Fluffy and huggable, pure white cats are among the most charming and delightful feline creatures in existence. Their dazzling and divine appearance is simply breathtaking, making them stand out from their grey or black counterparts who usually blend into the shadows. It’s worth mentioning that a white coat doesn’t belong to a specific breed of cat, as many cats can have white coats of varying length. Furthermore, white cats can have diverse eye colors, with blue eyes being a popular choice, or even heterochromia where each eye is a different color. Although all felines are exceptional in their own way, the snowy-coated ones have some interesting facts that make them even more fascinating. We’ve collected some stunning pictures of white cats along with exciting trivia to enrich your appreciation for these adorable creatures.
To start with, did you know that there are many different breeds of cats that can have all-white coats?
All-white cats do not belong to a particular breed, just like calico and tortoiseshell cats. Several long-haired and short-haired breeds, including Persians, Turkish Angoras, American Short-Hairs, Siamese, and Devon Rex, can have a pure white coat. The masking gene or the dominant W gene is responsible for their all-white coats. This gene is capable of hiding every other coat color and pattern gene in a cat’s genetic makeup, which results in a snow-white coat. In addition, white cats can have distinct eye colors that make them unique.
Hey, did you know that a feline’s eye color is connected to the amount of melanin produced by their body? That means that cats with light fur tend to have light-colored eyes. Interestingly, white cats can rock a diverse range of eye hues, such as blue, green, yellow, orange, or even a blend of colors. However, it’s worth noting that not all white cats possess perfect hearing abilities.
White cats with unique eye colors owe their stunning appearance to specific genetic factors. However, these same genes may also lead to total or partial deafness, which is a common occurrence in many kitties. White felines with blue eyes are particularly vulnerable to deafness since the genetics responsible for white fur are linked to hearing impairment. In some cases, white cats with different colored eyes may have one ear that lacks hearing while the other can hear normally.
Caring for partially or completely deaf cats requires special precautions to ensure their safety. You should avoid startling them and rely on visual indicators instead of spoken commands to communicate. It’s also best to keep your deaf cat indoors as much as possible since they may experience difficulty avoiding hazards or protecting themselves from possible predators.
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It’s important to note that white cats with unique eye colors are not albinos.
According to @thomas_toeham_bennett on Instagram, white cats are not albino, as they have a gene for white fur. In contrast, albinism is a genetic condition that causes a complete absence of color pigmentation in the fur, skin, and eyes. One way to identify an albino cat is by checking its eyes, which usually appear pale blue, pink, or red due to the reflection of light against blood vessels. On a related note, it’s worth mentioning that white cats can get sunburned, just like humans, so it’s important to protect them from the sun’s harmful rays.
Similar to humans, cats with light or white fur are more prone to sunburn on their nose, ears, and eyelids. This puts them at a higher risk of developing skin cancer, specifically squamous cell carcinoma. To defend your feline friend from sun damage, limit their exposure to sunlight during the strongest hours of the day, ideally from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If your pet enjoys lounging in sunny spots, consider using heavy drapes or shades to block UV light. In case you reside in an area with strong sun rays or have an outdoor cat, it’s best to consult your vet for advice on water-resistant sunscreen that is suitable for cats’ delicate skin. On a positive note, white cats are believed to bring good luck!
According to various cultures around the world, white cats are considered to bring good luck and fortune, unlike their black counterparts who are often associated with bad luck. The popular Japanese Beckoning Cat, also known as Maneki Neko, is commonly depicted as a white feline and is believed to have originated around 1870. These figurines are often placed near the entrances of homes and establishments to attract good luck. Interestingly, several white cats have lived in the White House over the years.
Isn’t it interesting how many US Presidents had white cats as their furry companions? Rutherford B. Hayes, Gerald Ford, and Jimmy Carter (the 19th, 38th, and 39th Presidents) all had Siamese cats – even though not all of them were completely white, they still had a predominantly white coat. William McKinley, the 25th President, had two Turkish Angoras, whom he named Enrique DeLome and Valeriano Weyler. On another note, did you know that white Persian cats are the most popular type of white cat?
Cats come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, each one unique and stunning in its own way. From tabby to tuxedo, calico to tortoiseshell, there’s no shortage of gorgeous coat patterns to choose from. But when it comes to solid-color felines, white is actually the rarest of them all. Interestingly enough, white cats are often perceived as being shy or reserved, which only adds to their mysterious allure.
Although cats have distinct personalities, people tend to make overall assumptions about their behaviors based on their coat color. It’s common to hear that tortoiseshell cats have a lot of sass, orange cats are outgoing and friendly, black cats are exceptionally affectionate, and white cats tend to be shy and relaxed. However, it’s crucial to remember that each cat is unique, regardless of their fur color.