The all white cat breeds come in a huge range of coat types, sizes and shapes. You’ll find them with long or short fur, fluffy textures or no undercoat at all. They might have tight curls, flat faces or sharp angular features. What they do have in common is a gorgeous look, and a higher than average likelihood of deafness that varies depending on their eye color! Today I’ll share every pale cat breed you might want to consider as a new pet, and help you to pick your favorite.
Contents
- Hearing loss and deafness
- Fluffy white cats
- Pale cats with brilliant blue eyes
- Gorgeous green eyes
- Yellow eyed white cats
- Small white cat breeds
It’s natural to want to focus on appearance to some extent when picking a new pet. I think even those of us that deny it do always have a preference for something we find cute or unusual. But it’s important to take into account the entire picture when bringing an animal into your home that will mix so closely with your family. Personality, behavior and health all play a part in creating the future you want with your new fur baby.
White Cat Breed Health
All white cat breeds are more prone to the cancer squamous cell carcinoma. Keep your white kitty inside and limit the amount of time spent in the sun, particularly between the hours of 10am to 2pm if they are allowed outdoors. Hearing impairment is a more common white cat problem.
Deafness In White Cat Breeds
Some solid white cat breeds have a genetic mutation that causes deafness in one or both ears. Sensory hearing loss occurs because the vibrations to the ear are not carried by nerves to the cochlea.
This most often occurs in blue eyed cats. Those with one blue eye and one green/hazel or gold eye are usually deaf in the ear on the same side as the blue eye. Signs of hearing impairment include:
- Your cat watches for visual cues
- She may sleep extremely soundly
- Your cat may not notice when you enter a room
Fortunately most deaf cats live full and happy lives, you just need to be a little more cautious about allowing them access to the outdoors as the risks from vehicles and predators are much higher.
White Fluffy Cat Breeds
There’s a special allure in a long haired, fluffy cat. While all cats are eminently pettable, those with extra-exuberant fur just seem to be irresistible! Outcrossing some breeds with others may also result in a white fluffy cat.
Persian Cat
Nobel looking Persian cats are a fluffy cat breed, known for their long hair, round heads, large eyes and flat noses. They aren’t all white, but plenty of them are. This is a beautiful ancient breed, originating in present-day Iran. They are medium to large cats, but average around 10 pounds.
These cats are known for their dignified appearance, and have a sweet, quiet nature. They enjoy affection and petting. Persians are also good with children who are kind and respectful. But they do prefer a quiet environment.
They also, however, have some nasty health problems related to their cute squished in faces. Due to health issues, the average life expectancy is onl y 8-11 years.
Turkish Van Kedisi
The Turkish Van Kedisi breed, also known as “swimming cats” for their love of water play. They are another white fluffy cat breed, originating from the rugged Lake Van area in Turkey. The potential weight range is from 8 to 19 pounds, making this a medium to large breed.
This friendly breed is extremely energetic and may be prone to causing damage inside the home. They are intelligent and enjoy learning tricks. These cuties are also loving and affectionate and will fit in well with families that have active children and cat-friendly dogs.
They are relatively healthy and have a life expectancy of 12-14 years. Though the Turkish Van does have some health issues, many of them can be health tested for.
Blue Eyed White Cat Breeds
If you’ve ever seen a white cat with blue eyes, then you know exactly how striking they can be!
Ragdoll
The Ragdoll cat breed is relatively new. This breed was first bred in the 1960s by Ann Baker in Riverside, California. She bred large, long haired cats that had gentle, docile natures; the result is a large, placid affectionate kitty. These lovely cats called “Ragdoll” as they’re known for falling over in your arms when holding them. They are affectionate and love snuggling.
They aren’t one of the truly white cat breeds as they have marked points. However, these can be very pale, giving the impression of an almost white kitty. Ragdoll cats are great with families. They’re laid back with children, and they will get along with other cats and dogs friendly with cats.
Ragdolls are also quite healthy, though they do have some predispositions for illnesses that can be tested for. A healthy, happy Ragdoll could potentially live from 15-20 years.
Turkish Angora
These gorgeous kitties are intelligent, outgoing and affectionate. They are delicate, smaller to medium sized cats, and are generally healthy. Expected lifespan is about average for pet cats, somewhere in the mid teens.
This long-haired breed originated in the mountainous regions of Turkey, where winters can be harsh. They were almost lost, but were revived with controlled breeding programs set up in the 1950s at the Ankara Zoo.
This breed is generally good for families with kids and cat-friendly dogs who don’t mind them being in charge!
White Cat Breeds With Green Eyes
These striking cats combine specific features like those with an overall beauty that is breathtaking. If that is the sort of cat you’ve been looking for, then consider the Norwegian Forest Cat, the Oriental Foreign White, or the Russian White.
Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest cat look more like wild cats, but you will find white examples within the breed.
These cats are easy-going and great for families with kids. They also get along very well with cat-friendly dogs. As one of the three largest domesticated breeds of cats, this breed is pretty hale and hearty, with a lifespan of about 13 years.
Oriental Foreign White
Oriental Foreign White cats are known to be talkative and opinionated. These fun kitties are also known to be very loving with their humans. They enjoy supervising what their humans are up to all through the day.
This breed is highly athletic and agile. You’ll find them capable of opening doors and drawers, and maybe even searching for shiny treasures to turn into toys. Foreign White Oriental cats are a great choice for families with kids, and will get along well with cat-friendly dogs.
Russian White Cat Breed
The Russian White breed, also known as Archangel cats, feature short white fur. Not much is known about this breed’s history, though they probably originated in Russia, near Arkhangelsk (Archangel), near the White Sea.
Russian Whites are easy-going, so are a good fit for families with kids. They’ll also do well with cat-friendly dogs.
American Shorthair
Would you prefer a white tiger cat breed? Then check out the American Shorthair cat breed. They have some seriously cute white striped examples. This breed has a long history in the U.S.—even dating back to the Vikings, where they were aboard ship to help catch mice and rats.
American Shorthairs are somewhat active, and you’ll find they enjoy mealtime. This breed is usually laid-back, and is a good choice for families with kids and cat-friendly dogs.
White Cat Breeds With Yellow Eyes
There aren’t many breeds which feature this combination, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be found. Consider the British Shorthair and the European Burmese pure white cat breeds.
British Shorthair
British Shorthairs are an ancient breed—originating in Rome, but later arriving in Britain. This is one of Britain’s oldest cat breeds. This breed was first recognized in Britain in 1980 by the CFA.
These relaxed, patient cats are known for forming strong bonds with their humans. British Shorthairs are wonderful for families with children and cat-friendly dogs.
These cats range in weight from 7-17 pounds, depending on whether they are male or female. The average lifespan is about 14-15 years.
Small White Cat Breeds
If you live in a small house or apartment, then you might consider some small white cat breeds. The Cornish Rex or Devon Rex may just be the right size for your home.
Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex cat breed is well-known for its curly coat and large ears. This breed originated in Cornwall, England. The first came from a litter of barn cats in 1950; the kitten was a male named Kallibunker. He was bred back with his mother (which is never a recommended breeding!) to reproduce the curly-haired mutation, leading to kittens with curly coats.
The charming Cornish Rex is great for families with kids and cat-friendly dogs. These cats love to play games, such as fetch, and can be trained to do tricks. These cats range between 7-10 pounds, with an average lifespan of about 15 years.
Devon Rex
The Devon Rex breed originated in Devon, England and share some of the same genetics as the Cornish Rex. However, the original kitten, Kirlee, had a wavy coat, rather than a curly coat.
They eventually arrived in the US and were recognized as an official breed in 1979 by the Cat Fanciers Association. This breed is wonderful for families with kids, and will also get along with cat-friendly dogs.
Grooming and Coat Care
A clear crisp coat is quite high maintenance as it shows up all the daily dirt other cats’ colors hide. A white fluffy cat breed, with a thick undercoat, may need to be brushed at least twice a week. Other all white cat breeds with shorthair or no undercoat may need to be combed or brushed only once a week.
All white cat breeds are also subject to eye tears and other stains on their faces and coats. You might consider using cat-safe tear stain remover wipes to remove stains from your kitty’s face and coat.
Are White Cats Good Pets?
Any white cat can turn out to be the right cat for you, regardless of the breed. The important thing is to choose a white cat who suits your personality and fits in with your family (including other pets, especially cats and dogs).
Many of the breeds listed here have average or longer than average life expectancy. The ones that do not are not different because of their white coats, but because of other health factors. However, it is important to remember that white cats who turn out to be deaf may need a higher level of care and keeping. Be sure that you are ready to make that investment of time and care.
Remember to choose a white cat the right size for your home. And consider avoiding those with serious inherited health problems, such as those that brachycephalic flat faced cats can find themselves subject to.
Do you have a white cat breed in your life? We’d love to hear all about them in the comments below.
How do I get brown stains from the bum area off a white cat without shaving that area
No Idea i think you just have to wash it off
My cat is white with blues. She is very agile, can open cabinet doors, very loving. She follows me all around the apartment. She has the broken tail, that I read earlier. She walks along the top of vertical blinds and goes all the way to the end. She then wal, ks backwards to get back down. She also has one eye that tears up often. I love her every much, even when she lies on my laptop keyboard and gets between me and the sheet music so that I will play her.
I have two cats one is pure white with gold oval eyes, medium haired and a pointy face, he’s extremely laid back and very loving. His brother looks and acts exactly like a Turkish Van, a very funny cheeky cat. Both adopted from Cyprus and their mother was a pure white street cat, so I’m guessing there’s more than one father. 🙈