Compare
American Shorthair vs Snowshoe
The Snowshoe descends partly from American Shorthairs; it is a rare, pointed, more affectionate cat that dislikes being alone.
Verdict
The Snowshoe was bred from Siamese and bicolour American Shorthairs, and the two share a calm, family-friendly nature. The American Shorthair is common, sturdy, independent and top-rated for children, and it copes with a workday alone. The Snowshoe is rare, scores higher for affection and play, wears a pointed coat with white feet and dislikes being left alone for long. It is not recognised by the CFA. Choose the American Shorthair for an easygoing, independent cat and the Snowshoe for a mellow, sociable one if someone is home.
Choose the American Shorthair if
- You are away for long periods.
- You want a cat that is easy to find.
- You want the quieter voice and the widest colour choice.
- You have young children.
Choose the Snowshoe if
- You want a pointed cat with white feet and a smooth, glossy coat.
- You want a more affectionate and playful cat.
- Someone is home much of the day.
- You will accept a rare breed and a wait.
Where they are alike
Both are medium-sized, short-coated cats with easy grooming and a good record with other pets. Both suit apartment living.
Side by side
| American Shorthair | Snowshoe | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | North America, from European cats brought by settlers | Philadelphia, United States |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 6-15 lb (2.7-6.8 kg); males are larger | 7-12 lb (3.2-5.4 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | — | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Short, dense, hard-textured coat that protects against cold and scratches | Short to medium-short, smooth, glossy coat with no noticeable undercoat |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Not recognised by the CFA |
| How common | Common | Rare |
| Affection | 3 | 4 |
| Energy | 3 | 3 |
| Playfulness | 3 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 3 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 1 |
| Shedding | 3 | 2 |
| Good with children | 5 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 4 | 2 |
| Trainability | 3 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The dense coat sheds steadily, and people who react to cats are likely to react to this breed. | — |
| Suits | A family or first-time owner that wants a calm, durable, low-maintenance cat that copes with busy homes. | A household with children or other pets that wants a calm, sociable, pointed cat with little grooming. |
| Less suited to | Anyone looking for a very talkative, clingy or highly acrobatic cat. | Anyone out for long periods, because the breed dislikes being alone for long. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch |
| — |
Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026