Cats come in a wide variety of colors and coat patterns. While there are many different breeds that can have white coats, there are a few breeds that are known for being predominantly white.
Common White Cat Breeds
Some of the most common cat breeds that are known for having white coats include:
- Turkish Angora – This ancient breed originated in central Turkey. They have long, silky, white coats and can have blue, amber, or odd-eyed colored eyes.
- Persian – The white Persian is one of the more popular color variations of this breed. They have long, fluffy coats and flattened faces.
- British Shorthair – The British Shorthair comes in over 100 different color combinations but white British Shorthairs with copper or gold eyes are common.
- Foreign White – This breed was developed by crossing white Turkish Angoras with white Persians and British Shorthairs. They have semi-long coats.
- Bambino – A newer experimental breed that has short legs like a Munchkin cat and comes in white or hairless. They are friendly and social cats.
- Oriental Shorthair – While found in many color patterns, Oriental Shorthairs with a white coat and blue eyes are striking.
- Snowshoe – Snowshoes have white coats with color just on their “points” – face, ears, feet, and tail. They are playful and energetic.
- American Curl – With their unique curled back ears, white American Curls have an extra adorable look. They are affectionate lap cats.
There are also other breeds like the Exotic Shorthair, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, Sphynx, and Bichon Frise that can occasionally produce white-coated kittens depending on their lineage.
White Cat Genetics
The genetics behind white coat color in cats is complex. Basically, there are two main genetic causes of white fur in cats:
- Dominant white gene – This is caused by a dominant allele mutation in the KIT gene. Kittens that inherit one copy of the dominant white KIT gene will have an all white coat regardless of the other coat color gene they inherit from the other parent.
- White spotting gene – Caused by various alleles of the piebald gene. Kittens need to inherit two copies of the white spotting gene, one from each parent, to have a mostly white coat. This white spotting can also cause bi-colored spotting patterns.
Cats with the dominant white gene will always pass on the white coat to their kittens. However cats that inherit two recessive white spotting genes can produce colored kittens if bred with a cat that does not carry the white spotting gene.
White Cat Health
Some, but not all, white cats are predisposed to certain health conditions, especially deafness. Here are some health considerations for white cats:
- Deafness – White cats with blue eyes have a higher chance of being born deaf. Around 60-80% of white cats with blue eyes are deaf in one or both ears. The gene responsible for blue eyes and white fur is linked to deafness.
- Sunburn – Lacking protective pigment, white cats are vulnerable to sunburn on their ears and noses when exposed to prolonged sunlight. Keep them indoors during peak sun hours.
- Skin cancer – White fur puts cats at an increased risk of developing certain skin cancers like squamous cell carcinoma. Check their skin regularly for abnormalities.
- Eye issues – Some white cats are prone to congenital eye defects like strabismus or retinal degeneration. Have their eyes examined by a vet regularly.
- No unique disorders – White coats themselves do not cause any disorders. Some disorders associated with white fur are linked to breed or blue eyes – not directly to the white coat itself.
With extra care and vet checkups, most white cats remain healthy throughout their lifetimes. Their potential health issues should not deter anyone from adopting these gorgeous white kitties!
White Cat Personality
Coat color has no effect on a cat’s personality. However, some people believe that white cats tend to exhibit certain behavioral traits:
- Playful – White cats love to play fetch and stay kitten-like well into their adult years.
- Curious – Their bright-eyed wonder makes them very interested in exploring their surroundings.
- Affectionate – Many white cats bond strongly with their families and enthusiastically greet owners at the door.
- Vocal – White cats often communicate more vocally than darker colored cats.
- Active – With their energetic natures, white cats need lots of interactive toys and play time.
- Intelligent – These quick learners can often be trained to walk on leashes, fetch toys, and perform tricks.
However, each cat has their own unique personality. While white cats tend to share some qualities, there are outliers with different temperaments and activity levels.
Popular Culture White Cats
Throughout history, pop culture has featured many iconic fictional and real life famous white cats. Some of the most popular white cat characters include:
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Mr. Bigglesworth | Hairless Sphynx cat belonging to villain Dr. Evil from Austin Powers movies |
| Snowbell | Sassy white Persian cat in Stuart Little movie |
| Marie | Aristocratic white Turkish Angora in Disney’s Aristocats |
| Lord Mistofolees | Magical tuxedo cat from musical Cats |
| White Cat | Antiheroine in Marvel Comics and Sony’s Spider-Man game |
| Cole and Marmalade | Real life brother white cats with popular YouTube channel |
Their unique appearance and eye-catching looks make white cats popular feline characters throughout media and pop culture.
Conclusion
While any breed of cat can potentially have white fur, certain breeds like the Turkish Angora and Oriental Shorthair are predisposed to having white coats. The genetics behind white fur involves the dominant white gene mutation or inheriting two recessive white spotting genes. Though they can be prone to certain health issues, white cats make affectionate, intelligent pets. Their beautiful white coats cause them to stand out in pop culture as well. So if you are looking for a bright-spirited, snowy-furred feline friend, adopting one of the playful white cat breeds may be the perfect choice!
