Due to their majestic look and luscious coats, white cats are viewed as a special variety of feline. But that’s simply because they are quite rare compared to other varieties of cats. All-white cats or solid, purebred white cats make up only around five percent of the general cat population.
What’s more interesting is that most people tend to assume that all white cats are simply albino cats. But that’s not entirely true. Most white cats get their color from the white spotting gene or the dominant gene; whereas albino cats can’t naturally produce pigment across their body.
In other words, white cats’ genes possess the ability to produce pigment but the cells that are responsible for the pigmentation process (melanocytes) are masked. Albino cats’ genes lack the ability to produce pigment.
There are many beautiful white cats breeds that capture the hearts of all cat lovers.
Table of Contents
Japanese Bobtail
Like their name, Japanese Bobtails are known for their short, bob-like tails that are similar to the tail of a rabbit. These cats are native to Japan and live up to 13 years old.
Japanese Bobtails possess short to long straight coats that are shed seasonally and don’t require frequent grooming, which makes them low-maintenance compared to other breeds.
But most importantly, they are playful, sociable, and affectionate toward their owners.
European Shorthair
European Shorthair cats are one of the oldest European cat breeds that are rarely found in the United States. Historically, they were known as the Celtic Shorthairs and their history can be traced back as far as during the civilization of ancient Rome.
These medium-sized cats weigh around 8 to 15 pounds. They can be recognized by their short, dense, and straight coats, well-muscled chest and legs, and thick tails with rounded tips.
Aside from being athletic and intelligent, European Shorthairs are quite territorial. But most of the time, they are playful, affectionate, and loyal to their owners.
British Shorthair
Though they might look similar to the American Shorthairs, these cats are slightly smaller, fluffier, and more huggable. British Shorthair cats originated in Great Britain and are known as one of the ancient cat breeds in the world.
They can be distinguished by their large round heads, broad chests, short and sturdy legs, rounded bodies, and thick, short coats that require frequent grooming.
British Shorthairs are generally quiet, calm, and undemanding. They can get along well with children and other animals.
Cornish Rex
These small to medium-sized domestic cats are native to the region of Cornwall, United Kingdom. They are dubbed as the Greyhound of Cats due to their galloping run and their sleek appearance.
Cornish Rex cats can be recognized by their slender bodies, arched back, well-muscled thighs and legs, short coats, and slender tails. At a glance, they may look sleek but once you pick them up, they can be quite heavy. This is because of the high stance that somehow gives them a lighter appearance.
These cats love to be around their owners, are affectionate most of the time, and definitely playful.
White Bengal
White Bengal cats are also known as the Snow Bengals due to their creamy coat and pale white fur that may not look like a pure white breed. They are also the only variety of Bengal cats that has blue eyes. Still, these cats are considered rare and high maintenance.
White Bengals require a lot of attention and care. They can become quite rebellious when they feel like their owners are neglecting them.
Khao Manee
These ancient cat breeds are related to the Siamese, Korat, and other Thailand cat breeds. They are also called Khao Plort (meaning “complete white”), the White Gem, and the Diamond Eye cats.
Khao Manee cats can be distinguished by their unique jewel-like eyes, pure white coats, athletic bodies, and muscular legs. They also have medium-length tails and large ears that point away from each other.
These cats are energetic, sociable, and playful. They love to be the center of attention and don’t mind endless interaction with humans and other pets.
British Longhair
British Longhair cats are the extended version of the British Shorthair with longer and thicker coats. They were born from a cross between a British Shorthair and a Traditional Persian cat.
These medium- to large-sized cats can be recognized by their large, round faces and eyes, sturdy bodies, and fluffy thick coats. They require frequent grooming to remove dead and tangled hairs.
British Longhairs are generally calm, laid-back, and intelligent. Unlike other breeds, they are quite independent and don’t mind being left alone.
Balinese Cat
Contrary to what most people would assume, the Balinese cats aren’t linked to and did not originate in Bali, Indonesia. They received their name due to the elegance and exquisite manner that resembles the dancers in the Temples of Bali.
These medium-sized felines can be recognized by their large almond-shaped eyes, broad ears, slender bodies, and soft medium-length coats.
Their personality is similar to the Siamese. For instance, Balinese cats are intelligent, energetic, and curious. They are quite athletic and don’t mind running around or playing for hours at a time.
Turkish Angora
Turkish Angora cats are one of the ancient cat breeds that descend from the African wildcat. They are native to central Anatolia, Turkey, and also known as Ankara cats or the Angoras.
These medium-sized cats can be recognized by their small and round head, large ears, almond-shaped eyes, and their long, soft coats. Due to the thickness of their coats, Turkish Angoras need regular grooming and they shed seasonally.
Apart from their rich and elegant look, these cats are loyal and affectionate to their owners. They are also energetic and need a large space to run and play.
Ragdoll
The Ragdoll cats are native to the United States. They were developed in the 1960s by a woman named Ann Baker. In 1993, The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) recognized the Ragdolls as a breed. Since then, they have become the fifth most popular registered cats in the CFA database.
These medium- to large-sized cats can be distinguished by their large, muscular bodies, V-shape markings on their forehead, sturdy legs, and thick, soft coats. They require frequent grooming to prevent their hair from tangling or trapping dirt.
Other than that, the Ragdolls are sociable, energetic, and suitable to be adopted as house pets.
Russian White
The Russian white cats were first developed in the 1970s from a more popular breed, the Russian Blue cats. A Russian Blue cat was crossed with a white Siberian cat to produce another breed that has a white coat and personality of the Russian Blue.
These medium-sized cats can be recognized by their slender bodies, pointed ears, long tails, and soft, short white coat.
Aside from their friendly nature, Russian White cats are energetic, intelligent, and easy to train. However, they might be aloof to strangers or people outside of the family.
Persian Cat
These fluffy and luxurious-looking cats are native to the Persian country, which is now known as Iran. They can be categorized into two varieties: show and traditional. The Traditional Persian cats were also called the Doll Face.
Persian cats possess round heads, short faces, chubby cheeks, snub noses, and long, silky fur. Due to their thick coats, they require daily brushing to prevent the matting and tangling of dead hairs.
These cats are generally calm and docile. They love being petted and cared for, especially by their owners and familiar people.
American Shorthair
The American Shorthair cats are one of the oldest cat breeds in the United States. They descend from European cats that were brought to North America by early travelers as guard animals to deter mice.
These medium- to large-sized domestic cats can be distinguished by their rounded bodies, large heads, broad chests, thick necks, muscular limbs, and short coats. Their fur will naturally shed but weekly brushing is advisable to remove dead hairs while keeping their coat healthy.
American Shorthairs are easy-going, affectionate, and easy to handle. They make good house pets and companion animals.
Devon Rex
Devon Rex cats were first discovered in 1959 by a woman named Beryl Cox in Buckfastleigh, Devon, United Kingdom.
These unique cats possess slender bodies, large and tall ears, and slightly wavy coats. Their soft, short coats are also similar to the Cornish Rex’s.
Due to their dog-like personality, Devon Rex cats are considered intelligent, loyal, and playful companions.
Oriental Shorthair
The Oriental Shorthair cats are born from a cross between a few breeds such as Abyssinian, Russian, Blue, British Shorthair, and the Siamese. In the 1970s, they were first introduced in the United States and quickly rose to fame from a championship status given by the Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA) in 1977.
These medium-sized cats can be recognized by their triangular heads, large ears, almond-shaped eyes, slender bodies, and short coats.
Aside from their curiosity toward anything that intrigues them, Oriental Shorthairs are generally playful, energetic, friendly, and easy to handle.
Siberian Cat
The Siberian cats are native to the Siberian forest in Russia and are also known as the Siberian Forest Cat or Moscow Longhairs. They are the national cat of Russia and closely related to the Norwegian Forest cats.
These medium to large-sized can be recognized by their wedge-shaped head, large tufted ears, round eyes, sturdy bodies, and thick triple coats. Due to the length and thickness of their coat, Siberian cats need regular brushing to prevent matting and tangled hairs.
These cats are athletic, energetic, and affectionate toward children and other pets.
Munchkin Cats
Munchkin cats are lovable domestic cats that came from a stray cay named Blackberry, found in 1983. One of the distinctive physical traits that separate these cats from other breeds is their short legs. They are even dubbed as “the Corgis and Dashchunds of the cat world,” and also known by their other names: “sausage cats” and “wiener dogs.”
Munchkin cats are medium-sized felines with short limbs, erect ears, bushy long tails, and short to long fluffy coats. They are easy to groom and require weekly brushing to remove mats or tangles.
These cats are playful, affectionate, and loyal to their owners.
Final Thoughts
Most white cats from all these breeds can be raised as ideal pets. Beyond their genetic make-up and aesthetical value, they are pretty similar to other cats.
What they need is all the basic necessities, attention, love, and care from their owners. Ultimately, the way they are treated and raised will contribute to the development of their personality.