White is a lovely color. Considered the lightest color, white is achromatic and is mostly linked to objects such as milk and snow among others. White cat breeds are a beauty to the eye, but also not as common as other colors. Their rarity is like that of tanzanite in the gemstones world.
The approximated number of owned cats globally as of 2021 according to Wikipedia was about 220 million while stray cats accounted for 480 million. In 2017, a study showed that domestic cats were the 2nd most popular pet in the United States, after dogs, at 95.6 million. About 42 million households in the U.S. own at least 1 cat.
In America alone today, the number of recognized cat breeds is more than 70 million. These cat breeds come in a range of sizes, hair or coat types, colors, and patterns, and some are hairless.
As mentioned earlier, white cat breeds are rare to find, especially completely white cat breeds. It is estimated that the pure white breed of cats represents 5% of the entire cat population. That means it is very rare to find a white cat, but not impossible.
In our article today, we shall be looking at the best white cat breeds with a focus on all you need to know. From their origin to size, personality, health, and lifespan, we got you covered.
White Cats Kittens
White cat kitties tend to be shy, laid-back, and friendly which makes them excellent pets for all families. They are good with kids and get along with other pets at home, including dogs, due to their calm nature. White cat kittens tend to have light-colored eyes and can either have short or long coats, purebreds, or mixed breeds.
It will be hard to find pure white kittens because like the parents, white cat breeds are infrequent. This rarity is caused by a gene that buries every other likely coat color and pattern in a cat’s genetic composition, hence the white coat color.
Expect to pay at least $300 and as much as $3,000 or more on average for a white or an all-white kitty.
What Breed of Cat is White?
Like grey and white cats or brown cat breeds, all-white cats are not associated with a specific cat breed. Even though they are rare, the white coat is spread across different cat breeds.
Here is a review of the available 8 cute white cat breeds that you will come across:
1. White Ragdoll
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | United States |
| Size | 9 to 11 inches |
| Weight | 15 to 20 lbs. |
| Temperament | Tender, sociable, and loyal |
| Lifespan | 15+ years |
| Price | $800 and $2,000 |
Ragdolls are among the cutest fluffy white cat breeds out there. These cute cats have been on top of the most popular cat breeds worldwide for a while. The number of registered cats in 2019 and 2020 has been high. This cat breed is famous for its strong blue eyes and calm nature.
The Ragdoll is native to the United States, specifically Riverside, California, and was developed by a Persian breeder. It was created by crossing a semi-feral longhaired white cat that looks like an Angora to other cats in the 1990s. These cats were recognized by CFA in 1993 but are yet to earn championship status from the organization.
As mentioned earlier, Ragdolls are loved for their tender and sociable nature. Owners of this cat breed say it is loving and not demanding and are devoted like dogs are. Some folks also say that Ragdolls can read their human companions’ emotions. Easy to groom, train, and friendly, they are the perfect companion cats.
Ragdolls have long, thick white coats that give them an adorable look. Other coat colors and patterns include beige, gray; lavender, white; black, and more. Bi-color and color points are also possibilities. Since they are long-haired, they tend to shed but not too much.
Although healthy, Ragdolls are prone to some health issues such as heart problems, polycystic kidney disease, dental disease, and thromboembolism. They have a life expectancy of up to 15 years.
2. White Persian Cat
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | Mesopotamia |
| Size | 10 to 15 inches |
| Weight | 8 to 18 lbs. |
| Temperament | Sweet-tempered, affectionate, and calm |
| Lifespan | 8 to 11 years |
| Price | $1,200 and $2,500 |
Are you interested in white cat breeds with green eyes? Go for the Persian cat. According to an article by Insider, the Persian cat breed is currently the 4th most popular here in the US. Other than its striking, flowing coat, and sweet face, the Persian cat is loved for its calm personality.
This cat breed came from Mesopotamia, modern-day Iran (formerly Persia), and made its way to Europe in 1626. Persian cats were exported here in the US later in the 19th century and have swept Americans by their feet hence the increased popularity.
Male Persian cats are large in size weighing more than 12 lbs. while females are medium-sized and weigh 8 to 12 lbs. This cat breed has round eyes that come in a range of colors such as hazel, copper, or green, and can also be odd-eyed. Persian cats have short muzzles and their ears are small with round tips, long and thick legs (with round claws), and a short tail.
If you are looking for a calm cat breed, you can’t go wrong with the Persian. These cats have a sweet disposition and are very smart. Persian cats are affectionate and develop a very strong bond with their owners. They crave human companionship and their patient nature makes them good pets even for families with boisterous kids. These cats love to hang around the house and love being petted and cuddled.
Persian cats are famous for their long, flowing, a thick, soft, and shiny white fur coat that gives them a striking look. Unlike other cat breeds on this list, however, Persian cats are heavy shedders which makes them high-maintenance pets.
In terms of health, Persian cats are not as healthy as they seem. The flat face particularly makes them susceptible to breathing difficulties. Other health issues in this cat breed include cherry eye & entropion, dental malocclusions, and polycystic kidney disease.
Persian cats have a life expectancy of between 8 and 11 years.
3. White Siamese Cat
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | Thailand, United States |
| Size | Up to 14 inches |
| Weight | 8 to 14 lbs. |
| Temperament | Smart, vocal, outgoing, and affectionate |
| Lifespan | up to 15 years |
| Price | $600 and $2,500 |
If you love white cat breeds with blue eyes, you would not go wrong with the Siamese cat. Other than their cute eyes, these cats are curious and smart which makes them trainable.
Originally from Siam, Thailand, Siamese cats are believed to be an ancient cat breed that was developed between the 14th century and 18th century. These cats were brought to the United States in 1878 and were officially recognized by CFA in 1906. It was one of the popular breeds of cats in North America and Europe in the 19th century.
A small-to-medium sized cat breed, the Siamese can grow up to 14 inches tall and weighs 8 to 14 lbs. when full-grown. The breed is famous for its strangely large pointy ears, as well as its sleek body and tail. As mentioned earlier, Siamese cats have blue eyes that result from a distinct genetic allele they have that causes some kind of albinism.
When it comes to personality and temperament, Siamese cats are very smart, outgoing, and vocal. People who own Siamese cats often claim they have a dog-like personality because they like to play fetch and show a lot of affection. Their fondness to play makes them good companions for kids and are also good with other cats and dogs.
Siamese cats have short, soft, and silky fur that sheds moderately and will need regular brushing during the shedding season. Common coat colors are lilac, blue, chocolate, and seal although red, fawn, cinnamon, cream, apricot, and caramel are possible.
Sadly, Siamese cats are susceptible to a range of health issues with progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) being the most common. Other health problems include asthma, some cancers, urinary tract disease, gum diseases, neoplastic problems, and gastrointestinal issues.
Siamese cats have a life expectancy of up to 15 years.
You can also check the Balinese, a longhaired version of the Siamese.
4. White Himalayan Cat
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | Thailand, United States |
| Size | 10 to 12 inches |
| Weight | 7 to 12 lbs. |
| Temperament | Smart, loving, and loyal |
| Lifespan | 9 to 13 years |
| Price | $1,000 and $2,500 |
If you need a calm, cuddly, and adaptable white breed of cat, the Himalayan cat is an excellent choice. Also called Himmie, it is one of all white cat breeds with blue eyes globally and the most popular breed of cats in the United States.
Some people tend to think that the Himalayan cat is named after the Asian mountain range or the Himalayas but that is not the case. These kitties resemble the Himalayan rabbit in almost every way and that is how they earned their name. Himalayan cats have an exciting history that dates back to the 1920s and 1930s. They share three origins including Iran, Thailand, and the United States. However, they earned their name in 1957 from an American breeder and were accepted by CFA the same year.
Himalayan cats are smart, loving, and loyal to their owners and prefer being lap cats. These kitties are quiet, active, and friendly to everyone in the family, including children. They also get along with dogs. Expect the Himalayan to be vocal if you ignore them.
The Himalayan is a medium-sized cat that stands 10 to 12 inches tall and weighs 7 to 12 lbs. but may appear larger because of its long coat of fluffy fur. Typically, these cats are short and stocky with strong short legs and short, thick necks. Himalayan cats have round heads, small ears, and huge, round brilliant blue eyes.
Himalayan cats boast long, straight fur with a dense undercoat and are shedder. While they are low-maintenance, daily grooming is recommended to prevent matting and tangles. Other than white, other coat colors include lilac, chocolate, red, cream, and more.
Although considered a hardy cat breed, Himalayans are predisposed to health issues such as eye conditions, difficulties breathing, and dental malocclusions. Other possible health problems are polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and feline hyperesthesia syndrome.
Himalayan cats have a life expectancy of 9 to 13 years.
5. White American Curl
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | United States |
| Size | 18 to 20 inches |
| Weight | 7 to 10 lbs. |
| Temperament | Playful, loving, easygoing, friendly, and curious |
| Lifespan | 9 to 13 years |
| Price | $1,000 and $2,000 |
Also featured in our cats with short legs article, the American Curl is yet another attractive white cat breed that most people love. These cats rank 27th position as the most popular breed of cats in the United States. Its distinctively curled ears are what makes the breed trendy even globally in addition to the short legs.
Developed in the United States, the American Curl cat has a history that dates back to 1981. The breed was created from a stray, long-haired black kitty with distinctive ears that was adopted by Grace and Joe Ruga. Cat breeders began to selectively breed these cats to retain their genetic mutation by 1983. The increased popularity led to a quick recognition from TICA in 1987 followed by CFA in 1993.
The American Curl cat stands 18 to 20 tall with males weighing between 7 and 10 lbs. while females weigh under 8 lbs. This cat breed’s kitties are born with distinctive straight ears that roll up into tight little buds within days. These cats are fairly muscled with wedge-shaped heads and walnut-shaped eyes that range from amber to aqua, orange, yellow, copper, blue, hazel, gold, and green. American Curl cats can also be odd-eyed. They have long tails.
In terms of personality, American Curl cats are playful, affectionate, easygoing, friendly, and curious. They tend to form strong bonds and attachments with their owners.
American Curl cats come in cute white coat that is either short-haired or long-haired. Other possible coat colors are black, red, cream, brown, and gray as well as many likely coat patterns.
These kitties are generally healthy with no specific breed-related health issues. Possible health problems in American Curls include ear infections, weight loss, lethargy, bladder stones, and respiratory problems.
American Curl cats have a life expectancy of 9 to 13 years.
6. White Scottish Fold
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | Scotland |
| Size | 8 to 10 inches |
| Weight | 6 to 13 lbs. |
| Temperament | Playful, loving, easygoing, friendly, and curious |
| Lifespan | About 15 years |
| Price | $250 and $500 |
The Scottish Fold is yet another adorable white breed of cat that will make an outstanding pet for almost everyone. Sweet, charming, and affectionate, these cats are easy to live with.
A rare feline breed, the Scottish Fold came from Scotland as a result of a natural genetic mutation in the 1960s. It was originally called lops, named after the lop-ear rabbits, but was changed to Scottish Fold in 1966. The breed first came to the US in 1971 (Nov. 30). Scottish Folds were accepted by ACA in 1973 for registration, followed by ACFA and CFA in 1974. It is one of the white cat breeds with orange eyes which is the rarest eye color in cats.
The Scottish Fold is a medium-sized cat with a height of 8 to 10 inches and weighs 6 to 13 lbs. Loved for their unique owl-like look, these cats have round heads with short necks, huge eyes, and folded ears. Scottish Folds have medium to long tails that are rounded.
These cats have a charming and endearing personality that makes them easy to live with. Thanks to their affectionate, easygoing, and friendly nature, they relate well with kids and other pets. Scottish Fold cats are loyal and smart hence trainable and crave human attention.
Scottish Fold cats are either short-haired or long-haired with thick and soft fur. Other coat colors include lavender, gray, beige, silver; fawn; blue, orange, tan; red, and more. Bi-color solid calico and tri-color tabby are also possible. Scottish Folds shed copiously year-round making them high-maintenance.
The Scottish Fold is very healthy but still prone to some hereditary health issues like polycystic kidney disease and osteochondrodysplasia (painful degenerative joint disease). The breed has a life expectancy of about 15 years.
7. Norwegian Forest Cat
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | Norway |
| Size | 9 to 12 inches |
| Weight | 12 to 16 lbs. |
| Temperament | Sweet, loving, bold, and social |
| Lifespan | 12+ years |
| Price | $800 and $1,500 |
While white cats are uncommon, white cat breeds with amber eyes, like the Norwegian Forest Cats are even rarer due to their uncommon amber eye color. These cats are best suited for cat fans that live in cold areas since they were bred to withstand Norway’s cold weather.
As the name sounds, this cat breed originated in Norway. History says that they may have been brought to the country by Vikings from the British archipelago in the 14th century. They are a prevalent yet very rare breed of cats in the US and were introduced to the ACFA in 1994. There are more than 500 registered Norwegian Forest Cats in the US today.
Norwegian Forest Cats are a large breed that stands 9 to 12 lbs. and weigh 12 to 16 lbs. These fur babies are large and muscular like the hunter they were bred to be. They have triangular heads, muscular necks, medium-sized ears, and slightly rounded chins. Norwegian Forest Cats have almond-shaped eyes that come in blue, green, gold, and copper. Expect long legs and a bushy tail.
These cats are sweet and loving and love the company of their human companion. Norwegian Forest Cats are bold and social which makes them good with kids, seniors, and other pets including dogs. They mature at 5 years and are best suited for cold climates.
The Norwegian Forest Cat has a fluffy white coat that protects them from cold and makes them cute. Other possible coat colors include black, red, golden, cream, blue, and silver. The coats can also be bi-colored, tortoiseshell, calico, and tabby. These cats shed moderately and need regular grooming.
Norwegian Forest Cats are generally healthy but prone to a few health issues such as FLUTD, hip dysplasia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and glycogen storage disease IV. They have a life expectancy of 12+ years.
8. Maine Coon
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | United States |
| Size | 10 to 16 inches |
| Weight | 8 to 18 lbs. |
| Temperament | Friendly, loving, and goofy |
| Lifespan | 13 to 14 years |
| Price | $500 and $2,500 |
The American Maine Coon is a large, domesticated cat breed that most people keep as pets in America and other parts of the world. Maine Coon cats are also known as Gentle Giants.
The Maine Coon has an interesting history. Some historians say that a cat like a Maine Coon was spotted during the Vikings era and may have come to the US in ships. In the US, however, this cat breed has been around since the 1800s and was a popular show cat in the 19th century. The Maine Coon is the 3rd most popular cat breed and was accepted by CFA in 1976. It has been the official symbol of Maine State since 1985.
When full-grown, a Maine Coon cat is 10 to 16 inches in height (and can be up to 40 inches tall) and weighs 8 to 18 lbs. These cats have muscular physiques with broad chests, strong legs, and huge, wide-set eyes that are somewhat oblique shaped. White Maine coons can have blue eyes. Other eye colors include gold and green.
The Maine Coon has a 3-layer white coat that is soft and sheds moderately. It comes in a range of other coat colors such as blue, silver, brown, red, and black. It is also likely to have patterns that are different from the coat’s color like torbie, spotted, mackerel, and classic.
Maine Coon cats are considered healthy but have some hereditary health issues such as hip dysplasia, spinal muscular atrophy, kidney disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and obesity. They have a life expectancy of 13 to 14 years.
White Cat Breeds Eyes
As mentioned before, white cats make up 5% of the world’s cat population. White cats tend to have incredibly cute eyes which is why they are so loved in addition to their white coats. Cats with solid white or mostly white coats have eye colors that range from greenish-yellow to gold.
Even better, 15% to 40% of this 5% white cat breeds tend to have both blue eyes. About 60% to 80% of the 5% have green or orange eyes. Copper eyes are another possibility in white cats.
Why is Congenital Deafness Common in White Cats?
You may have heard that white cats are always deaf, right?
This research, published by the International Cat Care organization, explained the correlation between hearing loss and white cats, especially those with blue eyes.
According to the studies, the gene accountable for this deafness is an autosomal dominant gene labeled W, representing white. This gene seems to be pleiotropic, that is, it has more than one effect. The gene is responsible for the white coat color in cats as well as blue eyes and deafness.
White Cat Breeds Price
While white cat breeds are scarce, it is possible to find breeders in Europe and America among other regions, especially where these cat breeds originated, like Norway and more.
If you live in the United States, you can buy white cat breeds through trusted sources such as Petfinder. It is better to buy directly from a breeder than online sites if you want a well-bred and healthy white cat.
On average, expect to pay anywhere between $300 and $5,000 for a white cat breed puppy.
FAQs
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Hi there! My name is Alex Landy, one of the co-founders here at Our Pets HQ and a parent to a small-breed Yorkie. I am a published author of two books on dog breeding and currently write on various pet-related blogs about caring for dogs. I am a parent of two daughters and live outside Boston where I spend a lot of time with family and serve in different breeding clubs. You can reach me at alex@ourpetshq.com
