20 White Cat Breeds - Full List

Before we share our full list of white cat breeds, you may be wondering what’s the difference between an albino cat and a white cat breed? Albinism is caused by a genetic mutation, which affects the levels of melanin in the cat's skin, coat and eyes. Albinism occurs when both parents carry the recessive gene. The main characteristic of an albino cat is an unblemished white coat, blue/red eyes and pink skin on the nose, eyelids, ears and paw pads.

In addition, cats with albinism are susceptible to suffering from both deafness and blindness. Albino cats are also incredibly sensitive to prolonged and intense sun exposure.

Albinism in cats can occur in cats of any breed, even those that do not generally carry white coats. Because of this, not all white cats are considered albino. A white ‘non-albino’ cat can have eyes of different colors. They won't have the albino gene and won't have associated health problems. The only similarity is they have white fur.

It can be difficult to differentiate between a white cat and an albino cat. This is because albinism can vary to a certain degree. For example, all albino cats will have blue in their eyes, but not all will be noticeably red. So a white cat with green eyes won't be an albino. We can help determine by looking at the skin. A true albino cat will have very pink skin, but a white cat can have skin of a grayish or blackish tone.

If we suspect our cat is an albino, we should take them to a veterinarian for diagnosis. For more about albino cats, we recommend reading our article where we discuss caring for an albino cat.

Understanding these differences is essential for providing the right care and environment for your feline friend. Additionally, owners of albino cats should take extra precautions to protect them from the sun, as their sensitive skin can be prone to sunburn and related issues.

A white cat’s coat is incredibly striking, especially as it’s usually accompanied by colorful eyes. Did you know that many people believe that a cat’s fur color holds meaning?

Thanks to their brilliant coat, white cats are considered a symbol of purity, tranquility and relaxation. In addition, many believe that the bright white color transmits peace and is related to the spiritual world. In many countries, white cats are considered a symbol of luck and wealth. This is commonly seen in the maneki-neko in Japanese culture, a white cat figurine with a paw held in the air.

Despite the aforementioned white cat symbolism, it’s important for us to emphasize that no one should adopt a cat according to their coat color only. If you adopt a cat, you need to make sure you are ready to care for them and provide a happy and healthy life.

For more general information, we suggest reading our article on how to care for a white cat - not albino.

It's also fascinating how different cultures interpret the presence of white cats in various ways. In some traditions, they are seen as guardians against negative energy, while in others, they are thought to bring prosperity and good fortune to their owners. Such cultural beliefs highlight the unique place white cats hold in human society.

Some breeds of white cats stand out for the coloration of their eyes. Let’s begin with our list of white cat breeds with blue eyes:

Selkirk Rex

The Selkirk Rex is a cat breed from the United States, first developed in 1988. This cat is characterized by their curly hair which is the product of a genetic mutation. It has a medium-sized, firm and muscular body. Its coat can be either medium or short, but is always soft, fluffy and dense.

As for the coat color, there are many varieties, including black, red and brown. They can present with or without patches, but some are completely white with blue eyes. For more, read our article where we list all cat breeds with wavy hair.

Exotic Shorthair

The white variety of the Exotic shorthair cat has not yet been recognized by the World Cat Federation, but has been officially recognized by FIFe.

This white cat breed was developed between 1960 and 1970, as a product of cross between Persian cat breeds and American Shorthair cats. These cats are affectionate family cats perfect for families with children and other pets.

American Curl

The American Curl cat is native to California, where it first appeared in 1981 as a result of a natural mutation. A peculiar stand-out characteristic of this cat breed is their ears which curve at between 90 and 180 degrees.

The American Curl is a medium-sized cat breed with a strong body and strong legs, proportionate to their size. Its coat is fine, silky and smooth.

Their distinctive curled ears give them an endearing and unique appearance, further adding to their charm. These cats are known for their playful and friendly nature, making them excellent companions.

Turkish Angora

This cat breed is among the oldest cat breeds in the world and its origins can be traced to the city of Ankara, Turkey. The exact crossing from which this feline variety was created is unknown. Its arrival in Europe is uncertain, with the first records of the Turkish Angora found in the 16th century.

The Turkish Angora cat is characterized by a long, thick and smooth white coat that gives it a fluffy appearance. Its eyes, although commonly blue, can also present heterochromia. This is why it is common to find specimens of this breed with one blue eye and the other amber.

The Turkish Angora's elegance and poise make it a favorite among cat enthusiasts, and its intelligence and agility provide endless entertainment for its owners.

Kurilian Bobtail

The Kurilian Bobtail cat breed is a native to the Kuril Islands, a territory that Russia and Japan both claim as their own. Their origins are unknown. This breed is distinguished by a solid, rounded body with short legs and a short tail.

Regarding the color of the coat, Kurilian Bobtails can be any color with the exception of chocolate or cinnamon. This means they can have a completely white coat, although it is often common to see them with a tabby pattern. White Kurilian Bobtail cats will have blue eyes, although some can display heterochromia.

For more about heterochromia in cats, we suggest taking a look at our article where we discuss why do some cats have different color eyes?

With their distinctive bobtail and robust build, Kurilian Bobtails are not only visually striking but also known for their gentle and friendly demeanor. They have a reputation for being great hunters, making them an excellent choice for those living in rural areas.

Many cat breeds have both a black and white coat. The most representative black and white cat breeds include:

Devon Rex

The Devon Rex is native of Devon, England and was first developed in 1960. It is a cat breed with very short and curly fur, revealing a stylized body and thin legs. The Devon Rex is also recognizable by their almond-shaped eyes which offer it an interested and attentive expression.

The Devon Rex is a white cat breed with black spots, although its coat can also appear in different shades, such as black, gray, red and silver, with or without spots. Did you know that the Devon Rex is also among the smallest cat breeds in the world?

Their playful and mischievous nature makes them a delightful addition to any household. Their unique appearance and charming personality have earned them a loyal following among cat lovers.

Manx cat

The Manx is a medium-sized cat breed native to the Isle of Man, located between Great Britain and Ireland. The Manx cat is known for its characteristic lack of tail or extremely short tail, which in most cases is due to the presence of an elongated sacral bone. Some of these cats, however, can still be born with a standard long tail.

The Manx can have a coat of varying colors, among which include white with black spots. For more, take a look at our article where we discuss how to care for a manx cat.

Manx cats are known for their playful and sociable nature, often forming close bonds with their human companions. Their distinctive appearance and friendly demeanor make them a popular choice for families.

In the same way that we find white cats with blue eyes, there are also several white cats with green eyes and white cats with yellow eyes. Keep reading to discover them!

Siberian cat

The Siberian cat breed is native to Russia. It has a medium to large body, with a strong and muscular neck and legs. Although its tabby variety is the most common, there are white varieties of Siberian cat with green, blue or amber eyes.

Siberian cats are known for their hypoallergenic qualities, making them a suitable choice for those with mild allergies. Their playful nature and affectionate disposition make them excellent companions.

Peterbald

The Peterbald cat, originally from Russia, appeared in 1990 following a cross between oriental short haired cats and the Sphynx cat. As a result of this breed crossing, Peterbald cats have short fur (seemingly nonexistent) as well as expressive eyes and pointy ears.

Peterbald cats can have a white coat accompanied by green, blue or amber eyes. In the same way, black, brown and bluish specimens with spots are also recognized.

Their unique appearance and friendly nature make Peterbalds a fascinating addition to any feline-loving household. They are known for their intelligence and curiosity, often engaging in playful antics.

Norwegian forest cat

The exact antiquity of this breed is unknown, but it does appear in many Norwegian myths and legends. The Norwegian forest cat was officially recognized by Fife in 1970 and can be found all over Europe.

The Norwegian forest cat’s coat has a brindle-textured coat. Did you know that the Norwegian forest cat is also considered one of the largest cat breeds in the world? It can weigh up to 9 kilograms as an adult!

Their majestic appearance and gentle demeanor make Norwegian forest cats a beloved choice among cat enthusiasts. They are known for their adaptability and ability to thrive in various environments.

European shorthair

The common European shorhair cat breed, also known as the ‘‘Roman cat,’’ is one of the most widespread in Europe. Although its exact origins are unknown, the breed can come in a great variety of coats and is characterized for having an agile body and great general health.

The European shorthair's adaptability and resilience make it a popular choice for families and individuals alike. Their friendly nature and playful disposition ensure they quickly become cherished members of the household.

Short-haired cat breeds require less coat care than those with longer mantles. If your cat has short hair, you should brush it weekly to avoid the accumulation of dead hair. Now, let’s take a look at some beautiful short hair white cats:

British shorthair

The British shorthair is one of the oldest cat breeds in the world. Its origins within Great Britain date back to the first centuries before Christ.

British shorthair cats are best known for their short gray coat and yellow eyes; however, the white British shorthair variety may have yellow, green or blue eyes. In addition, the gray British shorthair is considered one of the most famous cat breeds in the world.

Their calm and easygoing nature makes British shorthairs ideal companions for families and individuals. Their plush coat and round face give them an endearing teddy bear-like appearance.

Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex is a cat native to Cornwall, England, where it first appeared in 1950. It is characterized by a fairly dense curly and short coat. Its medium-sized solid body is known for being incredibly agile.

With regard to the color of its mantle, the Cornish Rex can be completely white with clear eyes or carry different coat color combinations: ranging from black or pure chocolate. Cornish Rex are considered a hypoallergenic cat breed perfect from families with allergies.

Their playful and energetic nature makes Cornish Rex cats a delightful addition to any home. They are known for their love of climbing and exploring, often entertaining their owners with their acrobatic antics.

Sphynx

The Sphynx is a cat breed from Russia, where the first was recorded in 1987. It is characterized by its short and thin hair makes it appear completely bald. In addition, it’s recognizable by its thin and slender body with multiple folds, accompanied by triangular and pointed ears.

Among a Sphynx’s fur color, white variations are usually accompanied by crystalline eyes. For more, read our article where we list 5 hairless cat breeds.

Their affectionate and social nature makes Sphynx cats a favorite among cat lovers. They thrive on human companionship and enjoy being the center of attention.

Japanese Bobtail

The Japanese bobtail is a short-tailed cat native to Japan, where it is a popular domestic cat. This cat breed first traveled to America in 1968, where it became popular for its unique appearance. Apart from its characteristic tail, product of a recessive gene, it presents a soft and compact body with medium length legs.

As for the color of its mantle, the Japanese bobtail cat can present a completely white coat accompanied by eyes of different colors, although white with reddish and black spots on the tail and head are more common. In addition, mantle varieties of a Japanese bobtail exist in all possible combinations.

Their lively and playful nature makes Japanese Bobtails a joy to have around. They are known for their love of interactive play and often enjoy games that challenge their agility and intelligence.

If you love the combination of gray and white, this following list of gray and white cat breeds is for you!

German Rex

The German Rex cat breed is characterized by its curly and short hair which can vary from soft to dense. Its medium body is both muscular and strong.

With respect to its mantle color, it can vary, white and gray standing out as one of the most common variations.

Their unique coat texture and friendly nature make German Rex cats a cherished addition to any home. They are known for their playful antics and affectionate demeanor.

Balinese cat

The Balinese cat is very similar to the Siamese. It appeared in the United States after 1940 and is therefore considered a relatively new breed. It is characterized by its triangular head with straight ears and expressive almond-shaped eyes.

As for the mantle, a Balinese cat's coat can be white, chocolate or black, with beige or gray areas on the tail, head and legs.

Their graceful appearance and friendly nature make Balinese cats a popular choice among cat enthusiasts. They are known for their vocal nature and enjoy engaging in conversations with their human companions.

British longhair

The British longhair is the long-haired version of a British shorthair. Native to Great Britain, this cat breed is characterized by its solid and round body.

Its mantle can present different combinations of colors, among which include white with gray areas, especially on the back and parts of the head.

Their striking appearance and gentle temperament make British Longhairs a favorite among cat lovers. They are known for their calm demeanor and enjoy spending time with their human companions.

Turkish Van

The Turkish Van, originally from Anatolia in Turkey, is named after Lake Van. The Turkish Van is also considered one of the oldest cat breeds in the world and is characterized by a medium, long and heavy body.

Regarding the color of its mantle, there are multiple varieties, including a pale white tone with gray or yellow spots. Did you know that these cats love water? Yes! You can find out more about them in our list of cat breeds that like water.

Their love for water and playful nature make Turkish Vans a unique addition to any household. They are known for their friendly demeanor and often enjoy splashing around in water.

Ragdoll

The Ragdoll is another cat which holds similar physical characteristics to the Siamese. Ragdoll cats are considered one of the most popular white and gray cat breeds. From California, United States (1960), Ragdolls were not recognized until 1970. These adorable cats are characterized by a long and muscular body with an abundant coat.

Its mantle color can come in different shades, including light beige tones with white areas near the legs and abdomen, as well as darker areas on the legs, head and tail. For more about this popular white cat breed, read how to care for a Ragdoll cat.

Their gentle and affectionate nature makes Ragdolls a beloved choice for families and individuals. They are known for their relaxed demeanor and often enjoy being cradled like a baby.

Are you looking to adopt a cute white cat breed? If so, you cannot miss our list of white cat names for male and female.

Choosing the right name for your white cat can be a delightful process. Whether you’re inspired by their appearance, personality, or a favorite character, finding the perfect name adds a special touch to welcoming them into your home.

If you want to read similar articles to 20 White Cat Breeds - Full List, we recommend you visit our Comparisons category.