Have you been dreaming about welcoming a beautiful white cat into your home? Snow-white cats are beautifully eye-catching, and the good news is that there are plenty of cat breeds with white coats, they’re just not as common as some of the other colors. Of course, this makes your white kitty even more special!
The reason you don’t see many white kittens is that the gene that codes for white fur is quite rare. The genetic combinations that result in white kittens are tricky too!
one of the genes that encodes white fur works by masking any other coat color possibilities the cat may have inherited. others create white “spots” that can mask some or all of the cat’s other coat colors.
If you’re determined to get a white kitten, it’s a good idea to specify your preference with the breeders you’ve been talking to. As with any rare color, white kittens can get quiet without being seen.
Another thing to note about white cats is that cats with white fur and blue eyes can often be born deaf. this is an inherited genetic condition, and there’s no way to know if a kitten will be affected until it gets a bit older. deaf cats can, of course, lead long and healthy lives, with just a few adaptations to keep them safe.
now, are you ready to meet 22 different breeds of white cats? come on!
the 22 breeds of white cats
1. persian cat
The soft and luxurious longhaired Persian is a classic breed of white cat. These sweet and gentle cats prefer a calm and steady home where they are guaranteed plenty of attention from their humans. their long coats need daily brushing to stay soft and tangle-free.
2. siamese cat
Of course, most of us think of the Siamese as a breed with colored dots on their legs, tail, and face, but they can also have striking pure white coat color. all Siamese kittens are born white, so it might be an anxious wait to see if they develop color. Siamese cats are vocal and love attention!
3. cornish rex
Get ready to meet a race with a unique personality and appearance! Their short fur has a distinctive wave that extends to their slightly crinkled whiskers! these outgoing cats are intelligent and love to show off to anyone who pays attention.
4. Scottish fold
Scottish fold cats have a genetic mutation that causes the cartilage in their ears to not form properly. this means that their ears fold over, hence their name! These calm and quiet cats make excellent family cats and are quite happy to be home alone during the day.
5. american curl
Another breed with distinctive ears, the American Curl is a relatively modern breed. They are intelligent and love people, but are not overly talkative or attention seeking. you’re more likely to find an American Curl silently watching you, just waiting for you to notice!
6. devon-rex
The Devon Rex has a short, slightly wavy coat. Their big eyes and dramatic cheekbones make them a breed unlike any other! these cats love spending time with their humans, and their playful nature makes them a great choice for families with small children.
7. siberian cat
The stocky, muscular Siberian cat has a thick coat made up of three impressive layers! these adventurous cats enjoy many opportunities to explore and play. This is a breed that will love to go for walks and adventures with their humans!
8. norwegian forest cat
Norwegian Forest cats are one of the largest cat breeds and can grow up to 16 pounds. Their thick coats are designed to help protect them from the cold northern European winters. Also known as “wegies,” this breed is independent but loves attention when you’re around the house.
9. american shorthair
The American shorthair is the purebred variety of the domestic shorthair. This adaptable and friendly breed is easy-going and while they enjoy spending time with their families, they are also independent and happy to spend time alone.
10. sphinx
The hairless sphinx can’t exactly be described as having long, white fur, but the pale fur of these sweet cats is actually covered in a fine layer of fluffy hair. these energetic cats enjoy spending time with their humans and have a lot of personality!
11. british shorthair
The British Shorthair has a thick body and broad head that gives it a tough appearance, but the truth is that these cats are affectionate and make excellent family pets. They’re also smart, so you can easily teach them a few tricks.
12. british longhair
The long hair of these cats needs regular brushing to prevent matting. While British Longhairs have an independent streak, they also love spending time with their humans and won’t enjoy being home alone every day.
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13. himalayan cat
the himalayan cat is simply stunning, especially in a white coat! her eyes are often blue, making a striking contrast against a pure white coat. This affectionate and friendly breed adapts to change and has a calming influence on everyone it meets!
14. Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese Bobtail is a distinctive breed with a silky coat and a sweet little tail. Small statues of this breed are considered a good luck charm in their native Japan, and they also made their way to the US. uu., like the “waving cat” figure.
15. turkish angora
Turkish Angoras are an ancient natural breed that have a lot of energy and personality. Their thick coat needs a lot of grooming to keep it in good condition, and these cats can be found in many different colors, including white.
16. maine raccoon
Maine Coons are large cats, and while white is a possible coat color, it’s rare for this breed. their long, fluffy coats need quite a bit of grooming. The Maine Coon’s playful and friendly nature means they make excellent family cats who enjoy lots of attention.
17. oriental short hair
With their graceful body shape, large ears, and angular-shaped heads, the Oriental is a striking-looking breed. they bond extremely strongly with their humans and will do best in a home where they are not left alone for long periods of the day. this breed is vocal and loves to chat!
18. turkish van
Turkish Van cats typically have mostly white fur, but may have patches of different colors on their tails and heads. these active cats enjoy a lot of time outdoors and may not enjoy life as an indoor cat. unlike most cat breeds, these guys love water and swimming!
19. white russian
As the name suggests, this breed has been bred to have a beautiful snow-white coat, although they can be found in other colors too! their streamlined bodies are elegant and delicate. While White Russians love their families, they won’t make friends easily with strangers.
20. rag doll
You might normally think of ragdolls in that classic pointy coat, but they can also be found in white. These gentle cats have a gentle nature and while they need regular care, they are a low-maintenance breed in most other respects.
21. snow flare
image credit: darko m, shutterstock
These will not be pure white, but will have a pale white or cream base coat with slightly darker markings. Bengals require a lot of attention and can be considered a high maintenance breed. if your cat doesn’t interact enough, it can cause problems!
22. Balinese
The Balinese is a long-haired variety of the Siamese. while all kittens will be born cream or white, some Balinese cats will remain pure white and never develop the classic spiky coat pattern. Balinese cats are loyal, vocal, and affectionate.
we hope you’ve enjoyed finding out more about these 22 stunning cat breeds, all with the possibility of a beautiful pure white coat!
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featured image credit: aymara herrera, shutterstock
