Last updated Feb 19, 2023
All white cats make up only 5% of the general cat population but are considered a symbol of luck and good fortune in many cultures. Having a white cat in your home is said to symbolize happiness, money, prosperity, healing, spirituality, and even tolerance.
If white long-haired cats or short-haired cat breeds are what you are looking for, then keep reading to learn about some of the most beautiful white cat breeds around.
#1 American Shorthair
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Medium-to-large sized shorthair
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$100 - $1,000
The American Shorthair is descended from cats that came to the United States on the Mayflower in 1620. This breed has short, dense fur and although their most well-known color is a silver tabby, American Shorthairs come in many different colors, including white.
American Shorthairs are somewhat active, and they do love mealtime. This breed is usually easy-going and is a good choice for families with kids and cat-friendly dogs.
#2 Maine Coon
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Large Longhair
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$400 to $2,000
Maine Coons are America’s second most popular breed, according to the Cat Fanciers Association’s registration documents. The Maine Coon is built to handle cold, snowy conditions. This breed has a lush double coat that requires quite a bit of grooming.
Maine Coon’s are a playful and friendly breed that makes a great family of cats that enjoys plenty of attention. They have a pleasant disposition and devotion to their human family.
#3 American Curl
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Small-sized short to medium hair
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$1,000 - $2,000
The American Curl’s distinctive feature is its ears, which fold and curl backward. This breed is one of the newer cat breeds. It was born of a natural genetic mutation that first appeared in 1981.
The American Curl is very intelligent and friendly. They can easily learn tricks and enjoy puzzle toys they can master. This cat is not too chatty but does enjoy staring at its human.
#4 Turkish Van
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Large long-haired
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$800 - $1500
This breed was brought to the United States in the 1970s. The Turkish Van cat has a white body with patches of color on the head, tail, and sometimes small patches of color on the body.
Turkish van cats also love spending time with their owners and are popular due to their affectionate nature. The breed loves water, so keeping your toilet closed will keep it from being full of toys. They do like swimming as well.
#5 British Shorthair
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Medium-to-large shorthair
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$300-$5,000
The British Shorthair cat’s most popular color is not white, but instead blue. However, a solid white British Shorthair is a beautiful cat with a silky coat that feels like a plush stuffed animal. The white color also brings out their big eyes which are blue, green, gold, or copper.
The British Shorthair is a laid-back cat that is known for building strong bonds with their human. This breed is the perfect cat for families with children and cat-friendly dogs.
#6 Russian White
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Small to medium-sized short-haired
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$400 - $2,000
The Russian White is a less common breed that was developed in Australia in the 1970s. Breeders took a Russian Blue and crossed it with a white Siberian to create a cat with the Russian Blue’s personality and physical traits but sporting a white coat.
The Russian White is an affectionate cat when it comes to their human, but maybe aloof with strangers. This breed is friendly, and gentle and tends to be well behaved when compared to other cat breeds. These cats bond with their family members and tend to be sensitive, quiet, and intelligent.
#7 Turkish Angora
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Small to medium-sized long-haired
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$1000 - $2000
Turkish Angoras date back to the 14th century and come in many colors, white being the most prized. Turkish Angoras have been known to have odd eyes (eyes of different colors) and their eyes can be blue, green, copper, gold, or amber.
This breed is known for having a social, outgoing personality and enjoys talking to its owners. The Turkish Angora is extremely energetic and has been known to get into mischief around the home. They are intelligent, enjoy learning tricks, and do well with families that have active children as well as cat-friendly dogs.
#8 Norwegian Forest Cat
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Large long-haired
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$900-$1,500
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a natural breed and despite its feral-like appearance it is not related in any way to any wild cat species. Norwegian Forest Cats are believed to have arrived in Norway from Europe and are the descendants of domestic cats.
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a top notch purring machine, especially when around their favorite human. This affectionate breed tends to love everyone in the home equally, unconditionally, and enthusiastically.
#9 Siberian
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Medium to large long-haired
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$1000-$2000
The Siberian looks a lot like the Maine Coon or a Norwegian Forest Cat. This breed of cat is one of the largest domesticated cat breeds and originated in Russia and made its way to the U.S. in the late 1800s. Their triple coat is thick with an undercoat to help them stay warm during cold winter weather. The Siberian cat is often found in solid white, black, red, blue, and silver.
The Siberian loves its family but does not require a lot of attention. Siberians are affectionate cats that are not only playful but protective of their humans. Siberians do have a fascination with water and can be found playing in water dishes, sinks, toilets, and tubs.
#10 Persian
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Medium to large long-haired
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$1300 - $3000
The first documented ancestors of Persian cats were imported to Persia from Italy around 1620. The Persian cat is often referred to as furniture with fur because they love to spend most of their time laying around and being inactive.
A white Persian cat is considered a symbol of elegance and luxury and it is also the most popular color.
Despite their royal appearance, the Persian is a sweet, gentle cat that enjoys cuddling and lounging. However, they can be very playful, especially as kittens. Persians are also good with children but they do prefer a quiet environment.
#11 Japanese Bobtail
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Medium-sized shorthair and longhair
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$800-$2,000
The Japanese Bobtail is the good luck cat in their native home of Japan. The Maneki-Neko, or better known as lucky cat, is based on this breed, and statues are often displayed in homes and businesses.
Their distinctive feature is their short, bobbed tail and they may have short or long hair. The Japanese Bobtail comes in many different colors, including solid white and the tail-colored mi-ke pattern, which is white, black, and red.
The Japanese Bobtail is an outgoing, friendly, and active breed. These cats are very curious and like to explore their surroundings. These cats get along great with their humans, and they do well with other pets.
#12 Exotic Shorthair
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Small to medium-sized shorthair
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$1,000-$5,000
The Exotic Shorthair was developed to be a short-haired version of the Persian cat. The Exotic Shorthair’s coat is dense and plush that comes in many beautiful colors and patterns, including tabby, tortoiseshell, black and white, chinchilla silver, and solid white.
The Exotic Shorthair is a loving lap cat with a somewhat more lively personality than the Persian. This breed may be a great choice if you love the Persian personality but would like to avoid dealing with a lot of grooming and maintenance.
#13 Cornish Rex
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Small to medium-sized shorthair
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$800-$1,300
The Cornish Rex is an unusual looking and somewhat rare breed. They have a short curly coat on a long, slinky body with large ears and round eyes. Cornish Rex cats are bred in various colors and patterns like black, blue, lilac, brown, chocolate, red, cream, and white.
The Cornish Rex is a great pet for families with children, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs. This breed loves to play games, like fetch, and can also be trained to do tricks. The Cornish Rex is very active, and intelligent with playful and outgoing personalities.
#14 Devon Rex
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Small to medium-sized shorthair
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$600-$2,000
Like the Cornish Rex, the Devon Rex is another strange-looking cat. They have a similar body and head shape as the Cornish Rex but their coat is more tightly curled that feels like suede. The Devon Rex can come in almost any coat color, including black, chocolate, cinnamon, blue, brown, tan, orange, red, lilac, and white.
The Devon Rex is a good cat for families with kids, and this breed will also get along with cat-friendly dogs. This breed is often described as a cross between a cat, a dog, and a monkey due to its playful, active, and mischievous personality.
Are White Cats Deaf?
A pure white cat with blue eyes is often affected by congenital hereditary deafness that may affect one or both ears. Around 40% of white cats with one blue eye are born deaf and nearly 85% are deaf if they have two blue eyes. In cats with a single blue eye, the link between blue eye color and deafness is especially apparent since they’re usually deaf on the same side of the head.
Cats with mostly white fur carry the dominant W gene. That W gene suppresses melanocytes in the ear, which can cause hearing loss in white cats. Melanocytes are melanin-producing cells that reside in a cat’s inner ear.
Are White Cats Albino?
Albino cats are also white, but not for the same reason. They have a genetic disorder called albinism that affects their melanin production. The lack of pigmentation is the reason albino cats have colorless fur, pink skin, and pale eyes. However, this disorder is not related to the gene that produces white fur and blue eyes in some cats.
Final Thoughts
Many different breeds can produce all-white cats, but some more often than others. White cats are beloved for their distinct and delicate look but they’re just like other cats in terms of temperament and health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of breed is a white cat?
There are many cat breeds that come in white, from the British Shorthair and Persian to the Turkish Van. An albino white cat is defined by the lack of melanin pigmentation.
How rare is a white cat?
White cats make up only about 5 percent of the general cat population.
How much is a Russian White cat?
Russian White cats cost between $400 and $2,000.
What is the fluffy white cat?
The Persian is one of the most loved fluffy white cat breeds. Other fluffy cat breeds that are found in white are Maine Coons, Norwegian Forest Cats, and Siberians.
