The Snowshoe is a somewhat recent domestic breed that was developed during the 1960s by a breeder of Siamese cats. Its body type is considered to be a moderate oriental or foreign type, modeled after the appearance of the old style of Siamese that is often now called a Victorian or an “apple head”. The Snowshoe’s body should be longer than it is tall, but not extremely so. It should be well-muscled, well-balanced and athletic. Males are usually distinctly larger than females, averaging between 10 and 12 pounds in weight.

The ear size ranges from medium to medium-large with slightly rounded tips. The head may be triangular, however can be an “applehead” shape with a traditional cat look. The short-haired coat consists of solid and white patterns. Points (ears, tail, face-mask and sometimes legs) are solid black-based colors. White patterns vary, typically falling along the face, chest, stomach, and paws. The body is an even coloration, subtle shading to point color on back, shoulders and hips; toning to a lighter shade near chest and stomach. Paw pads may be white, point color, flesh tone, or mottled. Their color will darken with age, even to the point of turning a chocolate brown shade. In purebreds, the eyes are always blue. The tail is medium-sized. Snowshoe cats come in blue, lilac, lynx, fawn, chocolate, and seal points.