Love the snowy soft look of white cats? Or maybe you’ve just got all white furniture and are looking for a practical kitty to add to your home. Well, whatever it is, you’re in luck ’cause there are quite a few white cat breeds with downy, milky coats that’ll make you want to pet them all day long.
But first things first – many white cats aren’t actually white. That’s because many cats are born pure white and then develop their color as they mature. This happens with colorpoint breeds like the Siamese and the Birman, for example.
We’re not going to mention these breeds here, though. Instead, we’ll be focusing on all white cat breeds that stay white their entire lives.
Before we get started introducing you to all the lovely white cat breeds in the feline world, there are a few things you should know about white cats…
White Cat Facts
Many white cats have blue eyes. It’s not just the pristine white fur that makes white cat breeds stand out – it’s also the fact that their white fur often comes coupled with a striking pair of eyes, be they blue, green, golden or different colored.
As you’ll see, not all white cats have blue eyes but for some reason, blue eyes seem to be more common to white cats than others. Only 5% of the general cat popular is pure white but of these pure white cats, 15% to 40% of them have one or two blue eyes.
All white cats are not deaf. You might’ve heard the rumor that all white cats are deaf. This is not true. But blue eyed white cats are more often deaf than white cats with other colored eyes. Interestingly, white cats with odd eyes are sometimes deaf in the ear closest to the blue eye.
Again, the deafness does not occur in all blue eyed, white coat cats. It’s caused by a genetics coupling that occurs only with the dominant white gene. Statistically, around 60% to 80% of pure white cats with one or two blue eyes are deaf.
White cats are at risk of skin cancer. It may seem like a good idea to let your white cat bask in the sun, but this is one seemingly innocuous habit that can have terrible consequences. Repeated exposure to the sun, especially on hairless areas like the ears, nose and eyelids, can lead to squamous cell carcinoma which can be painful and fatal.
Keep your precious white cat indoors and out of the sun’s rays and make sure she is checked for signs early on, okay
Many white cats have similar names. On a less serious note, what do you think of when you see a white cat? Is it Casper? Snowball? Puffball Well, those are pretty much the most common names for white cats.
Now while you think of more original names for your future white cat, here’s a list of all white cat breeds you’ll want to get to know!
Ragdoll
My name gives me away. I am every bit as big, fluffy, and easy-going as a ragdoll. I’ll even go limp when you pick me up ? which I’ll let you do even if you’re a total stranger.
I m just friendly like that, though my sociability never gets annoying. At most, I’ll follow you from room to room just to be closer to you as I laze around. Read more about the Ragdoll.
Khao Manee
With a pure white coat and odd-colored eyes ? one of gold and one of blue ? I am one of the most striking felines you’ll ever lay eyes on if you’re lucky enough to, since I m still a very rare breed.
For those fortunate enough to get ahold of me, though, you and anyone who visits your home will never quite be able to free of me as I am one sociable, devoted people cat. Read more about the Khao Manee.
Siberian
Physically, I m built to survive in the rough, cold forests of Siberia, but emotionally, I thrive in the warm company of my humans. I m very sociable and affectionate and will frequently engage my humans in games.
That is, when I m not climbing to the heights of the house, playing with the faucet, or stealing your shiny objects. Read more about the Siberian.
Devon Rex
My large eyes and ears combined with my short, wavy coat has earned me a few nicknames, including elf cat? and poodle cat,? but the most accurate is monkey in a cat suit? for my dexterous climbing and jumping abilities as well as my people-pleasing performances. Read more about the Devon Rex.
Maine Coon
I m a true American ? big, hearty, and one of the oldest breeds to originate in the US. A rugged sort of cat, I m built to survive ? and thrive ? with my water-repellant fur and top-notch hunting skills but underneath my brawny good looks lies the heart of a gentle giant. I m as loving and affectionate as a kitten. Read more about the Maine Coon.
Oriental Shorthair
I thrive on attention and will do anything to get it. That includes following you around til you give me belly rubs or exercising my vocal chords til you acknowledge my very acknowledge-able presence. I m the purrfect companion if you’re looking for constant, active feline company. Read more about the Oriental.
Scottish Fold
With my huge eyes and droopy ears, I am possibly the cutest cat that ever lived. But my cuteness isn’t just fur-deep ? I am cute to the core. Sweet, gentle, and good-naturedly docile, I get along with everyone and retain my kitten-like playfulness well into adulthood. Oh, did I mention I rock at posing for pictures Read more about the Scottish Fold.
Cornish Rex
I am a sheer marvel of graceful curves, from my curly coat to my elegantly arched body. But in contrast to my aristocratic looks, I m a ridiculously playful cat, bursting with unabashed enthusiastic playfulness.Oh, and I m clever too ? I can even learn how to open doors with my paws. You’ve been warned. Read more about the Cornish Rex.
Norwegian Forest Cat
I may be strong and muscular, but I’ve got the disposition of a bunny rabbit. Sweet, nurturing and affectionate, I love everyone unconditionally and when I m not romping through the house to work off my high energy, I’ll be making my rounds to cuddle anyone and everyone in my path. Read more about the Norwegian Forest Cat.
British Shorthair
With my round, fluffy teddy-bear looks, it’s no wonder I m the most popular cat in Britain. And it’s not just my looks that keep me ranking on the world’s most popular cat charts, either ? I am a well-mannered, genteel feline with a zen-like disposition toward life and fellow creatures.
A true pleasure to be around and no trouble at all. Read more about the British Shorthair.
Persian
I don’t mean to brag, but I’ve officially been the most popular cat breed for, like,forever. My desirability has both to do with my adorably fluffy looks as my extremely laid-back personality.
I m very zen-like, you know ? gentle, soft-spoken and capable of accepting every moment with gracious nonchalance. Read more about the Persian.
