Our white cat friends are majestic in their immaculate coat. Genetic features, famous cats, and cat breeds... We’ve prepared a list of 10 things you should know about our little companions with white fur.
#1 They are very sensitive to the sun
We all know the harmful effects of the sun on the skin, and although our cats are a bit better protected than us due to their fur, white cats and hairless breeds (Sphynx, Donskoy, Peterbald...) are more exposed to sunburn, and thus to squamous cell carcinomas, than other cats.
For white cats, the nose and ears are common locations for skin lesions due to sun exposure. Luckily, there are now sunscreens specially designed to protect your little companions.
#2 The W (White) gene is responsible for the white coat
For a cat to be white, it must carry the W (White) gene: during gestation in the female, the W gene blocks the migration of pigmentation cells (melanocytes) to the fur. That’s why our little companions’ coats do not color and remain white.
#3 White cats with blue eyes have a 50% chance of being deaf
Another mystery of genetics, let us explain: for a kitten to be fully white, it must inherit the W gene (for White) from one of its parents. This gene blocks the pigmentation of the iris and destroys some ear cells. As a result: the kitten’s coat is white, its eyes stay blue, and it becomes deaf about a week after birth. This occurs in approximately 50% of white cats with blue eyes.
#4 The coat of the Turkish Angora changes color
The white coat and blue eyes were iconic of the Turkish Angora breed. But due to the hearing problems we just described, colored coats are becoming more favored during cat shows.
#5 Some white kittens are born with a spot on their head
The color of this spot corresponds to the color the kitten would have had without the W gene. Gradually, this spot will disappear with age.
#6 The Khao Manee: one of the rarest cat breeds in the world
It stands out with its completely white coat and often heterochromatic eyes. In Thailand and England, its eyes are even called "diamond eyes". Its body is slim and fine, similar to oriental-type cat breeds. Its character is often said to be similar to that of the Siamese!
#7 A white cat is not necessarily albino
Albinism is a genetic trait that affects all animal species and humans alike, without distinction. Due to this genetic mutation, the albino cat lacks pigmentation: its fur is white, its skin is pink, and its eyes are pale blue, heterochromatic, or sometimes even red.
An albino cat is like any other cat; it does not suffer from any particular disease but is, however, a bit more fragile than other cats.
#8 Superstition: the white cat is a sign of good luck
Unlike the black cat, which is considered to bring bad luck according to some ancient beliefs, white cats have long been considered true good luck charms.
At Ziggy, we love our cats in all shapes and colors!
#9 Famous white cats
In the world of cartoons, we immediately think of Marie and Duchess from The Aristocats. We can also mention Hello Kitty, the cute white kitten that was very popular in the 2000s.
#10 Our white cats are more fragile, so we take care of them
Due to their high sensitivity to the sun, we avoid letting them nap outside for long periods and we don’t hesitate to apply full-spectrum sunscreen, specially designed for our little companions.
If you notice wounds, scabs, or a color change in the skin on the risk zones (ears and nose), we recommend consulting your vet quickly.
Similarly, if your white cat is diagnosed as deaf, we make sure it evolves in a safe environment.
Finally, our white cats, we love them like full members of the family, and we choose for them the best food for cats possible, without cereals and with quality proteins, to keep them healthy.
Bonjour Marie,
N’hésitez pas à lire notre article sur notre blog “mon chat miaule tout le temps”. Vous y trouverez plein de conseils. 😽
Vous pouvez aussi nous contacter directement par email a hello@ziggyfamily.com si besoin.
Plein de caresses à votre petite moustachue. 💛
L’équipe Ziggy
J’ai une orientale toute blanche yeux vert adorable mais qui miaule toute la journée est ce normal ? C’est limite supportable qq1 quelqu’un peut-il me donner des conseils sur comment dois-je réagir ?
Bonjours a toute l’équipe , je vis au Québec Canada et je viens de recevoir un chaton tout blanc avec une petite tache grise très pale et oui il est sourd mais je l’adore et votre description m’a aidée a vraiment savoir comment me comportée avec mon tout petit ,c’est une petite femelle elle a 9 semaines si vous avez des conseils a me donner en ce qui concerne sa surdité n’hesiter pas a me faire savoir. Merci pour vos références sur les chats blancs.Bien a vous ….Doris Laforest.
Merci
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