White cats can have blue, gold, green or copper coloured odd eyes. In one 1997 study of white cats, 72% of the animals were found to be totally deaf.

How rare is a white cat with blue eyes?

5% of the general cat population is white cats (i.e. pure white). 15-40% of these pure white cats have one or two blue-eyes.

Do most white cats have blue eyes?

It is a different story when it comes to white cats with blue eyes — about 60 percent of white-dominant kitties — who got their coloring from mutations in a gene called KIT. In these cats, the blue eyes result from a cellular issue: These irises have fewer melanocytes, which are cells that make pigment.

Are white cats with blue eyes usually deaf?

Hereditary deafness is a major concern in white cats, and even more so if one or both irises are blue in color. ... The percentage rises to 40 percent if the cat has one blue eye, while upwards of 65 to 85 percent of all-white cats with both eyes blue are deaf. Some of these cats are deaf in only one ear.

Are all white cats blind?

About half of all white cats have one or two blue eyes. The rest of the white cats typically have orange or green eyes, and they are usually neither deaf or blind.

Five Phenomenal Facts About White Cats!

30 related questions found

What is the rarest color for a cat?

The rarest color of cat is Albino.

Far more often, the kitten will get one or neither of them and become Colorpoint, White, or something in between. The recessive genes in true Albinos damage their TYR gene, which causes them to produce no melanin in their skin.

Why are white cats deaf?

The deafness is caused by degeneration of the auditory apparatus of the inner ear and may affect one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral). Breeding studies have defined the relationship between deafness in white cats and blue eye colour. The gene responsible is an autosomal dominant gene termed W (for White).

Are pure white cats rare?

Pure white cats are fairly rare in the general cat population, as they require a gene that hides every other possible coat color and pattern in a cat's genetic makeup. ... They also tend to have light-colored eyes. If you're looking to adopt one of these striking felines, here are 10 breeds that produce white cats.

Can domestic cats have blue eyes?

Adult cats with blue eyes aren't widespread. When it does occur, it is a result of their genetics. The production of pigment in their irises doesn't occur, and when light reflects off the rounded surface of their eyes, they look blue in color.

Are all white cats albino?

White Cats Are Not Albino

No, cats with white coats are not albino. There's a key difference: White cats simply have a gene for white fur, while albinism is a genetic condition that results in a complete lack of color pigmentation in the skin, fur, and eyes.

What is a Russian white cat?

The Russian White Cat comes from the Russian Blue. This is an old cat breed that has been around since the 1860s. ... This cat breed was developed mainly in Australia. A beautiful Siberian cat was bred to a Russian Blue, which led to a mixed breed that was white but with Russian Blue's characteristics.

Are most white cats female?

Torties are almost always female. Pure white cats exist, but the most common way to see white on a cat is in a bicolor pattern—patches of white with another color. ... They are almost always female. Below you'll find the most common base coat colors.

Do Maine Coons have blue eyes?

Purebred Maine Coon cats have large, wide-set eyes that are slightly oblique shaped. Gold and/or green eyes are considered desirable by the official cat governing bodies, though a white Maine Coons eyes can also be blue, or odd-eye (blue, with gold or green).

Are Ragdoll cats deaf?

The standard Ragdoll cat will have a point coloration. ... These cats are often deaf in the ear on the same side as their blue eye. It doesn't slow them down too much or otherwise affect their day-to-day lives, but it's good to be aware.

Are white cats smart?

Cats with white fur are often thought of as less intelligent, but that predisposition is due to the fact that cats with blue eyes are actually deaf. Instead of coming when called or responding to their name being said, white cats will typically just stare at you!

Are white cats special?

Few people can deny there is something special about a white cat. The gentleness and pureness associated with the color white definitely translates to these incredible creatures. In cats, the genetics behind the white fur are fascinating.

What should I name a white cat?

Best White Cat Names

• Angel.
• Blizzard.
• Calla lily.
• Casper.
• Chowder.
• Coconut.
• Cottonball.
• Crystal.

What do white cats symbolize?

White cats have many fascinating myths and legends associated with them. They symbolize rebirth, happiness, prosperity, healing and more. ... The message is clear: These white cats, with their exquisite faces and glistening coats, underscore the women's femininity and sensuality.

Are 3 colored cats always female?

The calico cat is most commonly thought of as being typically 25% to 75% white with large orange and black patches (or sometimes cream and grey patches); however, the calico cat can have any three colors in its pattern. They are almost exclusively female except under rare genetic conditions.

Is white a rare cat color?

White Cat

The white cat may look like an albino cat, but the color of these cats comes from the KIT gene we mentioned earlier. ... Though not a true albino, these cats are extremely rare, and it's unlikely you will see one without contacting a professional breeder.

What does an M on a cat's forehead mean?

In Christian folklore, a tabby cat dutifully showed up to comfort baby Jesus. In gratitude, his mother Mary stroked the cat's head and left an 'M' mark on its forehead. ... This means that all cats are secretly tabbies - it's just more noticeable on those with patterned fur.

What is the least common cat color?

Top 10 Rarest Coat Colors and Patterns in Cats

1. Chocolate. The chocolate (or brown) coat color is encoded by a recessive allele b of the primary gene for coat color (B/b/b1). ...
2. Cinnamon. ...
3. Smoke. ...
4. Lilac. ...
5. Fawn. ...
6. Cream. ...
7. Chinchilla. ...
8. Color-point.

How can you tell if a white cat is deaf?

Symptoms of deafness in cats include:

1. a failure to respond when spoken to or called.
2. being easily startled.
3. signs of dizziness or disorientation.
4. no longer being afraid of the vacuum cleaner or other loud appliances.
5. shaking their head or clawing at their ear.