White cats are lucky, but they are also susceptible to specific health concerns that you should be aware of.
While black cats hold a special place in our collective psyche, white cats are unique in several respects. In addition to their outstanding look, these pale felines have a lot of distinguishing features, including lovely eyes and an interesting history. Your snow kitty will have a special place in your heart, but she will also require some very unique care. So, what should you know? This is everything pet owners should know before bringing home a white cat.
White cats symbolise a specific colour pattern, however this does not imply that they are all the same type. Several distinct breeds can have pearly coats. Persian, Turkish Angora, American Shorthair, Siamese, and Devon Rex can all be white. If you’ve decided that a glittery cat is a good fit for your family, you may still narrow down your options and choose the perfect pet for you.
These guys have distinctive eyes.
Eye colour is connected to melanin, just like in humans, hence white cats frequently have light eyes. Your pet’s retinas could be blue, green, yellow, or multicoloured. These beautiful creatures occasionally have two distinct coloured eyes, a condition known as heterochromia. If you can bring home this adorable mouser, you will undoubtedly have an amazing animal as a buddy.
Some are deaf.
You might be astonished to learn that many white cats cannot hear fully. These scene-stealing cats have a genetic predisposition to deafness, and blue-eyed cats are particularly prone to hearing loss. The good news is that your child will have no issue navigating your home without the use of his hearing. In addition to spoken commands, many of these animals can acquire sign cues. However, because they will have difficulty hearing cars or predators, you should keep a hard-of-hearing cat indoors.
You should watch out for sunburns.
Cats enjoy sunbathing, but this puts them at danger for sunburns and other skin diseases. Sunscreen should be applied during the brightest months of the year, while sweaters or other clothing can be worn in the winter. Unfortunately, these lovely cats can acquire skin cancer, so you need take extra care of their fur to avoid any long-term damage. Pay close attention to delicate areas like the ears and nose. Also, consider adding draperies and curtains to high-traffic areas to help reduce exposure.
White kitties are lucky.
You’ve almost surely heard that black cats bring bad luck, so it’s understandable that white cats bring good fortune. The Japenese Beckoning Cat, in particular, is typically shown as a pure colourless feline, and this emblem can be seen in various cultures. If you have a white cat, remember to thank them for all the good vibrations they bring your way.
The most popular are white Persians.
As previously said, these toms are not all of the same breed, and the white Persian is at the top of our list of the most coveted, particularly in terms of appearance. These pets’ long, silky hair sets them apart, but it also adds another task to your to-do list: grooming. You must set aside time on a regular basis to brush and clean their hair; otherwise, you will end up with a knotted mess. If the knots become out of control, you can use special pet shampoos or hire a professional.
Pure white cats are uncommon.
It is not impossible to find an all-white cat, but it is also not very likely unless you go through a breeder. Similar to rare breeds, finding a flawlessly light-toned fur baby will need a significant amount of effort and, in some circumstances, a few extra dollars. White cats, as one of the rarest colours available, attract a higher price, and they are well aware of this!
We all adore our gorgeous cats, regardless of their coat colour, but white kittens have a particular place in so many of our hearts. Rare, elegant, and maybe lucky, these stunning creatures grab the attention of a room, but they also require some extra care to keep them safe and healthy. Sunscreen and sweaters, as well as blackout curtains or shades, will help keep your lovely animal pet safe. Your veterinarian can also perform a yearly skin check to ensure that nothing is out of the usual.
FAQ
How rare is a white cat?
White cats are among the rarest, accounting for only around 5% of the overall cat population! Their beautiful snow-white coats make them appear bright and unusual, and they are much more special to their families who adore them.
Do white cats have health problems?
Cats with light or white coats, like people, are more likely to get sunburnt, particularly on their ears, eyelids, and nose. White cats are more sensitive to sunburns, which increases their risk of getting squamous cell carcinoma or other types of skin cancer.
What is the breed of a white cat?
White cats can be found in a variety of breeds, including the British Shorthair, Sphynx, and Turkish Van. While many pet owners wish to claim their cat is a rare, colourless breed, a real white cat is distinguished by a lack of melanin pigmentation – the gene that gives her coat and eyes colour.
Is it fortunate to encounter a white cat?
Because of their relationship with the sun or moon, white cats are supposed to bring prosperity and good fortune. These two things symbolise life, happiness, positive energy, and excellent health. White cats in dreams might symbolise a pure, innocent, and spiritual woman. The white colour of their fur symbolises purity.
Do white cats live longer?
Indoor white cats have the same lifespan as normal cats, which is 13-17 years, according to the ASPCA. Albino cats, like other cats, have normal lifespans provided they reside indoors.
Are all-white cats female?
No. White cats can be both male and female. The colour gene exists on the X chromosome, but the white gene is inherited separately and independently of the colour gene.