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Casper is a healthy male who was rescued with his sister Lily by the SPCA. His health and personality blossomed after adoption.
White cats are stunning, rare and you must pardon our insistence that white cats are probably the most beautifully colored of all cats. But, it’s not all about the color really. Among the top favorite colors in the world, white is ninth on the list (blue snags the top spot).
Nonetheless, the pristine beauty of the white coat often complemented by sparkling colored eyes can unarguably make you want to tear up in awe.
That said, white cats make up a tiny percentage of the general domestic cat population. This rarity may be one of the reasons why people often rely on inaccurate stereotypes, conjectures, and anecdotes as the basis of their knowledge about white cats.
This article aims to set the record straight on many white cat-related issues. And more importantly provide comprehensive information about our white fluffy companions.
Percentage of White Cats
Earlier on, I referred to white cats being a minority. You’ve probably already observed that. But do not know specifically how rare white cats are.
Now, there aren’t many standard books and scholarly reports about the prevalence of white cats. However, some sources have tried to pin a number on it. Some sources estimates it may be as low as 2% while other studies show that it may be as high as 5%. Regardless, the percentage is low and this rarity means that white cats can be particularly mysterious and unusual to see as they are so rare.
Eye Color Variation in White Cats
While the population of white cats may be low, the color variation of the eyes of white cats is widely known. Typically, the eye color may be blue, green, golden (hazel), or pink.
Sometimes though, each eye may have different colors. The common name for this is “odd eyes,” while the technical name is heterochromia.
In general, white cats like colored cats may succumb to any of over a dozen ailments. However, two health issues are prevalent for white cats. If you’re looking to get a white cat, then I cannot overemphasize the importance of being abreast of these health issues.
White Cats and Deafness
This is perhaps the most well-known health issue with white cats. It is so prevalent that many believe that all white cats [with blue eyes] are deaf.
This is not accurate.
The link between white cats and deafness appears to be a triangle, with blue eyes being the connecting angle.
You see, white cats lack melanin, which typically gives color to your hair and skin. Clearly, white cats lack melanin in their skin. In addition, white cats (especially white cats with blue eyes) also lack melanin in the irises of their eyes. Which is one reason why the eyes are blue.
However, the more important fact is that the stem cells that should turn into melanin-producing cells (melanocytes) are also the stem cells responsible for turning into a cell layer in the inner ear that is vital for hearing.
Since, these cats do not have these stem cells (evident by their lack of melanin), they also do not have this vital cell layer that should be in the inner ear. This absence is the cause of the deafness associated with white cats and blue eyes.
The keyword is associated because different genes cause blue eyes and white coat. Although, a particular gene/gene complex causes white coat, blue eyes, and deafness, not all cats get their white coat and blue eyes from this particular gene.
Therefore, the probability that a cat is white, blue-eyed, and deaf depends wholly on the genes the cat inherits and not just the appearance.
That said, when a cat is diagnosed to be deaf. It may be deaf in both ears or in just one ear. Often times, an odd-eyed white cat with one blue eye may be deaf in the blue-eyed side.
What the statistics say
Of the 2-5% of cats that are white, 15-40% have at least one blue eye.
Of this percentage, 60-80% are deaf.
30-40% of white cats with blue eyes are deaf.
Only 10-20% of white cats with non-blue eyes are deaf.
White Cats and Skin Cancer
The melanin deficiency in white cats uncovers another surprise. That white cats can’t tolerate sun light as much as colored cats. It’s a fact that you have to take seriously. Because if you do not, repeated exposure to sunlight can cause squamous cell carcinoma.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a form of skin cancer that is painful and prevalent in areas of the skin where there aren’t much hairs—ears, eyelids, and nose. Treatment can often involve freezing the nose or lopping off the ear. It can also be fatal if it is not diagnosed early enough.
It’s an avoidable condition, so it’s best to keep white cats indoors.
Caring for White Cats
For starters, white cats do not belong to only one specific breed of cats. A white cat may belong to any of several cat breeds. This can be worthy of note when caring for a white cat, especially if the breed has peculiar cattitudes and cattributes.
Regardless of breeds, there seem to be an arguable consensus that white cats have a timid, aloof, shy, or lazy personality. It’s arguable because while some studies establish a link between a cat’s coat color and personality, others do not.
However, an explanation for this unflattering consensus is that white cats that fit this personality like a glove are often white cats that are partially or completely deaf. This can be frustrating in social interactions with your cat.
This can actually transcend from being frustrating to dangerous, as deaf cats are considerably vulnerable to attacks by predators. It can also be a secondary reason to keep your cats from going outdoors to avoid any unsavory accident.
Nonetheless, more important than the cool fact that white cats often have odd eyes is the fact that White Cats are not always Albino Cats. Much like humans on the surface, but a lot different on the genetic side of things.
I’d give you a short explanation and then a long one.
In a nutshell, non-albino white cats are white because they have a gene for white coat that suppresses the genes of other colors. On the other hand, albino cats are white because they do NOT have any color gene.
Non-albino white cat = Dominant White Color Gene
Albino white cat = No Color Genes
Non-albino White Cats
In general, non-albino white cats have a gene for white coat. However, the gene they have may be either of two genes:
A Dominant White Gene denoted by the symbol ‘W,’ or
A White Spotting Gene denoted by the symbol ‘S’
Most non-albino white cats have the ‘W’ gene and very few have the ‘S’ gene.
The basic difference between the two is that while the dominant white gene is [as the name implies] dominant and so masks the genes of other colors completely, the white spotting gene is semi-dominant and does not always express itself fully.
Therefore, while cats that have the ‘W’ gene always have a full white coat, cats with the ‘S’ gene do not always have a full white coat.
Fall colors and a white cat.
As you’d guess, it’s because the S gene is semi-dominant. But the real meaning of semi-dominant is that the gene has variable expressions in different cats.
In some cats, the gene may not be expressed at all. In some cats, you’d find white patches on their colored coat. For example white chest, white toes etc.
In some cats however, the gene will be fully expressed, and the cat will have a full white coat like a cat with the dominant white gene. Although you’d likely find discernible small spots of color.
The second difference is that while the W gene is linked to deafness, the S gene is not.
Therefore, non-albino white cats with the S gene are rarely deaf, unlike their counterparts with the W gene that are often (but not always) deaf on at least one ear.
Aside having solid white coats, another similarity is that both genes are autosomal genes. Which is fancy speak for the genes are not carried on either of the two sex chromosomes (X and Y sex chromosomes). And so, both genes may occur in both male and female cats.
Albino White Cats
The genetics for albino white cats is a tad more complex. There are FIVE known variations (called alleles) of the albinism gene in cats.
Full color; ‘C’
Pink-eyed albino; ‘c’
Blue-eyed albino; ‘ca’
Burmese pattern; ‘cb’
Siamese pattern; ‘cs’
“If human lives be,for their very brevity, sweet, then beast lives are sweeter still…” – Isobelle Carmody
Of these five alleles, the full color allele (C) is DOMINANT to all the other four alleles, while the pink-eyed albino (c) is recessive to all the other four alleles.
Unsurprisingly, the allele possessed by a cat determines the form of albinism the cat exhibits. For example, the Siamese form of albinism (with the cs allele) is generally temperature dependent. Accordingly, warm areas of the body are paler than cooler areas.
Furthermore, two parent cats have to possess the genetic marker for albinism to give birth to a true albino kitten. Fortunately, like the white spotting gene, none of the five alleles for albinism is linked to deafness.
Conclusively, true albino white cats also have a fairly noticeable difference in eye color to non-albino white cats. True albino white cats often have very pale blue, pinkish, or pinkish-blue eyes. This is because like with their skin coat, the eyes of albino cats completely lack pigmentation.
Casper is a healthy male who was rescued with his sister Lily by the SPCA. His health and personality blossomed after adoption.
White cats will always be cats – popular, controversial, in demand, as well as lovable altogether. They have significant traits that make them unequal. The feline has every trait you would love a cat to have – quite, sweet, not too playful, as well as aloof.
Apart from changing the world with how the white feline de-stresses their owners and gives fun to film viewers, they are also known for superstitions. Across the world, there are various beliefs surrounding your favorite pet.
Given below are a few that makes the cat more interesting than its distinct appearance:
The Lucky and Unlucky Variances of White Cat
For sure, you have come across the belief black cats cause bad luck when it crosses your path. The same superstition is applied to white cats in parts of North America, Australia, as well as United Kingdom. In other parts of Europe, white cats are lucky. Russian Federation also follows the same belief.
If a white cat comes into your house, this is considered good luck provided that it will remain in your area. Beyond your area, meeting a white feline late at night is a sign of good providence.
Revoking the bad luck caused by white cat is possible through walking backwards all the way to your destination.
In England, if kids going to school see a white cat on their way, this indicates a bad day. This is the opposite of what North American people believe.
Smiling White Cat
Seeing a White Cat in a Dream
It is just normal to see a cat in a dream, but this is not the case in North America. In this region, white cat is a good omen in a dream.
If you will see one in a dream, you could anticipate good fortune in the future. Moreover, in Europe, white cat in a dream means creativity.
In United Kingdom, if a newly married woman dreams of a white cat with black spots, this indicates pregnancy.
The affirmative symbolism of white feline in a dream is in contrast in Europe. According to European people, white cat should not be praised for the animal is close to devil spirits and ghosts.
“I believe cats to be spirits come to earth. A cat, I am sure, could walk on a cloud without coming through.” – Jules Verne
Having White Cat as a Pet
In different parts of the world, not all pet lovers would like to have a white feline. In Australia and England, white cat is believed to be a cause of wealth loss and poverty.
However, in Russia, having a white cat will not bring poverty. Instead, the animal will deliver prosperity and happiness in the family.
In India, people consider dogs more lovable than cats. According to them, cats are easily jealous and more selfish. This is also the reason why they need more attention and should not be kept with babies. Indians claimed that cats curse babies when they envy.
It is your choice to believe any of the superstition or belief concerning white cat. Nowadays, white feline has become a source of happiness for households.
You could prove it yourself by adopting lovable white cats that may change your perspective in the long run.
Back in 2009, my dad and I were looking through some newspapers and chanced upon an ad stating that there was a cat up for adoption in the city nearby. Without giving it much thought, we drove over and took her in. Minzy was a stray cat, and had been for a year until she was found. She spent a lot of her time outside hunting, and making friends. She has brought us numerous gifts, like a cat does. Birds, bats, grasshoppers, lizards, you name it, she brings it.
Minzy didn’t like many other animals living around the block. She’d bark at the dogs (yes, she can bark), and hiss at the cats. There was a tom cat named Marshall that belonged to a neighbor; he wasn’t the best looking cat in town, but Minzy seemed to get along with him very well.
Even though she spent a lot time outside, she would come back at least once a day, typically around dinner time. However, she went missing for three days once. Whilst we shook her food and called her name for hours on end, I stumbled upon Marshall, who was trying to get my attention by walking around me. Once I walked towards him, he sprinted into an empty house. I thought nothing of it. Since I’ve never met Marshall, he probably got scared and ran away. After all of that, we decided to end our search for the day.
The next morning, my sister and I continued our search. Jokingly, I suggested that we go see what was going on in that empty house. We stood outside the house, and yelled, “MINZY!” To our surprise, we heard what initially were weak, faint mews, with each reply to our calls sounding more desperate, and much louder. The sounds were coming from the drain! We could definitely recognize her distinct, sharp, meow. Those healthy calls were such a relief!
Being weak teenage girls, my sister and I couldn’t lift the drain cover. It was 7am on a Saturday morning, and everyone else in our family were asleep. There’s nothing better than a wake up call from two high-pitched, excited, teenagers, desperately looking for help from someone strong.
All sleepy and confused, our Dad got up and we managed to drag him down to the empty house. Even with his super-human Dad strength, he couldn’t lift the cover! Nearby, there were a couple of construction workers on their way to a renovation. Seeing that we needed help, they kindly approached us and helped lift the drain cover. Minzy was hiding in a small branch of the drain connected to the empty house. Because it was an empty house, no one was using the toilets, the bath, or had any water running. She had ventured about 3 meters in to the dry pipe, and couldn’t inch backwards to get herself out. She must’ve gone down when there was maintenance going on a couple of days ago, gone for an adventure, and gotten trapped. To thank them for their efforts, we made the construction workers cookies and smoothies. We couldn’t have done this without Marshall, so we wrote a little thank-you letter attached to a can of delicious soft cat food and gave it to his owners.
Back in the house, we noticed that Minzy had a couple of cuts on her. After dressing her wounds, she had some food, and pranced out of the house once again. My sister and I had spent a lot of time online watching behavior specialists on YouTube, and reading up on cats. There was something about cats knowing when they’re going to die, and hiding from their owners. When we noticed that she went missing, we tried our very best not to let that thought run through our minds.
Needless to say, this cat is a trooper, and we’re very proud of her. Despite being such a careless and overly-active cat, Minzy has truly touched us all with her resilience. We wouldn’t have been able to find her without Marshall, and I’m glad that they have such a friendship. Who said cats don’t have a compassion?
We recently received two servals at our local zoo and they are beautiful! Back at home I was looking for more information about these amazing creatures that reminded me a bit of a small cheetah, with their long legs and small heads. I found a story about some servals at Big Cat Recue in Flordia, one that was a bit sad about the health problems with big cats that grow up in zoos. Tonga, a rare white serval, had cancer and had to undergo surgery, poor thing!
A beautiful rare white Serval. Photo Courtesy of: https://bigcatrescue.org/tonga/
To our knowledge, only two white servals exist in the world: Tonga and his brother Pharaoh. The white coat is just the outward indication of the deleterious effects of inbreeding. Tonga was 15 years old when he was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. Although most arise without antecedent cause, in many species, especially in white cats, prolonged exposure to sunlight is a major predisposing factor. Being a wild cat, Tonga lives outside, and what cat doesn’t love to nap in their favorite sunny spot?
Tonga was born at Big Cat Rescue before we knew any better back in the 1990s. When we first began we only had the guidance of those who bred and sold cats and believed that what they said was true. We started breeding some cats under the misguided notion that this was a way to “preserve the species.” We had not then figured out what seems so obvious to us today, that breeding for life in a cage an animal that was meant to roam free was inherently cruel. Tonga was born to parents Frosty and Nairobi, who has since been neutered and spayed. We didn’t know it at the time, but they must have been closely related.
Tonga has a white coat and very few spots, the spots that he does have are silvery gray. Tonga is a shy cat that likes to keep to himself, except at feeding time, when he magically turns into your best friend in the whole world. Like many of the servals at Big Cat Rescue, Tonga loves enrichment involving scents. One of his all time favorite enrichment items were some pine tree cuttings. He rubbed all over these pine limbs and was soon covered in a mixture of sap and drool, his coat transformed from snowy to muddy. He made a bed underneath the pine limbs and this became his favorite napping spot for several months.
We are affiliates of Amazon and these items are on Amazon so if you buy one we may receive a payment and for this we thank-you! Meow!Automatic Cat Feeder
This is perhaps the most well-known health issue with white cats. It is so prevalent that many believe that all white cats [with blue eyes] are deaf.
This is my cat, Minzy.