Snow shu belong to the aristocratic breed of cats. Possessing grace and spectacular appearance, individuals of this breed managed to fall in love with many. It is worth familiarizing yourself with the description of thoroughbred cats, the peculiarities of their color, habits and nuances of keeping.
Description
Snow shu is a cat of a special breed bred by breeders. Translated, its name means "snow shoe", which is why individuals of the breed are often called "white feet". The appearance of these cats deserves special attention: they resemble beautiful plush toys, while the weight of individuals can reach 7 kg. Not a single breeder will say how a kitten will be born, since its color can turn out unpredictable. A distinctive feature of the appearance of snow shu is the presence of white paws or so-called socks. The paws of the representatives of the breed are long, the body is massive, correctly proportioned and muscular, the hair is short.
The following features are considered breed standards:
- wedge-shaped head with high cheekbones and rounded contours;
- the average body weight, as a rule, in females not exceeding 4-5 kg;
- wide-set, medium-sized ears with rounded edges;
- developed limbs and a tail of medium length, tapering towards the end;
- silky hair and large beautiful eyes of a blue or bluish tint;
- a smooth bend or a small hump on the nose.
Externally, this cat is like representatives of the Siamese breed. This similarity is not accidental: snow shu is a relative of the Siamese cat, despite the fact that it has its own differences in appearance and character. The head of this cat is the same in length and width, its forehead is flat.The shape of the eyes can be different: oval, round, inclined to the base of the ears. They do not perform.
The chin of the snow shu is strong, the muzzle is proportional, the length of the neck is average. The body of a teddy cat is moderately long, powerful and flexible. The backbone is medium, the muscles are well developed. The skin of the nose and paws in snow shu can be spotted or colored to match the skin.
Individuals with a thin tail, long hair (long-haired), fragile physique, and without white paws are not considered purebred breed. The thoroughbred cat has no undercoat, which explains the smoothness of its coat.
Life span
On average, the life expectancy of snow shu can vary from 10 to 12 years. Some individuals live for about 15–16 years. The life span may depend on various factors. This is the calm of the pet, its timely examination, vaccination, walks in the fresh air, the absence of diseases and proper nutrition.
However, in addition to the quality of care and care, this may depend on the heredity of the pet and its living conditions.
Color options
Usually, the color of the snow-shu cat resembles a Siamese cat's fur coat, although it has its own characteristics. For example, socks on the paws, covered with snow-white hair, differ in length. In the hind legs, it is up to the ankles, in the forelegs, to the wrists. A characteristic feature of the color is its saturation.
Conditionally type of color can be divided into two categories: blue point and force point. In the first case, the marks have a gray-blue hue, in the second their palette can include shades from beige to brown. Whatever the basic shade of the fur coat, the hair on the ears, tail and face should be dark, on the stomach and chest it is the lightest.
Kittens of this breed are born white, it is impossible to say unequivocally what color a particular individual will be. Finally, the color is established when the cat is 2 years old. A cat can be colored differently. For example, it can be a bicolor variant or a two-tone color with a predominance of white. In such individuals, dark spots can be of different sizes, but at the same time they are located mainly in the upper part of the body and do not connect with each other. Tortoise color is rather a rarity, with it spots of three shades cover most of the body of an individual. As for the white coat, it appears on the face in the form of a check mark and a strip crossing the chin.
Character Features
Representatives of the “cats in snow socks” breed may have a different character, which depends on the proper upbringing of the pets, which they have been training since their first months of life. In general, these cats are quite peaceful and moderately affectionate, how do they differ from their Siamese counterparts. "Snow White" is often complaisant, loyal, distinguished by a cheerful disposition, and sometimes by talkativeness. They love their masters and cannot stand the long separation from them. During their life, they become attached to the owner and feel his emotional state according to the tone of his voice, while the pet can quickly adapt to the desired mood. For example, he is able to play with the owner, if he is configured for it. In addition, the pet can “feel sorry” in its own way, rubbing it on the cheek, purr, sit on your hands and distract from sad thoughts.
This breed of cats is characterized by good learning. Individuals are characterized by intellectual development and ingenuity. In view of this, cats can be trained in simple commands. For example, they are quite capable of understanding their name, the commands “eat”, “cannot”, “let's go look for”, “let's play”, as well as the rules established in the house and the following mandatory implementation. In addition, they are extremely inquisitive, so they rarely sit idle and do not know laziness.
They quickly become accustomed to hygiene, calmly endure all its stages, including swimming in water, which they are not at all afraid of. Snow shu not only behave calmly in the water, but can frolic in it, as well as observe its trickles.In addition, these cats can find entertainment in the water if at that time their toys appear in it.
Noteworthy is the fact that representatives of the breed are active, but unobtrusive. They will never demand attention, although they absolutely cannot stand loneliness and miss their masters. In games, they are delicate and do not allow themselves to scratch and bite households. These animals do not offend children, but love to be in the center of attention of one of the owners.
Unlike the Siamese counterparts, snow shu does not hold a grudge if he was once offended. He will not shit in revenge where it is impossible, as individual individuals of the cat family do. In addition, these cats do not make heart-rending sounds: they are lovers of conversation, but their language is not so unpleasant and not harsh.
As for quick wits, such enterprising cats still need to look. If they are planning to leave the room, they will deal with the handle and turn it as needed to open the door. And also they easily cope with one-armed taps if they suddenly need water. And if a cat likes some small thing, he can pick it up and hide it in a secluded place.
Content
Snow cats are amazing pets, they cannot live in street conditions and require special treatment. Before getting such a pet, the breeder should know that Snow Shu inherited a predisposition to certain diseases from related breeds. Individuals may be born with tail defects or even strabismus. In addition, due to improper care, pets can often get sick. You can not get a kitten in a house where the owners do not stay at home for a long time. Snow cats refuse to spend time alone, they can complain to the owner about their loneliness in a sad voice.
As for the choice of a kitten in the nursery, a representative of a high-quality breed on the face shows a white corner in the form of the letter V. The eyes of the kitten should be blue.
Baby choice
It is necessary to choose a kitten in the nursery personally, paying attention to external data, behavior, the presence of a passport and pedigree, as well as pedigree features. The tidiness of the baby, its activity and the absence of parasites will tell about the good content in the nursery. His eyes will be clean, his mucous membranes pinkish and smooth. Habits will tell about the behavior: if the kitten was raised correctly, he will not hiss, bite and scratch. You need to choose an active and sociable kitten, characterized by a restless character and vigor. The documents must contain the veterinarian’s marks, his signature, the seal of the veterinarian and a holographic sticker.
It is important to pay attention to the signs of the breed, the main of which, regardless of age, will be a stocky body, blue (less often gray-blue) eyes and a thick neck.
Adapting and accustoming to the tray
After the kitten is brought home, it is necessary to reduce the level of stress. The kitten is protected from excess noise and screaming. They immediately buy their own couch, put a bowl of food and water. A tray is placed nearby. Given that kittens are naturally curious, the owners try to remove fragile objects and, if possible, wires.
As for the tray, the kitten very quickly understands where to go to the toilet. In theory, when the baby is taken from the receiver, he is already accustomed to the tray. But if suddenly a nuisance happens, just remove everything with a napkin and put it in the tray, placing the pet itself in it. As a rule, he quickly understands what this place is for. The filler for the tray can be selected taking into account the age of the baby. The children's version is convenient in that it does not stick to its paws, so it does not spread throughout the house.
As the kitten grows older, the filler can also be replaced, selecting options in the form of granules of a larger fraction. The type of tray may be different, but the kitten does not need a closed view.
Hygiene
Like any other pet, snow shu needs timely hygiene of the ears, eyes and claws.Combing is necessary at least once a week. This will please the pet and save the house from small hairs, which is especially true during molting. During this period, it is necessary to engage in pet hair more often (you can twice a week). Despite the fact that the hair of cats of this breed does not stray into tangles, the cat should have its own comb with natural bristles. Someone acquires massage mittens with soft silicone teeth for smooth-haired cats. Combing is convenient not only because you can save your pet from dead hairs. In addition, it allows you to evenly distribute the protective layer of natural fat over the coat.
In the absence of time, you can buy a brush for attaching to the wall and fix it at the bottom so that the pet can independently approach and comb out its wool on it. Some cats like this very much, they are happy to rub on such brushes.
There is no need for daily combing of wool, despite the fact that it is quite dense and thick. However, cats love grooming, so from time to time you can pamper your pets with this procedure.
Ears and eyes should be cleaned as they become dirty. About once a week they are cleaned with a damp cloth soaked in chamomile broth. Someone uses a cotton pad and ordinary warm water for this. A similar broth can be processed and the eyes of the animal with a multiplicity of at least once a week. You need to bathe your pet no more than once a month.
If suddenly the animal began to trot ears, then, most likely, parasites appeared in them, which must be disposed of with the help of drugs. The type of medicine and the frequency of its use will be determined by the doctor. At the first sign of scratching, take the animal to the veterinarian. You can not start the course of the disease: it does not pass by itself.
For claws, you need to purchase a claw point, and in the house of such accessories there may be several. They are placed near the front door and in places of greatest attention to the pet. This will protect the upholstery of upholstered furniture and wallpaper from destruction. As necessary, the nails must be trimmed with scissors or special forceps, cutting off the transparent end of each nail.
It is important to monitor the condition of the teeth of your pet, because they can have tartar deposited. Of course, not every owner will clean them for his cat, but if suddenly at least one tooth falls out, it will require immediate medical attention. In addition, periodontal disease can be observed in individual cats.
In order to prevent such problems, the cat needs timely preventive examinations and cleanings in accordance with all the rules that a veterinarian can conduct. In addition, you need to try to brush the animal’s teeth with special toothpaste and a tiny toothbrush, as well as use special treats for brushing your teeth.
Walks
No matter how domestic the animal is, without fresh air it weakens. It is necessary to systematically and every day walk with him on the street. At first it can be a walk with a kitten in her arms, over time its duration can be increased. At the same time, the cat will not mind if a harness flaunts on his neck. After a walk that is unlikely to do without examining objects and plants, you need to inspect the teddy cat for parasites (ticks or fleas).
For prevention purposes, you can use an antiparasitic collar, the effect of which on average lasts about one month. Further, it is replaced with a new one. To check the wool, you can purchase a special comb with small and frequent teeth.
Games
These cats are well trained, but it is necessary to start raising them as early as possible. They cannot be shouted at: they understand the intonation of the voice and capture the mood. If for some reason they commit an offense and hide, then in order to lure them out of the shelter, it’s enough to open a tap with water, because you are not indifferent to it. So that the cat does not steal small objects, it is necessary to provide him with his toys, which he will constantly wear in his teeth, like prey.
The game should not use hands or feet, but special toys for cats. This eliminates the possibility of bites and scratches, and also accustoms the pet to its own things.
These can be different objects, but not the things that the owner uses. For example, you don’t need to play with a trouser strap, because the cat will consider it his own, so it can steal and hide it.
You must try to find time for playing with the cat. This will help strengthen her communication with the owner, increase loyalty and show concern on her part. Ideally, it is enough to play with her twice a day, finding for this 15 minutes in the morning and in the evening.
Periodically, you can call the cat for games or simple communication. The pet will be happy and “conversation”, because he understands when he is praised, so he will not refuse to be kindly treated by his owner.
Parenting
So that the cat does not grow wild and harsh, the atmosphere in the house should be calm. An active cat grows up in a house where there is no scream and assault. Her punishment may be the owner’s stern voice, dragging the guilty animal by the withers or poking her face is useless. From this, it simply loses confidence and tries to be away from everyone, which is usually unusual for her.
It is important to provide the kitten with its own couch and game complex. He should have his own bowl of food and water. The house must have certain rules and a regime to which all households obey. Seeing this, the pet itself adapts to the existing rules. Where there is no order in the owners, it makes no sense to look for it in the animal. It should not beg for food or attention, all this is part of the upbringing and responsibility of a person.
You cannot put a kitten to sleep with you in the same bed. This erases the boundaries of his understanding of the place, he perceives himself as an equal to the owner, which in the future can develop into problems of education and the need to correct behavior. The animal must know the resting place, which is its bed.
If you wish, you can buy him an additional house or even a hammock on the battery, where he will be warm and comfortable.
What to feed?
The key to a cat’s health is its weight. Of course, she should not be overfed or, conversely, too thin. Everything is good in moderation, so it is important to choose the right diet. For example, you cannot feed an animal with industrial feed alone. Despite the assurances of the manufacturers of its exceptional benefits, it cannot provide the pet with all the necessary vitamins and nutrients.
Cat nutrition should be balanced. From time to time, you can add variety to it through wet food. But in the diet should be present and natural food. For example, a cat should receive fish and lean meat, as well as special grass for cats. Occasionally, it is necessary to give the pet egg yolks, as well as dairy products (except for cream and sour cream).
It is allowed to include kefir, fermented baked milk and yogurt in the diet. In addition to them, raw oatmeal can be added to the main meal. Useful food for the cat will be some varieties of fruits and vegetables that can be given in boiled or raw form. In order to cleanse the stomach of wool balls (when the cat licks the hair), you can give the pet wheat or oat sprouts. The meat or fish of the cat must be given in boiled form. In addition to them, from time to time he will have to give special vitamin complexes, observing the dosage indicated by the specialist.
As for the choice of food, it should be based on the age of the cat. When choosing it, it is necessary to pay attention to the type of coat, and to the particular health. When choosing natural food, it is important to ensure that the products do not have artificial additives. Wherein small kittens are fed more often, as they grow older, the multiplicity is reduced, increasing the volume of each serving. Kittens are usually fed no more than six times a day. A cat of two years of age does not need to be fed more than twice a day. He can be given food at certain hours in the morning and evening.
You can’t feed your cat food from your table. You can not feed her stale food and monotonous food. For example, the same meat can be different (it can be beef, turkey, chicken).
In addition, you can give your pet offal (chicken stomachs, hearts, wings). Of vegetables, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes and even cabbage must be present in the diet. Cereals (buckwheat, rice, semolina and hercules) will also be useful.
Cat water should always be clean and fresh. Food bowls can be either ceramic or metal. Plastic products are much worse, because they quickly become covered with scratches, in which colonies of bacteria can settle over time. In addition, plastic can not be called a completely harmless material, because some of its varieties during the operation emit harmful substances into the air.
Some products should not be given snow-shu. For example, the list of unauthorized foods included pork and river fish, milk and potatoes, spices, salinity and smoked meats.
You can not treat the "snow white" sausage and sausages. In addition, it is strictly contraindicated to feed the pussy with sweets, which can cause harm to the teeth and provoke the appearance of allergic reactions.
Vaccination
As a rule, when a kitten is taken from the cattery, it is vaccinated. However, throughout his life he can not do without the necessary vaccinations. They are performed according to the usual schedule, vaccinating comprehensively in early childhood and repeating the necessary vaccinations every year. An individual schedule can only be assigned in individual cases. It is worth considering: there are periods when the introduction of the vaccine is unacceptable. For example, this cannot be done when babies change their teeth (usually four to eight months). In addition, you can not vaccinate pregnant cats and individuals with weakened immunity.
As for the nuances of vaccination, approximately 10 days before the introduction of the vaccine, the pet is given an anthelmintic.
Breeding
Mating cats is carried out according to the standard scheme. At the same time, the mating does not cause any difficulties: it will be much more important to get kittens that are close to the standard, because half of the litter is far from it. As a rule, the first estrus in cats happens before the age of one year. However, it, like the second, should be skipped. Experts recommend mating when the cat is about one and a half years old.. It is advisable to pick up a couple in the same nursery where the kitten itself was chosen. Doubtful males are not suitable for mating, as this leads to degeneration of the breed and various diseases of kittens born in this mating.
The ideal partner for mating should be thoroughbred, well-groomed, neat. In addition, this specimen must have a pedigree, it must be vaccinated and healthy. Someone pays attention to the color criteria and even to the length of the so-called socks: if the cat is long, then the cat should be small and vice versa.
An unspoken rule in mating is the fact that often the owner of a cat takes one kitten from a litter. This nuance must be agreed in advance. Sometimes, instead of an individual, the owner of the “groom” is paid the cost of the baby.
As for the frequency of mating, breeders believe that in a year it is enough for a cat to give birth no more than once. This may be due to the state of her health and the degree of exhaustion of the body (the more often the birth, the lesser the strength for the subsequent carrying of kittens). After the birth of babies, the first three months of her strength will go to feeding. She can bring from three to seven babies at a time. If you mate frequently, the cat will become ill.
Her body will be susceptible to various infectious diseases.She herself will not only lose weight, but will change externally. Her coat will become dull and her appearance will be painful and weak. In addition, frequent childbirth will affect the life span of the animal: such a cat will not live long. Despite the fact that kittens are expensive, this nuance should not harm the health of mom cats.
When estrus is there, but mating does not work, this indicates a malfunction of the body. Abstinence can cause serious diseases of the reproductive system. In general, the birth of a cat proceeds without complications, although most of the kittens are born with a hooked tail. The cost of a kitten can be up to 15,000 rubles. Purebred individuals with perfect color are more expensive: the price of such kittens ranges from 30,000 to 80,000 rubles or more. However, the partner himself must be not only purebred, but fit into the established standard.
If the owner does not plan to breed kittens, the pet is neutered or sterilized.
Read more about the breed of cats snow-shu in the next video.