In the world there are feline breeds of all colors: gray, white, black, tabby, tortoiseshell, yellow, with stripes crossing the back or scattered spots on the body. Each of these varieties has particular characteristics that constitute the standards of the breed.
These standards are determined by different institutions, including the International Feline Federation (Fife, for Fédération Internacionale Féline). In this article on our site, we present the different breeds of white cats with their characteristics based on the standards set by official institutions. Keep reading!
Albino cats or white cats?
Albinism is a disorder caused by a genetic mutation, which affects the levels of melanin in the skin, coat and the eyes. In all cases, it appears when both parents carry the recessive gene. The main characteristic of these cats is a pristine white coat, with blue eyes and pink skin, including the nose, eyelids, ears and pads. In addition to this, cats with albinism have a tendency to suffer from deafness, blindness and are sensitive to prolonged and intense sun exposure.
Albino cats can be of any breed, even those in which white fur is not registered, since it is a phenomenon at the genetic level. Because of this, it should not be interpreted that all white cats are albino. A non-albino white cat will have eyes that are colors other than blue and their fur will have a grayish or black hue.
Meaning of white cats
The fur of white cats is very striking, as it is accompanied by eyes whose colors stand out on the light-colored mantle; the same goes for those white cats with spots. Some people believe that the color of the fur of these cats can hide some meaning or omen, so what do white cats mean?
Thanks to their spotless coat, white cats are related to purity, calm and relaxation, as the bright color conveys peace and, for that very reason, they are related to the spiritual world. In addition to this, in some places they are considered animals that bring good luck to businesses.
Despite the above, it is important to highlight that we should not adopt a cat for what we think the color of its coat means, but because we are truly prepared to care for an animal and share life with the. Likewise, we will look at your character and needs before the color of your hair.
Breeds of white cats with blue eyes
Some breeds of white cats stand out precisely because of the color of their eyes. Having a white coat, these characteristics stand out much more, and below we show the breeds of white cats with blue eyes:
Selkirk rex cat
The selkirk rex is a cat native to the United States, where it first appeared in 1988. Its main characteristic is curly hair, which is the product of a genetic mutation. His body is medium, but firm and muscular. The coat can be medium or short in length, but always soft, fluffy and dense.
As for the color of the coat, there are multiple varieties, from black, reddish and brown with or without spots, to completely white specimens with blue eyes.
Exotic Shorthair Cat
The white variety of the exotic shorthair cat has not been recognized by the World Cat Federation, but by the Fife. Against the white background of the fur, large and expressive blue eyes stand out.
It is a breed that appeared between 1960 and 1970, the product of crossing Persian cats with American shorthair cats. In terms of their personalities, they are affectionate and family cats that get along well with children and other pets.
American Curly Cat
Also called the American Curl Longhair, the American Curly Hair is a breed native to California, where appeared in 1981 following a mutation. A peculiarity of this feline variety is that the ears curve between 90 and 180 degrees.
The American cat is medium in size with a strong body and proportionate legs for its size. The coat is fine, silky and smooth.
Turkish Angora
This breed is among the oldest in the world, its origins can be traced back to the city of Ankara, in Turkey, but it is The exact cross from which this feline variety was created is unknown. Its arrival in Europe is uncertain, as there are only records of the Turkish angora from the 16th century.
It is characterized by its long, thick and smooth white fur that gives it a fluffy appearance. The eyes, although they are common in blue, also present heterochromia, so it is not uncommon to find specimens with one blue eye and the other amber.
Kurilean shorthair
The Kurilean Shorthair is native to the Kuril Islands, territory that Russia and Japan claim as their own. Its origins are unknown and the coat can be both short and semi-long. This breed is distinguished by having a solid and rounded body with short legs and a curved tail.
As for the color of the coat, it appears white accompanied by blue eyes or with heterochromia. Similarly, the Kurilean Shorthair can have a black coat with white or gray spots, among other combinations that include white.
These same characteristics are presented by the kurilean bobtail, with the exception of having a more rounded body and a very short tail.
Black and white cat breeds
Many are the breeds of black and white cats, since this is a very common combination in these animals. However, below we show two of the most representative:
Devon rex
The devon rex is native to Devon, a city in England, where it appeared in 1960. It is a breed with very short and curly fur, which reveals its stylized body with thin legs. What also characterizes him is that his almond-shaped eyes stand out, giving him a curious and attentive expression.
The Devon Rex is one of the white cat breeds with black spots, although the coat can also come in other shades, such as black, greyish, reddish and silver, with or without spots.
Manx
This is a medium breed native to the Isle of Man, located between Great Britain and Ireland. The main distinction of the Manx is that many specimens lack a tail or have a very short one, which in most cases is due to the presence of an elongated sacral bone; some of these cats, however, have a standard tail length.
The Manx has a coat of various colors, including white with black spots. In either case, it has a double coat with a spongy and fluffy appearance.
Breeds of white cats with green eyes
In the same way that we find white cats with blue eyes, there are white cats with green eyes and even yellow eyes. In fact, it is common to find the Turkish Angora with yellowish eyes.
Siberian cat
The Siberian cat is a breed with semi-long fur native to Russia The body is medium-sized and solid, with a strong and muscular neck and legs. Although the brindle varieties are the most common, there are also specimens that have thick white fur, in combination with green, blue or amber eyes.
Peterbald
The peterbald cat is native to Russia, where it appeared in 1990 as a result of a cross between an oriental shorthair cat and a sphynx catThanks to this, it shares with these breeds a fur so short that it seems non-existent, as well as expressive eyes and pointed ears.
The peterbald can have white fur accompanied by green, blue or amber eyes. Similarly, specimens with black, chocolate and bluish coats with some spots are also recognized.
Norwegian Forest Cat
The exact antiquity of this breed is unknown, but it appears in Norwegian myths and legends. It was accepted by the Fife in 1970 and, although it can be found in much of Europe, its name is little known.
The Norwegian Forest Cat's coat is best known in its brindle version. However, Fife includes different combinations, such as black with gold and white, reddish with gold and white, and pure white.
Common European Cat
The common European is the most widespread on this continent. Although its exact origins are unknown, the breed has a wide variety of coats and is characterized by good he alth and an agile body.
The white-mantled variety is preferred with green eyes; however, these also appear blue, amber and with heterochromia. Similarly, the common European can have a white coat with black spots and white with gray.
Breeds of short-haired white cats
Short hair requires less care than long coats, however, it must be brushed every week to keep it in perfect condition. With that said, let's take a look at the white shorthair cat breeds:
British Shorthair Cat
The British cat, also called british shorthair, is one of the oldest breeds in the world. Its origins go back to Great Britain during the first centuries before Christ, but it is difficult to pinpoint the cross that gave rise to the breed.
This variety is best known for its short, gray fur mixed with yellow eyes; however, the white variety can feature yellow, green, and blue eyes. In addition, the British is also one of the white and gray cat breeds.
Cornish rex
The Cornish Rex is a cat native to Cornwall, a region of England,where it appeared in 1950. It is characterized by its curly coat and short quite dense. In addition, the body is medium and solid, but at the same time agile.
Regarding the color of the coat, the Cornish Rex can be completely white with light eyes in different shades, or have different combinations of fur ranging from black or pure chocolate, to these colors combined with gray, gold, spotted or striped.
Sphinx
The sphinx or shpynx is a breed from Russia, where the first specimen is recorded in 1987. It is characterized by having such short and fine fur that it gives the sensation of being bald. In addition, it has a slim and slender body with multiple folds, accompanied by triangular and pointed ears.
Among the colors of the sphinx cat's coat is white in the company of crystalline eyes; likewise, combinations of black, chocolate and reddish with spots or stripes of different shades are possible.
Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese bobtail is a short-tailed cat native to Japan,where it is the most common domestic feline. He was brought to America in 1968, where he became very popular for his looks. Apart from these characteristics, the product of a recessive gene, it has a smooth and compact body with medium-length legs.
As for the color of the coat, the Japanese bobtail can have completely white fur accompanied by different colored eyes, although whites with reddish and black spots on the tail and head are more common. In addition, there are coat varieties in all possible combinations.
White and gray cat breeds
If you love the combination of gray and white, don't miss the white and gray cat breeds!
German rex
The german rex is among the gray and white cats. This breed is characterized by having a short curly coat in different densities, from softer to thicker. The body, meanwhile, is medium, muscular and strong.
With regard to the color of the coat, one of the varieties is presented in degraded silver with white areas. However, the race also boasts multiple combinations.
Balinese
The Balinese is a cat similar to the Siamese. It appeared in United States beginning in 1940, making it a relatively new breed. It is characterized by a triangular head with straight ears and expressive almond-shaped eyes.
As for the coat, the body of the Balinese can be white, chocolate or black, with beige or grayish areas on the tail, head and legs.
British longhair
It is the long-haired version of the British shorthair. It is native to Great Britain,where it is among the most common domestic breeds. It is characterized by a solid and round body with a tendency to obesity.
As for the coat, it presents different color combinations, among which it is possible to record white with gray areas, especially on the back and part of the head.
Turkish Van
Turkish Van is native to Anatolia, in Turkey,where it is named after Lake Van. It is one of the oldest cat breeds, as there are records of it several centuries before Christ. It is characterized by a medium, long and heavy body.
With regard to the color of the coat, it presents multiple varieties, among which a pale white tone with gray or yellow spots stands out. It is also possible to find specimens with black and cream coats, among other colors.
Ragdoll
The Ragdoll is another cat similar in appearance to the Siamese and perhaps the most popular of the white and gray cat breeds. He was born in California, United States,in 1960, but feline associations did not recognize him until 1970. He is characterized by a long and muscular body, with a spongy appearance thanks to abundant fur.
As for the color of the coat, it has different shades: body with very light beige tones, white areas near the legs and abdomen, and darker areas on the legs, head and tail.
