You might not be aware of the Snowshoe cat, however it’s a breed that may be a combine between Siamese and the American shorthair. These felines are sociable, enjoyable, playful, and affectionate, however in case you are contemplating adopting one, it’s best to know the way lengthy they could be round so what you’re taking a look at commitment-wise. The Snowshoe cat lives 15–20 years.
Many components have an effect on simply how lengthy a cat will dwell, although, akin to well being points, correct weight-reduction plan, and extra. Right here’s a better have a look at these components and how one can allow your Snowshoe cat to dwell its longest, happiest life!
Snowshoe Cat Common Lifespan
As we stated, the Snowshoe cat lives, on common, 15 to twenty years. Whether or not yours dwell to be on the upper finish of that spectrum will rely on a number of components. You possibly can assist your kitty dwell so long as attainable by correctly caring for them.
Find out how to Take care of Your Snowshoe Cat for a Lengthy Lifespan?
Right here’s how one can care in your Snowshoe cat so that they have as lengthy a lifespan as attainable!
Feeding & Weight loss program
All felines are obligate carnivores, requiring meat to remain wholesome. Which means avoiding vegetarian choices with regards to cat meals and as a substitute feeding your pet high-quality meals with high-quality protein. You additionally wish to make sure that any cat meals you get in your Snowshoe cat is full and balanced in response to AAFCO requirements. Observe the beneficial feeding tips on the bag for many wholesome cats. In the event you aren’t certain how a lot to feed or what meals to feed your pet, verify together with your vet for suggestions. Contemporary water must be obtainable always.
Atmosphere
Your cat’s atmosphere also can have an effect on how lengthy your pet lives. Snowshoes make glorious pets for households as a result of they adore being round folks. They’ll even usually get together with different animals within the dwelling, offered these animals are pleasant to felines. They’ll search this companionship to stave off boredom and to stimulate their minds.
You additionally want to make sure your pet has all their wants met, together with having a clear litter field and toys, like scratching posts or cat timber, all through the house. The scratching posts and cat timber are important as cats have to scratch to maintain their nails wholesome and toys and cat timber can encourage train. Additionally, be certain that they’ve a heat spot to go in cooler climate and a cool spot to go when the temperatures rise.
Care
When it comes to caring in your Snowshoe, aside from feeding them a nutritious weight-reduction plan and preserving their litter field clear, you’ll want to have interaction in occasional grooming. This breed is pretty low-maintenance in that space, as they’ve brief hair. Largely, you’ll have to brush them a few occasions every week and hold their nails trimmed and ears clear, too.
Additionally make sure that your Snowshoe will get each day train. This can be within the type of interactive play with you, with toys or by leaping and climbing on a cat tree. Since Snowshoes like the corporate of different animals, they could get train by taking part in with them as effectively.
Breeding
Genetics performs a key position in figuring out how lengthy your cat will dwell. In the event you get your Snowshoe from a breeder, be certain that the breeder is a good one. Ask questions concerning the cat’s household background, like whether or not the dad and mom have been examined for widespread well being points. You additionally wish to bodily go to a breeder’s location so you may have a look at the situations the cats are being saved in. If the breeder’s place isn’t clear or cats are crammed into small areas collectively, discover one other breeder!
Healthcare
Snowshoe cats are a comparatively wholesome breed, however a number of well being points might have been handed down by their dad and mom. Taking your pet for routine vet visits is likely one of the greatest methods to maintain them wholesome, as these visits usually catch points early sufficient for therapy. Additionally, make sure that your kitty is up-to-date on all their vaccinations and has a great tick and flea prevention.
Minor situations embody poor dental well being and crossed eyes. Many Siamese are cross-eyed, so this may be handed to the Snowshoe. And lots of felines cope with dental illness (partly as a result of brushing their enamel often is usually a problem).
Different situations to be careful for embody cardiomyopathy, feline decrease urinary tract illnesses, and arterial thromboembolism.
The Life Phases of a Snowshoe Cat
There are 4 life levels for a Snowshoe cat.
Kitten: 0–12 months
The kitten stage is essential in your pet with regards to socialization, progress and growth. That is when your kitty will discover ways to work together with others, whether or not folks or animals, and how one can play in acceptable methods. That is additionally the stage the place you may assist your pet have an extended lifespan by getting them required vaccinations, feeding a high-quality kitten weight-reduction plan, and starting them on flea and tick management.
Younger Grownup: 1–6 years
After your Snowshoe hits the age of 1, they’re formally an grownup (though a younger one)! At this level, it’s best to change your pet from kitten meals to grownup meals, so that they hold getting the vitamins they want. You must also guarantee your pet is getting loads of each day train and maintaining with routine vet visits.
Mature Grownup: 7–10 years
The mature grownup stage is usually only a continuation of the younger grownup stage, however by this level, your cat is likely to be experiencing a well being concern or two. Maintain taking your kitty for routine vet visits to maintain them wholesome, and hold a better eye on them so that you discover indicators of well being issues in the event that they happen.
Senior: 10+ years
You shouldn’t essentially anticipate your Snowshoe to decelerate of their senior years. Many wholesome senior cats will nonetheless lead lively lives. However it is a interval the place you want to monitor your kitty’s well being extra carefully than ever to make sure any sickness or illness that exhibits up shall be caught earlier moderately than later.
Find out how to Inform Your Snowshoe Cat’s Age
Not sure how previous your Snowshoe is? There are a number of methods you may decide their age (or an age vary).
- In case your pet continues to be a kitten, verify their weight. Up till about 6 months of age, kittens ought to acquire a couple of pound for every month they’re alive. So, a kitten that’s 3 months previous ought to weigh about 3 kilos.
- You too can verify the kitty’s enamel to determine their age. If a kitten has all their child enamel, they’re 6-8 weeks previous; if they’ve all their grownup enamel, they’re at the least 6-7 months previous. Not sure that are child and that are grownup enamel? Ask your vet!
- If in case you have an grownup Snowshoe that you just adopted or had been gifted and don’t know their age, you’re greatest off having your vet verify to find out how previous they’re.
With correct care, a Snowshoe cat will seemingly dwell between 15 and 20 years. If you would like your kitty to dwell longer, you’ll have to correctly take care of them by feeding them a nutritious diet, taking them for normal vet visits, and making certain they’re in a contented and protected atmosphere.
Featured Picture Credit score: Aleksandar Nalbantjan, Shutterstock
