Features of keeping a white cat: pros and cons

The color of cats is characterized by a wide variety of shades and patterns, but pure white cats are quite rare. To form such a color, the presence of a specific gene is required that hides all other colors in the genetic makeup of the animal.

White pets may belong to a specific breed or be a mixture of several. Their fur can be both long and short, and their eyes are colored predominantly in light colors.

If you decide to definitely get a white cat, below are 10 breeds among which these amazing animals are found.

Advice

There is a link between white cats with blue eyes and deafness, although not all pets with this combination are deaf. If you are the owner of a hard of hearing animal, help your furry friend - do not let him outside the apartment and teach him to use visual signals and vibrations in the process of communication.

American Shorthair

Representatives of this breed are relatives of domestic shorthair cats. They are distinguished by their friendliness and calm character. A cat's "fur coat" comes in a variety of colors and patterns, including plain white.

American Shorthairs easily adapt to different living conditions. They prefer to spend time with their beloved family members, but are also able to entertain themselves with interactive toys.

Breed overview

Height: 20-25.5 cm

Weight: 4.5-6.8 kg

Physical characteristics:

• athletic build;
• short thick fur.

Deafness and beauty of cats

Experts conducted studies, as a result of which it was found that 50% of white cat breeds have poor hearing. And 5% are completely deaf. The reason for this is the genes that combine the blue and white combination. They interfere with the natural development of hearing in animals.

When purchasing a cat, carefully review all relevant documents. The conclusion of the examination should indicate the kitten's deafness. He may not be able to hear in both ears, or maybe only in one. If a cat has different colored eyes, the ear that is closest to the blue eye will be the non-hearing ear.

Important! In order to provide adequate care for a deaf mother cat for her small offspring, the cat family needs a hard surface. Thus, the mother will be able to monitor the children through vibration.

Devon Rex

Large eyes and prominent cheekbones make the Devon Rex look like a cartoon character. This cat's short, wavy coat can be colored white or other colors.

Representatives of the breed are active and playful. They are friendly in nature, making them suitable pets for families with children and other pets.

Breed overview

Height: 25.4-30.5 cm

Weight: 3.6-4.5 kg

Physical characteristics:

• big ears;
• thin neck;
• prominent eyes.

White cat breeds

The most popular breeds of white cats are Turkish Angora, British cat, Cornish Rex, Kao Mani, Siberian cat, Foreign White, Devon Rex, Maine Coon, Persian, Scottish Fold.

Turkish Angora

First on the list is the Turkish Angora. In Turkey, the breed of these cats is valued above all else; its presence is allowed even at services. This breed often exhibits heterochromia (different eye colors). According to ancient legend, the prophet Muhammad had different eyes. These cats are distinguished by their special elegance, delicate fur and fluffy tail, reminiscent of an ostrich feather. The Turkish Angora is a curious and playful cat that gets along well with pets and retains its playfulness into old age. However, she prefers this communication to privacy.

British cat

The second, no less revered cat, but on the other side of the world is the British cat. Kittens with completely white coat color are extremely rare. According to breed standards, a British kitten is white and should not have any extraneous smoky or tan stripes. Cats have orange or blue eyes. Heterochromia is rarely observed. These self-sufficient and independent cats have a thick undercoat that creates a plush effect. The British cat will not beg for attention from its owner, tolerates loneliness well, and is completely devoid of aggressive behavior.

Cornish Rex

Cornish Rex are white beauties with curly hair. These cats are considered hypoallergenic due to the fact that they lack guard hairs. In this regard, the process of molting occurs inconspicuously. Very graceful white cats of the Cornish Rex breed have slanting golden or blue eyes. Very smart, affectionate and cheerful pets who adore small children. The white breed of these cats was obtained by accident.

Khao-mani

Cats originally from Thailand - khao-mani - have a huge pedigree. At home, the name of the cat breed is translated as diamond eye. This is due to the rare, bright shades of the iris. Among the representatives there are also cats with heterochromia. The coat is without a pronounced undercoat, quite dense, but at the same time soft to the touch. The character is reminiscent of Siamese cats - they allow themselves to be loved, but in case of danger they will not allow themselves to be offended. Kao-mani, real hunters, with clearly defined leadership positions.

Siberian cat

The Siberian cat is rarely found in pure white color. Cats have strong health, which is due to the natural formation of the breed without human intervention. Bright white cats of the Siberian breed have bright blue or green eyes. Very discreet pets are considered real healers and psychologists, feeling any changes in the owner’s emotions, always trying to be nearby. Highly intelligent Siberian cats, quite large in size, are excellent hunters, love active games, and are not afraid of water.

Foreign white

Foreign White. This cat breed was obtained as a result of selective breeding. The main goal of the breeders was to breed a pure white Siamese cat breed. This breed was first registered in the 50s in England. The second name for foreign white is Chinese white. The coat is short and soft to the touch. These purebred cats do not like to be alone and get along well with other animals in the house and small children. They are well accustomed to walking on a leash, but at the same time they are quite independent by nature.

Devon Rex

This funny breed of cat, due to its resemblance to aliens and elves, is designed to be very cute. Their character, tenderness and devotion, deserve special attention. Devon Rex cats do not have thick fur, but they have specific tufts on the tips of their ears. Just like the Cornish Rex, they are hypoallergenic breeds. The breed was developed in Great Britain. They learn commands well and are not bad at walking on a leash. They are very sociable animals, but at the same time they feel good even in the absence of the owner, finding something to do to their liking.

Maine Coon

Even cats of this breed that are not painted white evoke respect and admiration. White Maine Coon cats look doubly chic. According to breed standards, only white color without additives is possible. The eyes of white cats are golden or greenish. In some cases, kittens are born with bright blue irises. This cat breed is one of the largest and has a thick coat that allows it to withstand even the most severe winter cold. Cats are not intrusive and love to spend time with their owner. If there are several pets in the house, Maine Coons will definitely demonstrate their leadership qualities.

Persian cats

According to the prescribed standards, the cat must be snow-white in color, without any deviations in shade. The eyes of such cats are dark orange or blue, and the paw pads and nose are pink. All representatives of the Persian breed, including white ones, have thick and fluffy fur, which must be carefully looked after. The Persian cat breed, considered one of the most ancient, has a good disposition. These animals are not able to survive on the street. A characteristic feature of this breed is its specifically flattened, small nose. Nasal septum causes snoring and snoring during sleep. Sofa cats get along well with other animals in the house and are not prone to conflicts.

European Shorthair

This breed is one of the oldest and most widespread in Europe. In addition to white fur, cats can come in a variety of colors and patterns, and their eyes are most often amber, blue and green.

Representatives of the breed are affectionate, playful, intelligent and thrive in a variety of living conditions.

Breed overview

Height: 30.5-35.6 cm

Weight: 3.6-6.8 kg

Physical characteristics:

• stocky, muscular body;
• short and thick coat;
• round muzzle.

Why are kittens born with green eyes?

The color of a cat's iris depends on its base color. There are quite a lot of cats with unexpressed green eyes. But finding an individual with a bright emerald hue is difficult. Often the intensity of eye color depends on the intensity of the color. That's why black cats have a very rich iris color.

Interesting! Previously, green eyes were very common in cats. However, breeders have become interested in breeding kittens with unusual iris colors to such an extent that green pupils are now a rarity.

Bright green eyes are the most difficult to predict. The color of a kitten's iris depends on the amount of coloring pigment in both the back and front of the eyeball.

All kittens have blue eyes at birth, and at 3–6 months the iris is completely recolored to its final color. This is explained by the fact that the embryo has a lot of melanin. And it is distributed in such a way that when light is reflected, the eyes appear blue.

If the front of the apple becomes more pigmented as the cat gets older, the eyes will turn yellow. If the back color is blue, it seems to “shine through” through the front yellow, and as a result, the cat’s eyes appear green.

Thus, to produce a deep green color, the pigment in the back of the eye must predominate over the amount of pigment in the front. If this prevalence is excessive, the eyeball will turn turquoise.

Another interesting phenomenon is when the pigment in the middle of the eye has a medium intensity. In this case, the cat will have a green-beige or malachite iris.

Interesting! Variations in the combination of pigments can be very different, so a cat may well become the owner of extremely unusual eyes. Often, even professionals find it difficult to determine the color of an animal’s iris. In this regard, in the description you can find such definitions as “khaki”, “peas”, “bright pine” or even “burnt grass”.

Maine Coon

Known for their thick, long hair, cats come in a variety of colors, including tortoiseshell and striped. Traditionally, the Maine Coon's coat is brown-striped.

These cats are friendly to everyone and get along well not only with family members, but also with strangers, as well as with other pets.

Breed overview

Height: 25.4-40.6 cm

Weight: 4.5-11.3 kg

Physical characteristics:

• stocky, muscular body;
• thick and heavy wool.

Kitten in the house

Regardless of what breed the cat is, pets with a white coat require increased attention. It also manifests itself in the name given to the baby who comes into the house.

What to name a white kitten?

It is generally accepted that a cat's name must contain the sounds “s” or “k”. Of course, it will be much easier for the kitten to get used to such a nickname. But with the right intonation, pets can be accustomed to almost any name.

Names for boys:

• serious: Alex, Max, Baron, Bruce, Zeus, Felix, Caesar;
• “edible”: Cupcake, Muffin, Wasabi, Mojito, Fresh, Slush, Cream, Marshmallow, Cheesecake;
• to match the coat: Snowball, Fluff, Vanish, Santa, Squirrel, Belyash, Pearl;
• by nature: Thunder, Noise, Scratch, Kipish, Fierce, Focus, Shoot;
• status: Zippo, Joker, Dollar, Ronaldo, Jaguar.

Observe your kitten's reactions to different names and choose the one that resonates

The list of options can go on for a very long time, but the best name for a kitten will be the one he chooses. To do this, just name a few nicknames when addressing the baby and observe his reaction.

Names for girls:

• famous: Angelina, Marilyn, Sofia, Alice, Sharon, Eva, Jacqueline, Monica, Jasmine;
• to match the coat: Snezhka, Pushinka, Blanka, Powder, Bella, Belyanka, Tuchka, Marshmallow, Chamomile, Blondie, Cream, Pushilda;
• for the naughty: Bullet, Avalanche, Thunderstorm, Hustle, Crazy;
• “delicious” names: Latte, Bianka, Milky, Manka, Bulka.

Oriental

Slender and athletic, Orientals can come in a variety of colors, including plain white. These animals are active, talkative, attractive and love attention. Some pets become so accustomed to people that it can be difficult for them to accept being separated from any family members.

Breed overview

Height: 20.3-25.4 cm

Weight: 2.7-5.4 kg

Physical characteristics:

• smooth body;
• angular head shape;
• big ears;
• almond-shaped eyes.

Origin of snow color

It is simply impossible not to notice the snow-white cat among his brothers. This angelic creature attracts the attention and wins the hearts of even those people who do not consider themselves cat lovers. There is a certain magic in snow-white cats. Perhaps the reason lies in the genes of the pet.

A kitten most often inherits its snow-white color from its parents.

Pigmentation of an animal's fur occurs long before it is born. Even at the stage of embryo formation, pigment cells are formed in its nerve fibers. They are not yet able to color their fur. These cells acquire their main function already on the way to the hair follicles. At this same stage, pigment cells are modified under the influence of genes inherited from the kitten’s parents. It is this “inheritance” that determines the color, location of spots on the body and their shape.

It is possible to determine which gene was responsible for the cat’s color only through further crossing.

However, it also happens that during the transformation some cells lose the ability to produce pigment. This is how kittens with white points are born - in “socks”, with a “shirt front” or with a snow-colored belly.

It also happens that absolutely all the cells decide to “rest” and not dye the fur in any of the colors. One insidious gene sends them on vacation - W. Having appeared in the genotype, W suppresses all other colors, coming to the fore. This is how snow-white kittens are born. For example, the genotype BBOoSsddWw will belong to a kitten with colorless fur, despite the presence of color genes.

It is quite easy to identify an albino kitten: its eyes will not have a blue tint.

If we are not talking about albinism, then white is not considered a color. Strictly speaking, this is its complete absence. But the offspring of such an animal will not necessarily be white. If the cub does not inherit the W gene, its coat will be colored. Based on this pattern, geneticists claim that a snow-white kitten can appear if one of its parents was completely bleached by the same gene.

A kitten can become white, despite the fact that its genetic code will contain other colors

There is another option for the development of events. In addition to W, the S gene is responsible for the light color of the coat - the key to spotted coat. Appearing in the chain, the element gives the animal snow marks. It happens that S “captures” a large area. Then the whole cat is painted with one white spot, although its genetic code may contain other colors.

Persian

The color white is often associated with Persian cats, although they come in a variety of colors and patterns. Their long, flowing coat requires careful grooming, which includes daily brushing and removing matted areas.

Persians are sweet and easy-going pets who prefer to be in a calm and predictable environment.

Breed overview

Height: 20.3-25.4 cm

Weight: 3.2-5.4 kg

Physical characteristics:

• long wool;
• short and strong legs;
• Round eyes.

How to care for a snow-white purr

A beautiful pet, which is also a symbol of good luck, requires special care. There are several extremely important nuances that you should pay attention to:

• White pets have poor health. To keep your cat healthy, you should not neglect preventive measures and at the first symptoms of disease you should seek veterinary help.
• They have a weak nervous system. Stress negatively affects the well-being of any animal, but it is especially harmful for white cats. To prevent your pet from exhibiting qualities such as timidity and suspiciousness, it is important to maintain a comfortable and friendly environment in the house.
• Tendency to allergic manifestations. Most often, allergies occur due to diet, so you should be careful when choosing foods.
• Deafness. This pathology has already been discussed, however, it is worth emphasizing once again that not every white cat suffers from this disease. And, besides, such a pet will not be able to survive in the wild, and it does not need to. He is quite well adapted to life at home.
• Caring for a white coat. Most cats are incredibly clean and are ready to lick their fur for hours. But, unfortunately, they are not all like that, and there are exceptions to the rules. And then the white pet will need to be bathed regularly so that it looks well-groomed. And one more nuance - some products can make wool yellow, for example offal.

Siamese

Siamese cats, which are called "foreign whites", do not have the usual dark spots on the body of the ears, face, paws and tail. Moreover, all representatives of this breed are born completely white, receiving the traditional color as they grow up.

Siamese love their family members and prefer to be the center of attention. They are overly “talkative” and enjoy using their voice to tell their owner about their needs.

Breed overview

Height: 20.4-25.5 cm

Weight: 3.6-4.5 kg

Physical characteristics:

• smooth body;
• almond-shaped eyes;
• wedge-shaped head.

Foreign white

The Foreign White breed was bred as an experiment. A curious British breeder, Patricia Turner, decided to cross a Siamese cat with a British Shorthair. The desire to get a snow-white pet with blue eyes came true after several generations.

Appearance Features

Externally, the Foreign White cat resembles its Siamese relative. The characteristic oriental muzzle and large triangular ears perfectly complement the long limbs. However, the distinctive feature of the breed is not the body structure. The main highlight of the Foreign White is the combination of white color and heavenly eye color.

The kinship between the traits of the Foreign White and the Siamese cat is immediately visible

Breed standard

Table 4. Foreign White: breed standard

Character

Foreign White is an unusual combination of aristocratic appearance and extremely curious character. Not a single detail in the house escapes the quick mind of Foreign White. The cat knows very well what is on the top shelf and where the cookies are hidden.

Nature has endowed the Foreign White with amazing curiosity

A keen intellect forces a Foreign White to continually learn. Today he tries to open the refrigerator door, and tomorrow he will bring the owner a ball. Siamese roots have endowed the breed with incredible loyalty. The pet becomes very attached to the owner and becomes truly depressed during the hours of his absence.

Siberian

Strong and agile, Siberian cats have a 3-layer thick coat that can come in a variety of colors and patterns. Their thick coat needs regular brushing (twice a week and more often during molting).

These pets love adventure. They can often be seen climbing onto all sorts of surfaces, which pets conquer during play or for research purposes.

Breed overview

Height: 23-28 cm

Weight: 4.5-9 kg

Physical characteristics:

• stocky build;
• thick coat.

Turkish Angora

The Turkish Angora is a natural breed that existed in Turkey several hundred years ago. These cats are often depicted in white, although their colors can be black, blue, red, etc.

Turkish Angoras are energetic, assertive, and require stimulating play to maintain a positive emotional state.

Breed overview

Height: 17.8-25.4 cm

Weight: 3.2-6.4 kg

Physical characteristics:

• muscular body;
• long paws;
• thick “fur coat”;
• almond-shaped eyes.