Finding Snowshoe Kittens Near Me: A Breeder’s Journey

The Snowshoe cat, with its striking blue eyes, distinct white markings, and engaging personality, captivates many feline enthusiasts. Their intelligence and interactive nature make them exceptional companions. If you find yourself searching for “Snowshoe Kittens Near Me,” understanding the dedication and passion that goes into raising healthy, well-socialized examples of the breed is crucial. The story of Sapphirestar Cats, established in 2008, offers insight into the commitment involved in breeding these wonderful cats, focusing on health and temperament above all else. While the ultimate goal is the perfect companion cat, producing top show cats showcasing excellent Snowshoe type is a welcome bonus.

The Spark: How Sapphirestar Began with Snowshoes

Growing up surrounded by cats, including an Abyssinian cross and various rescues, instilled a lifelong appreciation for feline companionship. Moving into a home of one’s own often feels incomplete without a cat. Initially, seeking another rescue cat proved difficult due to policies regarding young children, despite the children being accustomed to treating cats respectfully. This led to researching pedigree breeds that would fit well with existing elderly cats and young children.

Two attentive Sapphirestar Snowshoe cats, illustrating breed beauty

The Snowshoe breed emerged as the perfect fit. Inspiration struck upon seeing a photo of a seal point preferred pattern Snowshoe, reminiscent of the great Ferry Vom Friedewald. In 2008, Sapphirestar Cats began with the purchase of Alaska (Glittakitz Fudge), acquired using inheritance money. Bred by Tracey Rhodes at Glittakitz, 13-week-old Alaska quickly settled in, charming everyone with her blue eyes and adaptable nature. She respected the older cats and became a beloved family member, particularly close to daughter Ellie.

Alaska, the foundation Snowshoe queen of Sapphirestar Cats, at 6 years old

From Pet Owner to Dedicated Breeder

Alaska’s bombproof temperament and stunning looks served as a fantastic introduction to the Snowshoe breed. Her outgoing personality – often being the first to greet visitors – was impressive. This positive experience fueled further research into Snowshoes and sparked the idea of breeding, driven by the belief that everyone deserves to experience life with such an interactive cat.

Alaska’s breeder kindly agreed to place her on the active register, permitting breeding. However, finding a suitable stud cat proved challenging initially. After an unsuccessful attempt to connect with a nearby breeder, an advert for an unrelated litter in Wales led to a long Friday night drive. This journey brought 13-week-old Idris (Adecish Snowshoo Idris) into the family.

Idris, a key Snowshoe stud cat for Sapphirestar, pictured in 2010

Sapphirestar's Snowshoe stud cat Idris, showing maturity in 2014

Establishing Sapphirestar: Goals and Philosophy

The prefix Sapphirestar was granted by both GCCF and TICA in 2010. The first litter arrived in November 2010 when Idris’s mother, already pregnant with his brother Mocha, came to stay. Owning a stud cat is a significant commitment, and one queen wasn’t enough to keep Idris content, prompting the search for another female.

Bitzaglitz Alice, the mother of Sapphirestar's stud cat Idris

The core aim of the Sapphirestar breeding program has always been clear: prioritize health and temperament. Breeding focuses on achieving good Snowshoe type, and if possible, the desired pattern. The philosophy centers on raising healthy, well-socialized kittens destined to capture their owners’ hearts.

Expanding the Lines: Ensuring Genetic Health

Given the relative rarity of the Snowshoe breed, finding a suitable, unrelated queen was difficult. This led to exploring compatible outcross breeds. The Siamese was a natural choice, but the aim was to maintain a moderate look rather than the modern show style. Another trip to Wales introduced Adateam Tong Lang, a traditional (Old Style) Siamese affectionately nicknamed “the Blue Cat,” into the breeding program. Integrating an adult Siamese required adjustment, but Blue Cat quickly established her expectations. She is now happily retired.

Traditional Siamese Adateam Tong Lang and her Sapphirestar daughter, key to expanding bloodlines

Over the years, Sapphirestar has grown, collaborating with like-minded reputable snowshoe breeders to carefully expand the somewhat limited Snowshoe gene pool. To date, five distinct Siamese bloodlines and three British Shorthair lines have been introduced. Alongside health and type, efforts were made to introduce the chocolate point color, a challenging task as it requires both parents to carry the recessive chocolate gene. Continuous research into genetics and healthy breeding practices remains paramount, with cat health and temperament always the top priority. Close collaboration with a trusted veterinary practice is essential. Yeti, a current cat, is a direct descendant of the lovely Siamese Teasel.

Tilly, a beautiful Sapphirestar Snowshoe cat showcasing breed characteristics

Sapphirestar Snowshoe cat Tally, example of cattery's breeding results

Yeti, a Sapphirestar Snowshoe descended from Siamese lines, highlighting genetic work

Teasel, a lovely Siamese cat influential in Sapphirestar's breeding program

Tallulah, a stunning Sapphirestar Snowshoe cat posing elegantly

Both Snowshoe and Old Style Siamese kittens have been raised at Sapphirestar, with Snowshoes bred from first to fifth generations. The journey has led to meeting wonderful people, some becoming close friends. Knowing that a kitten leaving for its forever home marks the beginning of bringing joy to a new family makes the difficult goodbyes easier.

Beyond Breeding: Success in the Show Ring

Encouraged by mentor Mollie Southall (Coldenufforsnow cats), the first GCCF show was entered in 2011 with Idris. It was a remarkable debut, with Idris winning 2 merits and achieving a ‘red card day’ (first place in all entered classes). Since then, Sapphirestar has produced notable show cats, including the first male champion Snowshoe, Sapphirestar Frostbite (Idris’s son).

Early generation Snowshoes also competed successfully in Household Pet classes. Sapphirestar Iced Gem (Gem) achieved Master Cat status in March 2014. Frosty’s grandson, Sapphirestar Chaos (Charlie), won Best in Show Pedigree Pet multiple times and earned the prestigious title of Olympian Master Cat. A significant point of pride is Gr Ch Sapphirestar Envy winning Overall Best in Show at the Snowshoe Cat Society show in 2022. Furthermore, a cat bred by Sapphirestar has won Best in Show at every Snowshoe Cat Society Show since 2013.

A Family Passion and Community Involvement

The passion for Snowshoes extends through the family. Daughter Ellie caught the bug, showing and breeding her own girl, Coldenufforsnow Jollity, under her prefix Diamondice. At just 13 years old, Ellie bred her own Champion Snowshoe, Diamondice Snow Prince (George).

Champion Snowshoe Diamondice Snow Prince, bred by Ellie of Sapphirestar family

Involvement extends to the wider breed community, serving on the Committee of the Snowshoe Cat Society and as Secretary of the Snowshoe Breed Advisory Committee. Breeding is undeniably time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally demanding at times, bringing immense joy alongside occasional sadness. Diligent record-keeping and financial resources are vital, but the reward of socializing kittens is unparalleled.

What to Look For When Searching for “Snowshoe Kittens Near Me”

The Sapphirestar journey highlights qualities essential for any prospective owner seeking Snowshoe Kittens Near Me to look for in a breeder. When you search for snowshoe kittens for sale, prioritize reputable snowshoe breeders who, like Sapphirestar:

• Focus on Health and Temperament: Ensure breeders conduct relevant health testing for the breed and prioritize raising well-socialized kittens accustomed to a home environment.
• Demonstrate Breed Knowledge: Look for breeders deeply familiar with Snowshoe characteristics, genetics, and responsible breeding practices.
• Are Transparent: Good breeders are open about their practices, allow visits (when appropriate and safe), and provide documentation for pedigree and health checks.
• Offer Lifetime Support: Many dedicated breeders offer ongoing advice and support after a kitten goes to its new home.
• Are Involved in Breed Clubs: Participation in organizations like GCCF, TICA, or breed-specific clubs (like the Snowshoe Cat Society) often indicates a commitment to breed standards and ethics.

Finding registered snowshoe breeders who emphasize these points significantly increases your chances of welcoming a healthy, happy, and well-adjusted Snowshoe companion into your life.

Sapphirestar Snowshoes in the Spotlight

The appeal of these cats extends beyond the show bench. Sapphirestar boys recently featured in an advertising campaign filmed in London for the Russian market, showcasing their stunning looks and adaptable temperaments on a different kind of stage.

Sapphirestar King of Diamonds Snowshoe cat featured in advertising campaign

Sapphirestar Snowshoe Spencer-Simon during filming for Russian ad campaign

Sapphirestar Envy, another Snowshoe cat involved in the advertising shoot

Recent Sapphirestar Snowshoe cat photo from 2024, showing current quality

Conclusion

The journey of Sapphirestar Cats, from acquiring a cherished pet to becoming established breeders and show exhibitors, underscores the dedication required to raise exceptional Snowshoe cats. The focus on health, temperament, socialization, and careful genetic management exemplifies the qualities prospective owners should value. When searching for snowshoe kittens near me, remember the importance of finding a breeder who shares this level of commitment. Thorough research and choosing a responsible, knowledgeable breeder are key steps towards finding the perfect, healthy Snowshoe companion to enrich your life.