While black cats take a special place in our collective psyche, white cats are actually unique in a few distinct ways. On top of their striking appearance, these pale felines have a number of special characteristics, including their beautiful eyes and interesting history. Your snow kitty will hold a special place in your heart but will also require some very specific care. So, what do you need to know? This is everything pet owners should understand before bringing home a white cat.
They’re not all one breed
White cats represent a particular color pattern, but that doesn’t mean they’re all the same type. In fact, multiple different breeds can have pearly coats. Persians, Turkish Angoras, American Shorthairs, Siamese, and Devon Rex can all be some version of white. If you’ve decided that a sparkly cat works well for your family, you can still drill down and select the right furry friend for you.
These guys have distinct eyes
Similar to humans, eye color is linked to melanin, and so white cats often have light eyes. Your pet might possess blue, green, yellow, or multicolored retinas. Occasionally, these gorgeous beasties have two different colored eyes, which is called heterochromia. If you can bring home this purrfect mouser, you’ll certainly get to have an astounding animal for a friend.
Some are deaf
You could be surprised to learn that many white cats can’t hear fully. These scene-stealing cats have a genetic link to deafness, and the ones with blue eyes, in particular, often have hearing loss. The good news is that your little guy won’t have any trouble navigating your home without the use of their ears. Many of these animals can also learn sign cues instead of verbal commands! However, because they’ll have trouble hearing cars or predators, you should make sure a hard-of-hearing kitty stays indoors.
You need to look out for sunburns
Cats love to sun themselves, but that means they can be at high risk for sunburns and other skin conditions. You’ll need to apply sunscreen during the brightest months of the year, and you can also deploy sweaters or other clothes in winter. Unfortunately, these pretty kitties can develop skin cancer, so you want to take special care of their fur to prevent any long-term damage. Pay particular attention to sensitive areas, such as the ears and nose. Also, think about adding drapes and curtains to high-traffic areas to help cut down on exposure.
White cats are lucky
You’ve almost certainly heard that black cats bring bad luck, which makes it unsurprising that white cats carry with them good fortune. The Japenese Beckoning Cat, in particular, often takes the form of a pure colorless feline — and you can find this symbol across many cultures. If you have a white cat, remember to thank them for all the positive vibes that come your way.
The most popular are white Persians
We mentioned above that these toms don’t all come from one breed, and in fact, the white Persian tops our list of most desirable, especially from an attractiveness standpoint. Their long, silky hair makes these pets distinctive, but also comes with an extra item on your to-do list: grooming. You must set aside time regularly to keep their hair brushed and clean or you will end up with a tangled mess. Special pet shampoos or a professional can help you cut down on the knots if they get out of hand.
Pure white cats are uncommon
It’s not impossible to find an entirely white cat, but it’s also not super likely unless you go through a breeder. Similar to exclusive breeds, you’re probably not going to stumble upon a perfectly light-toned fur baby without a lot of effort and, in some cases, a few extra dollars. As one of the rarest colors out there, white cats get to command a higher price point and they know it!
We all love our beautiful cats no matter their coat color, but white kitties hold a special place in so many of our hearts. Rare, elegant, and possibly lucky, these gorgeous pets command the attention of a room, but they also need a bit extra to keep them safe and healthy. To make sure your sweet furry friend stays safe and sound, you’ll want to have both sunscreen and sweatshirts around the house, not to mention blackout curtains or shades. Your vet can also help with a yearly skin check to make sure nothing looks out of the ordinary.
