White Cat BreedsSolid white, van and pale pointed coats
This list includes breeds that commonly come in solid white, mostly white or very pale colorpoint coats. White is a color set by genetics and appears in many breeds and in mixed-breed cats. The page explains how white coats arise, the health points worth knowing and how to choose among very different breeds.
Top 10 White Cat Breeds
Solid white Maine Coons are a recognized color, combining a snowy shaggy coat with the breed's large frame.
Snow Bengals have pale, cream-to-white backgrounds with spots or marbling and often blue or aqua eyes.
Ragdolls are born white and develop color points, keeping a pale body and blue eyes as adults.
Siamese kittens are born nearly white, and adults keep a pale body contrasted with dark points.
A long, fluffy pale coat with colored points and blue eyes, combining Persian and Siamese traits.
Solid white with a silky coat is the classic Turkish Angora look, often with blue, amber or odd eyes.
A silky pale body with color points and vivid blue eyes, the longhaired relative of the Siamese.
White paws and often a white face marking on a pale pointed body give the Snowshoe its name.
A mostly white body with color limited to the head and tail, the pattern now named after the breed.
A pale golden-to-cream body with color points and four pure white gloved paws.
All White Cat Breeds A to Z
How Cats Become White
- Dominant white: a gene that masks all other colors and produces a solid white cat. The Khao Manee and many Turkish Angoras are this type.
- White spotting: a separate gene that adds white patches. At the high end it produces mostly white cats with color only on the head and tail, the classic Turkish Van pattern.
- Colorpoint: a temperature-sensitive form of albinism that keeps the body pale and colors only the cooler points. Siamese, Ragdolls and Birmans are born almost white and color up over time.
White is a color, not a breed, and mixed-breed white cats are common in shelters.
White Cats and Deafness
The dominant white gene is linked to congenital deafness, and the risk is higher in white cats with one or two blue eyes. Deafness can affect one or both ears. It is not a reason to avoid white cats, but reputable breeders of solid white cats often have kittens hearing tested.
Pointed breeds such as the Siamese, Ragdoll and Birman get their blue eyes from a different gene that does not carry the same deafness link.
Living With a Deaf Cat
Deaf cats adapt well and live normal lives indoors. Use visual cues such as hand signals or flicking a light, approach from the front so you do not startle them, and keep them indoors or in a secure enclosure, since they cannot hear traffic.
Hearing loss is easy to miss in kittens, because they copy their littermates. Signs include sleeping through loud noises, being easily startled from behind and unusually loud meowing.
Sun Care and Grooming
White fur and pink skin offer little protection from ultraviolet light. White-eared cats that sunbathe or go outdoors are prone to sunburn on the ear tips and nose, which over years increases the risk of squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. Limit strong midday sun, consider UV-filtering window film, and have any crusty or non-healing sores on the ears checked by a vet.
White coats also show stains more easily, particularly tear staining and yellowing. Regular brushing and gently wiping the eye area keep them bright.
Choosing a White Cat
Personality varies hugely among these breeds. The Turkish Angora and Turkish Van are lively and athletic, the Ragdoll and Birman are calm and cuddly, and the Siamese and Balinese are very vocal. Pick the temperament that suits you, then look for white or pale cats within that breed.
Remember that kittens of pointed breeds look white at birth but darken, so a white Siamese or Ragdoll kitten will not stay white. If you want a solid white adult, look at breeds that come in true white, such as the Turkish Angora, Khao Manee or a white Maine Coon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are white cats a breed?
No. White is a coat color caused by specific genes. It appears in many breeds and in mixed-breed cats.
Are all white cats with blue eyes deaf?
No, but solid white cats with one or two blue eyes have a higher risk of congenital deafness. A hearing test can confirm a kitten's status.
Which cat breed is always white?
The Khao Manee is known for its solid white coat. Most other breeds come in white as one of several colors.
Do white cats need sunscreen?
White cats are prone to sunburn on the ears and nose. Limit sun exposure and ask your vet before using any sunscreen, as some human products are toxic to cats.
Why are Siamese kittens born white?
Their colorpoint gene only produces pigment in cooler parts of the body. Kittens are warm all over in the womb, so the points develop after birth.
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