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 that 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 also complicated!
One of the genes that codes for white hair acts by masking any other coat color possibility that the cat inherited. Others create white “spots” that can either mask some or all of the cat’s other coat colors.
If you’re determined to have a white kitten, then it’s a good idea to specify your preference with any breeders you’ve been talking to. As with any rare color, the white kittens may get reserved sight unseen.
Another thing to note about white cats is that cats with white coats and blue eyes can often be born deaf. This is an inherited genetic condition, and there’s no way of knowing whether a kitten will be affected until they grow a little 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 white cat breeds? Let’s go!
The 22 White Cat Breeds
1. Persian Cat
The soft and luxurious long-coated Persian is a classic white cat breed. These sweet and gentle cats prefer a quiet and consistent home where they’re guaranteed plenty of attention from their humans. Their long coats need daily brushing to stay smooth and tangle-free.
2. Siamese Cat
Of course, most of us think of the Siamese as a breed with colored points on their legs, tail, and face, but they can also come in a striking pure white coat color. Every Siamese kitten is born white, so it could be an anxious wait to see if they develop color! Siamese cats are vocal and love attention!
3. Cornish Rex
Prepare to meet a breed with a unique personality and appearance! Their short coat has a distinctive wave that extends to their slightly wrinkly whiskers! These outgoing cats are intelligent and love showing off to anyone who will pay them attention.
4. Scottish Fold
Scottish Fold cats have a genetic mutation that results in the cartilage of their ears not forming correctly. This means their ears fold over, hence their name! These calm and quiet cats make great family cats and are quite happy being left home alone during the day.
5. American Curl
Another breed with distinctive ears, the American Curl is a relatively modern breed. They are clever and love people, but they’re not overly talkative or attention-seeking. You’re more likely to find an American Curl quietly staring at you, waiting for you to notice them!
6. Devon Rex
The Devon Rex has a short and slightly wavy coat. Their large eyes and dramatic cheekbones make them a breed unmistakable for any other! These cats love to spend time with their humans, and their playful nature makes them a great choice for families with young children.
7. Siberian Cat
The chunky and muscular Siberian cat has a thick coat made up of an impressive three layers! These adventurous cats enjoy plenty of opportunities to explore and play. This is a breed that will love to come on walks and adventures with their humans!
8. Norwegian Forest Cat
Norwegian Forest Cats are one of the larger cat breeds and can grow up to 16 pounds in weight. Their thick coats are designed to help protect them from the cold winters of Northern Europe. Also known as “wegies,” this breed is independent yet loves attention when you’re home.
9. American Shorthair
The American Shorthair is the purebred variety of domestic shorthair. This adaptable and friendly breed is easy-going, and while they enjoy spending time with their families, they’re also independent and happy to spend time on their own.
10. Sphynx
The hairless Sphynx can’t exactly be described as having long white fur, but the pale skin of these sweet cats is actually covered with a fine covering of fuzzy hair. These energetic cats enjoy spending time with their humans and have plenty of personality!
11. British Shorthair
The British Shorthair has a chunky body and wide head that gives them a tough appearance, but the truth is, these cats are affectionate and make great family pets. They’re also intelligent, so you can easily teach them a few tricks.
12. British Longhair
The long hair of these cats needs plenty of regular brushing to stay tangle-free. While British Longhairs do have an independent streak, they also love spending time with their humans and won’t enjoy being left home alone every day.
13. Himalayan Cat
The Himalayan Cat is simply stunning, especially with a white coat! Their eyes are often blue, which makes for a stunning contrast against a pure white coat. This affectionate and friendly breed is adaptable to change and has a calming influence on everyone they meet!
14. Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese Bobtail is a distinctive breed with a silky coat and sweet little bobbed tail. Little statues of this breed are considered a good luck charm in their native Japan and have also made their way to the U.S., as the “waving cat” figurine.
15. Turkish Angora
Turkish Angoras are an ancient natural breed that has plenty of energy and personality. Their thick coat needs plenty of grooming to stay in good condition, and these cats can be found in many different colors, including white.
16. Maine Coon
Maine Coons are large cats, and while white is a possible coat color, it’s rare in this breed. Their long and fluffy coats need quite a bit of grooming. The playful and friendly nature of the Maine Coon means they make great family cats who enjoy plenty of attention.
17. Oriental Shorthair
With their sleek 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 living in a home where they aren’t left alone for long periods of the day. This breed is vocal and loves to chat!
18. Turkish Van
Turkish Van cats usually have a mostly white coat, but they may have patches of different colors on their tail and head. These active cats enjoy plenty of time outside and may not enjoy life as an indoor cat. Unlike most cat breeds, these guys actually love water and swimming!
19. Russian White
As the name suggests, this breed has been bred to have a beautiful, snow-white coat, although they can also be found in other colors! Their streamlined bodies are elegant and delicate. While Russian Whites love their families, they won’t easily make friends with strangers.
20. Ragdoll
You might normally think of Ragdolls with that classic pointed coat, but they can also be found in white. These gentle cats have a kind nature, and while they need regular grooming, they’re a low-maintenance breed in most other respects.
21. Snow Bengal
These won’t be pure white, but rather have a pale white or cream base coat with slightly darker markings. Bengals require plenty of attention and can be considered a high-maintenance breed. If your cat doesn’t get enough interaction, they can cause trouble!
22. Balinese
The Balinese is a longhaired variety of the Siamese. While all kittens will be born cream or white, some Balinese cats will stay pure white and never develop the classic pointed coat pattern. Balinese cats are loyal, vocal, and affectionate.
We hope you 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
