of vitamins, will help to maintain teeth in excellent condition.

Health

Snow shu representatives are quite healthy. The only thing that can cause the disease is a genetic predisposition. This is often found in mixed breeds. Siamese can be inherited from Siamese cats and cats, which is quite common among them. Also, Snow Shu can acquire a kink of the tail. But, neither the first nor the second disease have a strong threat to the health of the animal.

Good health increases the cat's lifespan, which on average lasts from 14 to 19 years.

The cost of a cat breed snow shu

The average price for a kitten is 15,000 rubles, or 6,000 hryvnias, if we talk about prices in Ukraine. An animal from a high class can reach prices of 90,000 rubles, or 38,000 hryvnias.

Where to buy snow shu

It is worth noting that after the popularity of such a character as Sullen Cat on the Internet, interest in representatives of this breed also grew. And a large number of people were engaged in breeding cats. But, despite its popularity, it is almost impossible to find Snow Shu in Ukraine or Belarus. After all, neither in Kiev nor in Minsk there are no such nurseries. The only place where you can buy, as the breeders assure, a purebred pet, is the city of Moscow, the Snezhniy Angel cattery.

Video: Snow Shu cat breed