Snowshoe is originated from United States but Balinese is originated from Thailand. Both Snowshoe and Balinese are having almost same weight. Snowshoe may live 5 years less than Balinese. Both Snowshoe and Balinese has same litter size. Both Snowshoe and Balinese requires Low maintenance.
The Snowshoe is a short-haired, natural breed of cat. It is a bit similar in looks to the Siamese cat.
It was in the late 1960's that Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty from the USA devoted her time to developing a breed which was a mix of Siamese cat and American Shorthair. There was much enthusiasm for the new breed – the mesmerizing blue eyes and the lean, lithe, athletic body, .
This rare cat has been approved for championship status. In 1982 the Snowshoe was approved for championship status by the CFF and later by the American Cat Fanciers Association in 1990.
This beautiful cat has strict standards laid down for breeding.
The slender Balinese cat is a cat similar in looks to the Siamese cat but fluffier. In fact, in the 1950s, Siamese breeders in the United States discovered that the kittens were fluffier than what a Siamese cat should be.
The fur was too long to conform to Siamese cat standards. Two Siamese breeders, Helen Smith and Marion Dorsey loved the look of the longer-haired Siamese with the idea being to name the breed the Longhair Siamese. Siamese breeders didn’t want this and the name became Balinese.
The Balinese cat has been recognized by many cat registries and associations.
The Snowshoe is a medium-sized cat, with the body being longer than many other cat breeds.
A distinctive feature with him is the white paws.
The cat can weigh between 5 to 7 kg. The legs of the cat are long and strong and the medium-length tail gradually tapers to a tip. The ears are fairly large with rounded tips. The smooth, short coat is white, brown, tan, and black and without an undercoat. He reminds you of a sweet treat - hints of chocolate and coffee shades with vanilla or light cream. He is pure white at birth, but after a few weeks, the coat undergoes a significant color change.
The face, ears, tail, and legs are darker in color than the rest of the body. The eyes of all Snowshoe cats are a sky blue.
Snowshoes are friendly, docile, and affectionate. They lap up the company of their human family, getting on well with children and other pets. They tend to be shy of strangers.
The Snowshoe is a fairly vocal cat and will let you know when he is hungry or he just wants to talk to you.
These cats are intelligent too and he can be taught a few tricks. He is very sociable and doesn’t like to be left on his own for long periods of time. Ideally, these cats should have a constant companion. They are active cats and like to be busy. You’ll need to spend some time with your Snowshoe as these cats love fun and games.
The medium-sized Balinese has a long, slender, finely built body with the head being long and triangular.
The eyes of the cat are slanted and a deep blue.
The coat is medium in length and is soft and silky without an undercoat. The coat length is pretty much all that distinguishes this cat from the siamese cat. The coat is pointed which means you’ll find concentrations of color – cream, red and tortoiseshell on the face, ears, legs and the plumed tail.
Your Balinese is a talkative cat and he is active and playful too. Because it is such an intelligent cat, it can learn tricks too.
They are affectionate cats and bond closely with their human family. They crave lots of attention and don’t like being left alone for long periods of time. They’re chatty cats too and love to leap up onto high perches and look down on their world.
If you have a Balinese as a pet, you will certainly have to invest in climbing equipment.
People who have already owned Snowshoes will tell you that they make splendid pets. They’re loyal and devoted to their human family, usually choosing a favorite person.
The fact that the Snowshoe is social and becomes so attached to people, makes him an awesome pet but just because he is fairly docile and amicable doesn’t mean he should be left alone for hours at a time. You’ll hear him voicing his displeasure at this.
He is certainly not a solitary cat, but an affectionate and most extraordinary cat.
Your Balinese cat is a friendly, affectionate cat that will bond closely with his human family.
They’re the kind of cats that enjoy having their family members around them and they don’t like being left alone for long periods.
He is a playful cat so make sure that he has some nice toys that will keep him amused. They’re known for their intelligence and their inquisitive and playful natures, not to mention that these cats are easy on the eye as well.
Vocal and demanding, if you want someone who demands your friendship, then take a look at these beautiful Balinese cats.
Your Snowshoe may well be a healthy breed, but every cat is prone to some illnesses. We look at some cat diseases you need to be aware of -
This is a feline disease found more often in Siamese cat breeds. The cat develops this protein disease between 1 TO 5 years of age. Amyloidosis is when there is an abnormal deposit of the protein complex amyloid into the liver, spleen and kidneys, resulting in bacterial infections, inflammation, and cancer.
Your Snowshoe’s teeth are particularly prone to gingivitis which is inflammation of the gums. It can lead to more serious conditions if left unattended. Other dental problems to watch for are bleeding gums, broken teeth, and swelling of the gums.
Have your Snowshoe spayed or neutered. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of some cancers. Both males and females are less likely to roam too, making them more domesticated. The cat is less likely to spray urine as a territorial gesture too. Spaying or neutering is imperative if you want to avoid your cats being parents.
Balinese cats are fairly healthy and any health problems these cats may have are much the same as those for the Siamese cat.
You want to look at diseases such as respiratory illnesses, liver failure, dilated cardiomyopathy, and eye problems.
In fact, Progressive Retinal Atrophy is one health condition that you see quite a bit with the Balinese cat.
It can be an inherited eye disease or one that is acquired. PRA is a degenerative disorder of the retina and you will need to get your cat to the veterinarian. Unfortunately, there isn’t a treatment for PRA and therefore breeders need to check their breeding stock before allowing cats to be bred.
Provide your Snowshoe with the best cat food that there is. Always be aware of excess weight with your cat and avoid it at all costs. Extra weight is an influential factor in the development of diseases such as diabetes and arthritis.
A proper diet for your Snowshoe will ensure that your vet expenses are less. The nutritional needs of your Snowshoe will be protein, minerals, vitamins, fatty acids, and enzymes. Your cat is a carnivore and his food needs to be high in meat and protein. He isn't going to require any carbohydrates. Speak to your vet about the best food for your feline friend.
Provide your Snowshoe with a constant supply of fresh, cool water.
Your Snowshoe will appreciate some cooked meat once in a while. Some tasty tuna now and then which is rich in omega-3s will also go down well.
Cats are fastidious about cleanliness so ensure his litter box is always clean. Scoop out the feces every day.
The Snowshoe has a low maintenance short coat, and a weekly brush will keep his coat shiny and glossy and he’ll love the attention this brushing session provides.
Cats like to scratch, so provide your Snowshoe with a scratching post as this will save your furniture from being used as a scratching post.
The Snowshoe cat is regarded as a low maintenance cat in terms of his short coat which needs to be brushed once a week. Brushing the hair will remove dead, loose hair and distribute skin oils to keep the coat in tip-top condition.
Your health depends on what you eat, and the same applies to cats too. Apart from good veterinary care for your cat, good food is of critical importance. A proper diet can eliminate veterinary expenses substantially.
In feeding your cat, learn to read cat food labels and make sure your furry friend is getting the right amount of proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
There are many choices of cat foods – homemade and commercially manufactured cat foods which can be canned or you also get the dry cat kibble type of food.
If your furry friend doesn’t like a particular food, don’t punish him by taking it away and leaving him without food. Your mom tried you with different foods and you should do the same with your feline friend.
Provide your Balinese with ‘cat equipment’ - feeding and drinking bowls, grooming equipment and a nice, soft bed for him to lie in and in a quiet place.
Keep your pet’s vaccines up to date and see he gets to the vet when he is ill.
The Balinese has a coat of medium length and because the cat only really sheds seasonally, it is looked upon as a low-maintenance coat. A brush once a week will get rid of dust as well as loose, dead hair and keep the coat in good condition.