Click to Skip Ahead
Mixed-breed cats are just as gorgeous and affectionate as pure-bred cats, yet they have a unique personality and appearance that make an excellent addition to any home. The Snowshoe Ragdoll is one of those mixed breeds, and although they are relatively new, they have a few overlapping qualities that make them exceptional companions.
Finding information or reputable breeders can be tricky with a new breed, so we have done the work for you. We’ll discuss the relevant information to help you learn all there is to know about the majestic Snowshoe Ragdoll cat.
| Height: | 8–13 inches |
| Weight: | 8–20 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–18 years |
| Colors: | Cream, seal, lilac, chocolate, red, blue |
| Suitable for: | Singles, children, seniors, most families |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, sociable, intelligent, dog-like |
The Snowshoe Ragdoll cat was created by combining the Snowshoe and the Ragdoll. It is a remarkable combination of physical and temperamental traits that make them so unique and admired by many cat lovers. The fact that these cats aren’t technically classified as a separate breed distinguishes them from other cats. However, even though mixed-breed cats lack a pedigree, they have a fascinating and rich past.
Because the Snowshoe Ragdoll cat is a hybrid, it can be challenging to predict exactly how they will look and behave, but learning about each parent breed can help you determine the possibilities of your hybrid’s appearance and temperament.
Both parents have a distinct color point coat and bright blue eyes. However, the Snowshoe is recognized by their distinctive white paws and short to medium coat, whereas the Ragdoll has a medium to long-haired coat. They are both sociable and affectionate, and a lot of their best qualities overlap to create a wonderful, unique breed.
Snowshoe Ragdoll Cat Characteristics
Snowshoe Ragdoll Cat Kittens
The Snowshoe Ragdoll cat is considered rare since it is a new breed, and Snowshoe cat breeders are limited. Although finding a Snowshoe Ragdoll kitten may be challenging, it is not impossible. However, it is important to find a reputable breeder, which you can do by looking online and talking to previous clients. Ensure the breeder is part of a cat association, has tested their cats for any diseases, and will allow you to visit their facility and meet the parents.
Another possibility, albeit challenging, is visiting your local shelter or rescue center. You may need to be more patient, but this hybrid may end up in a shelter. However, it may be an older cat with little information about its health and history, and although Snowshoe cats can often be found in shelters, it may be more challenging to find one mixed with a Ragdoll.
Once you find a Snowshoe Ragdoll kitten, you will enjoy their tiny meows and playful, curious nature. They will likely sleep most of the day, but when they are up and about, they will have boundless energy, so you will need to supervise them closely while they explore their surroundings.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Snowshoe Ragdoll Cat
Although Ragdolls and Snowshoe cats make lovely family pets, each breed has distinct traits, and every cat has a unique personality. The Ragdoll and the Snowshoe have similar characteristics, such as their docile demeanor and affection for their family. They are both intelligent and relatively easy to train and love affection, but they cannot be left alone for long periods.
The Ragdoll’s inclination for keeping low to the ground and the Snowshoe’s propensity for perching in high spots is one difference between the breeds. Due to their American Shorthair ancestry, Snowshoes are more vocal and expressive through their meows. They are typically more people-oriented, sociable, and willing to please, whereas Ragdolls tend to be a little more aloof and generally bond with one family member.
Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪
Snowshoe Ragdoll cats make excellent family pets, whether you are a large family with several kids, a single or couple, or a senior looking for a companion. They are excellent with children and love spending time with their humans. However, it is essential to note that a lonely Snowshoe Ragdoll cat is an unhappy pet.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
Snowshoe Ragdoll cats generally get along with other pets, especially if they are brought up together. Ragdolls typically prefer to live with other Ragdolls, especially if their owners are away during the day, and the Snowshoe Ragdoll, being a sociable breed, will likely enjoy a multi-pet home as long as all the pets are well-socialized.
Things to Know When Owning a Snowshoe Ragdoll Cat:
When it comes to caring for your Snowshoe Ragdoll cat the best you can, it’s vital to know their diet requirements, exercise and grooming needs, and understand their potential health issues, so let’s look at each care requirement more in-depth.
Food & Diet Requirements 
The most important aspect in selecting the best cat food is ensuring it provides the nourishment your cat requires. The best way to do this is by consulting your veterinarian and choosing a food approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). A combination of wet food and kibble is also an intelligent way to feed your cat to ensure they stay hydrated.
It’s best to start with the suggested measurement on the cat food label and talk to your veterinarian if you need to adjust it. Remembering that kittens have different dietary needs is important, so you should be feeding age-appropriate food. Ensure your cat always has access to clean, fresh water daily.
Exercise 🐈
Most cats are prone to obesity, so exercise is very important to maintaining a healthy weight. Your Snowshoe Ragdoll’s energy levels, size, age, diet, and overall health will determine how much exercise they require. Some would benefit from a daily, 15-minute play session, while others could need more interaction.
However, you should anticipate that your Snowshoe Ragdoll hybrid will require more daily exercise since both parent breeds are active. For healthy adult Snowshoe Ragdolls, two 30-minute sessions daily is a good recommendation. This also includes mental stimulation and activities such as puzzle feeders, playing with toys, scratching posts, and running around with other pets.
Training 🧶
Due to their high level of intelligence and eagerness to please, Snowshoe Ragdoll cats are relatively easy to train and teach new tricks. The key to training this breed is positive reinforcement, including rewarding them with cat treats, petting, praising, consistency, patience, and repetition.
Grooming ✂️
Your Snowshoe Ragdoll’s gorgeous coat will need regular brushing with a metal comb, once or twice a week, to remove any loose hairs and prevent matting. While grooming your cat, check their skin and coat for any signs of allergies or skin issues. Cats are self-cleaning and don’t really require a regular bath, but if your cat’s coat gets dirty, you can clean them using pet-friendly wet wipes.
You can care for your cats’ teeth by providing dental chews and brushing them a few times a week. Oral care should not be overlooked, as cats are typically prone to dental issues. Check your cat’s eyes and ears for any discharge or signs of infection and ensure their nails are not too long.
Health and Conditions 🏥
The Snowshoe Ragdoll cat has an average lifespan of about 12–18 years. However, the health of your cat will determine their longevity. Given that your Snowshoe Ragdoll is a hybrid cat, they will likely inherit some of its parents’ health issues. These can include the following:
Remember that your Snowshoe Ragdoll can only live a long, healthy life with a balanced diet, frequent exercise, and preventative health care. Like most cats, Snowshoe Ragdoll cats are susceptible to contracting a variety of unpleasant parasites. You can keep your Snowshoe cat on monthly flea, tick, and worm prevention medications.
Your veterinarian may also recommend a yearly fecal examination to ensure your cat is free of parasites. On that note, you should keep up with your cat’s routine veterinary check-ups and core vaccinations.
Male vs Female
Male and female cats differ biologically, but you may also notice physical, temperamental, and behavioral distinctions that may help you choose which is best for your family. A Snowshoe Ragdoll’s genetics, temperament, and environment all play a significant role in their personality.
Breeding and spaying or neutering are the primary causes of many differences between male and female cats.
Behavior problems such as urine marking, hostility, vocalization, and wandering are less common after spaying or neutering. However, neutered and spayed Snowshoe Ragdolls don’t show many behavioral differences.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Snowshoe Ragdoll Cat
1. The Snowshoe Ragdoll Is a New Breed
The Snowshoes Ragdoll cat is a relatively new breed. Because they are so new, obtaining information about them or finding breeders or breed groups can be challenging.
2. The Snowshoe Ragdoll Is Dog-Like
The Ragdoll cat is often described as dog-like. They love to be with their humans and love affection.
3. Snowshoe Ragdoll Cats Are Considered Hypoallergenic
The Snowshoe Ragdoll coat can grow for months before falling out, which means that they don’t shed excessively. However, their coats must be brushed once or twice a week to prevent matting.
Final Thoughts
The Snowshoe Ragdoll cat is ideal if you are looking for a cat with a dog-like temperament. Both parents have affectionate personalities that come together to create a companion cat lovers dream of. Like all cats, your Snowshoe Ragdoll will require a quality diet, exercise, routine health care, and regular grooming to stay happy and healthy. They are happiest when their favorite humans are around.
Featured Image Credit: Kokhanchikov, Shutterstock
