There’s something undeniably captivating about a white cat. A snowy coat reads as pure, elegant, and just a little magical, and when it’s paired with those striking blue eyes so many white cats have, the effect is hard to resist. If you’re drawn to these frost-colored beauties, here are five breeds worth getting to know, along with what makes each one special.
A quick note before we dive in: in cats, “white” isn’t a single genetic thing. Some cats are white because of a dominant white gene, others because of the pointed patterns you see in colorpoint lines, and a few of the breeds below wear silver or shaded coats rather than true solid white. If you’re researching a specific breed, the recognized color standards published by registries like The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA) are the best place to confirm which colors are accepted.
The Top 5 White Cat Breeds
British Shorthair
One of the most popular and beloved cat breeds in the world, the British Shorthair (and its longhaired counterpart) has charmed cat lovers everywhere. Plush, sweet-natured, and famously a little lazy, these cats have a way of pulling at the heartstrings. A round face with big expressive eyes, dense velvety fur, and a calm, dignified temperament are all hallmarks of the breed. In white, that thick coat looks especially luxurious.
Siberian
It’s hard to look away from a Siberian cat. These northern beauties are striking to begin with, and a white coat only makes them more so. Siberians also come in a colorpoint pattern, with darker markings on the face, legs, and tail much like a Siamese, and this variety has its own name: the Neva Masquerade. If a white Siberian is on your shortlist, that’s a distinction worth remembering.
Turkish Angora
Among white breeds, the Turkish Angora is a genuine classic. When people picture a white cat with blue eyes, this is often the cat they have in mind. Elegant and graceful, Angoras are the true aristocrats of the cat world. They graced the homes of French nobility back in the 17th century and continue to delight owners around the globe today. Happily, their personality is every bit as appealing as their looks: they’re lively, affectionate, and endlessly curious.
Devon Rex
The Devon Rex is one of the most distinctive breeds you’ll ever meet. Its soft, curly coat has a wavy, almost lamb-like texture that sets it apart from any other cat. Beyond the unusual looks, Devons are wonderfully friendly, affectionate, and gentle companions who seem to win over just about everyone. And those enormous, luminous eyes are impossible to forget.
Burmilla
Rounding out our list of four-legged aristocrats is the Burmilla, an elegant cat with a shimmering silver coat and bright green or amber eyes. It’s worth noting that pure solid white isn’t part of the breed standard here: a Burmilla’s face, back, and tail are typically shaded darker than the rest of the body. But that subtle contrast is exactly what gives the breed its unique, sparkling charm.
Quick Comparison
| Breed | Coat Type | Temperament | Eye Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Shorthair | Dense, plush short (also longhair) | Calm, easygoing, dignified | Copper, gold, or blue |
| Siberian | Long, thick triple coat | Playful, affectionate, adaptable | Green, gold, or blue (colorpoint) |
| Turkish Angora | Long, silky, single coat | Lively, curious, social | Blue, amber, green, or odd-eyed |
| Devon Rex | Short, soft, wavy curls | Friendly, gentle, people-oriented | Wide range |
| Burmilla | Short to semi-long, silver-shaded | Sweet, sociable, playful | Green or amber |
A Note on Caring for White Cats
White cats are gorgeous, but their pale coats do show grubbiness and tear staining more readily than darker cats, so regular grooming and gentle eye cleaning help keep them looking their best. One health point is worth knowing: cats with a predominantly white coat and one or two blue eyes have a higher likelihood of congenital deafness, which is linked to the dominant white gene. It’s not a reason to avoid a white cat, but it’s good to be aware of, and a veterinarian can advise on testing if you have questions. For general guidance on keeping any cat healthy, the ASPCA’s cat care resources and the Cornell Feline Health Center are reliable, well-vetted starting points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all white cats deaf?
No. Deafness is more common in white cats, particularly those with blue eyes, because of the same dominant white gene that produces the coat. But plenty of white cats hear perfectly well, and many white cats with normal-colored eyes are unaffected. If you’re concerned, a veterinarian can arrange a hearing test.
Why do so many white cats have blue eyes?
The gene responsible for a solid white coat can also reduce pigment in the iris, which is why blue eyes appear so often in white cats. Some white cats are even “odd-eyed,” with one blue eye and one of another color.
Is “white” an actual breed?
No, white is a coat color rather than a breed. Many different breeds can produce white cats, and each registry lists which colors are accepted within a given breed’s standard. That’s why the cats on this list are all distinct breeds that happen to come in white.
Do white cats need extra care?
Their care needs are largely the same as any cat of the same breed, but pale coats show dirt and tear stains more visibly, so a consistent grooming routine goes a long way. White cats that spend time outdoors can also be more prone to sunburn on thinly furred areas like the ears, so shade and indoor time help protect them.
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