Blue eyes are rare among representatives of the cat family, which is due to the limited number of melanocyte cells that give the iris a heavenly hue. Even less common is a white cat with blue eyes, looking impressive. A person who wants to have a blue-eyed and white kitten without a single spot should know that not every breed and not every pair of animals can produce such a miracle. Today we will tell you what breeds include white and blue-eyed cats.
White cat with blue eyes: breed overview
What determines the white-blue-eyed combination?
Snow-white fur in cats is also not a very common color in nature.
There are three main reasons why a cat may have blue eyes:
- Gene dominance . The gene that provides the animal with a snow-white color often also becomes the cause of the cornflower blue color of the iris. The chance of an unusual iris color is the same for pure white pets and for those in which white predominates in the overall color. However, gene activity usually reduces hearing acuity, sometimes to the point of complete deafness.
- Genetic code of albinos. In cats, albinism manifests itself in the form of white fur combined with aquamarine eyes.
- The color of the fur on the face. Cats that have white spots on their faces around their eyes are more likely to have blue irises.
For the same reasons, cats have eyes of different colors. Kittens are always born with gray or blue eyes, which change color as the pet grows older.
Summarizing
A person who wants to have a snow-white, blue-eyed kitten has plenty of choice. In more than a dozen breeds, you can find this aristocratic combination of iris and coat colors. The most important thing is to choose a specific breed, contact the breeder and communicate your intention to become the owner of a cat or cat of a certain color. If at this time there is no kitten of the desired color, you can stand in line and ask to be notified of the birth of the animal immediately.
Why are cats with white coats and blue eyes often deaf?
With the combination of white fur and blue eyes, 45% of cats experience severe hearing loss , and 5% are completely deaf.
This is due to the fact that the gene that is responsible for the color combination often disrupts the process of proper formation of the hearing organs.
Cats' sense of smell, touch, and taste are not affected. The animal easily adapts to life without sounds and navigates by vibrations. Because of this, some owners may not understand that the pet cannot hear in one ear or is completely deaf.
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Tabby color in cats: what it means, features, types of pattern, popular breeds
With the combination of white fur and blue eyes, 45% of cats experience severe hearing loss
When selling, the breeder must provide the buyer with a veterinary opinion regarding the condition of the animal’s auditory system. The absence of a document indicates the seller’s dishonesty.
In purebred pets, the risk of deafness is higher than in domestic ones, since in the former, during breeding, the genetic fund was somewhat disturbed by selection, aimed primarily at exterior rather than health.
How to care for snow-white fur
There are several nuances in caring for a snow-white pet, because even a small speck of dirt spoils the aristocratic appearance:
- A white cat will need to be bathed more often than its differently colored counterparts. Choose the right shampoo for your animal. Under no circumstances should it have a tinting effect. It is better to choose a hypoallergenic product. A medicated shampoo should be chosen if your animal has problems with its coat or skin. For white wool, it is necessary to use balms and conditioners, because without a coloring pigment it is very sensitive.
- After water treatments, “Snow White” must be dried with a hairdryer right down to the heels. Dirt will not stick to dry wool as much.
- If your animal's eyes begin to leak, do not wash them with tea or chamomile solution. This will not help the animal, and the fur around the eyes will become colored. The veterinarian will help you choose the right treatment.
- A deaf white cat should not be free-range. The animal cannot react to external stimuli, so it may become a victim of a car collision or an attack by a pack of dogs.
- Long-haired white pets need to be brushed daily. This will avoid the appearance of tangles.
- A tray with a low mesh or lattice is not suitable for a white animal. His paws and tail will get dirty from liquid excrement.
- A cat's diet is reflected in the color of its fur. To avoid yellowness, which turns a royal animal into an unpresentable slob, avoid liver, heart, seaweed or carrot additives in your cat’s diet.
- Two white cats don't mix!
- Diseases of the adrenal glands or thyroid gland can cause a yellow tint to appear on the fur.
A white cat is not a cat for lazy people. Problematic ones, i.e. Frequently soiled areas are the heels, base of the ears and tail, muzzle and chest. Cosmetics for a snow-white cat should be professional. A cheap “whitening” shampoo can give the coat, for example, an emerald tint.
Before getting a “white cat,” weigh all the pros and cons of bringing such a demanding pet into your home. If there are more advantages, then a white blue-eyed cat will become a worthy decoration for any home!
What are the differences between albino cats?
Albino cats have no pigment in their bodies. Such animals' eyes may have a blue tint, but in bright light or in the dark their reflection is only red.
The skin of albinos is an even light pink color, and the fur does not have even minor inclusions of dark hairs.
The health of these pets is usually not much different from ordinary cats. The absence of pigment in the body does not cause disturbances in the functioning of internal organs and does not increase the tendency to cancer. With proper care, an albino cat will live a full life.
British and Persian
The muscular and squat Briton has the largest palette of eye shades: from blue to dark copper, and in a white cat with different eyes, one eye can be blue and the other gold.
However, blue eyes in representatives of this species are quite rare. The animal is balanced, devoted to its owner and can become a true friend, although it behaves somewhat coldly and does not like encroachments on its freedom. Its plush soft skin and puffy cheeks make it look like a teddy bear.
Persians can also be snow-white and blue-eyed, although standard Persians have the right to 3 eye color options: blue, orange and different, when one eye is blue and the other is orange.
Considering the length of Persian hair and the white color of the coat, you need to understand how long it will take to care for such an animal, and what a labor-intensive process it is. But Persians do not cause any other trouble: they are phlegmatic, even lazy, and lie calmly in one place for hours.
Beautiful names and nicknames for a white cat with blue eyes
Albino cats have no pigment in their bodies.
The name must suit the pet. The nickname is chosen depending on the personal preferences and appearance of the cat. You can name an animal based on your hobbies or in accordance with its color or behavior.
The main criteria to follow when choosing a nickname are:
- ease of pronunciation;
- brevity;
- the presence of hissing sounds or the letter Z – pets react to them faster;
- beautiful sound.
Suitable names for blue-eyed pets:
- Diamond;
- Pearl;
- Squirrel;
- Jasmine;
- White;
- Belyanka;
- Sapphire;
- Forget-me-not;
- Winter;
- Pusha.
Khao Mani breed: distinctive features
The snow-white cat from Thailand, called Khao Mani, or diamond eye, has a very ancient pedigree. It is easier to care for such a cat than a Persian, because it is a short-haired breed. This species got its name because of the special cut of the eyes - they are brightly outlined and shine like diamonds. Although according to the standard the color of the eyes should be gray-blue, individuals with green and yellow eyes, as well as different colors, are now increasingly appearing.
Very few people will be able to purchase a cat with different eyes of the Khao Mani breed, since its cost is one of the ten most expensive breeds in the world. In addition, the breed itself is very rare, although it is now found not only in Thailand, but also in other countries.
It is better not to get this cat for those people who are rarely at home, because she does not like loneliness and does not tolerate it well. In character, cats of this species are closest to Siamese.
Turkish Angora
A specially bred long-haired cat breed is now actively gaining popularity among lovers of blue-eyed pets. Many years of complex and painstaking work by breeders has led to such a successful result. This breed has many colors, but meeting a snow-white cat, of which there used to be many, is now very rare.
They themselves are small, of medium size, have a slender physique, in which one can notice grace, the limbs and tail are long, supposedly emphasizing the elegance of the silhouette. Smart, sociable, friendly - that's all about them. They do not leave their owner for a second, as they need attention; because of this feature, they have a hard time experiencing loneliness.
Turkish Angora
Ragdoll
These cats are large (the third largest in the world) and have unparalleled thick and long hair. They differ from others in their passivity and relaxed muscle tone. Their character is quite pleasant, they are friendly, good-natured and affectionate, they are also very smart and incredibly loyal. They can also be considered excellent companions for other pets and children, because they completely lack aggression. The ideal living environment for this breed is peace and quiet, they cannot tolerate noise, but under no circumstances should they be left alone. They also differ in their slow development.
Ragdoll
Foreign white
The Shorthair breed is the result of crossing a White British Shorthair and a Siamese cat. Representatives of this breed are distinguished by intelligence and intelligence, thanks to this they can even teach and follow commands. They have a very slender and muscular physique, and at the same time they have an inherent grace. They are kind to their owners and get used to them, they get along well with children, but still such a cat needs to be handled carefully. But as for relationships with pets, here it is simply vital for such a cat to take a leadership position. By their nature, they are quite calm and balanced, they will not get underfoot and impose themselves, but it is still not recommended to leave them alone.
Foreign white
Snow-shoe
Can be considered one of the newest shorthaired breeds. This is the result of crossing bicolor American Shorthairs with Siamese cats. The breed has an amiable character and a pleasant voice, and they do not create noise at all. They are affectionate, curious, friendly, absolutely unobtrusive, and in places they can be independent and proud. They hate loneliness; a long stay in this state contributes to very big changes in behavior.
Cats of this breed interact well with all pets and love children. It may seem strange, but these cats are incredibly fond of water and will never miss the opportunity to take a little swim.
Snow-shoe
