15 White Cat Breeds With Show-Stopping Coats

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Are you most drawn to cats with striking, snow-white coats? Luckily, there are plenty of white cat breeds to choose from. From fluffy Persians and Siberians to sleek Oriental Shorthairs and even the nearly hairless Sphynx, white coloring isn’t limited to one type of cat.
Key Takeaways
- There are many cat breeds that can have white coats, and a few breeds that are exclusively white.
- Some white cats can have some special health considerations, such as a greater risk of deafness and skin cancer.
- Always consider a cat’s personality and care needs—not just coat color—when choosing a new family member.
1. Turkish Angora

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- Lifespan: 17–20 years
- Temperament: Opinionated, chatty, playful
Thought to be the original longhair cat, Turkish Angoras are known for their blue eyes; fluffy, plumed tail; and fine, silky coat. Most Turkish Angoras are white, although other coat colors and patterns are possible.
2. Persian

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- Lifespan: 10–17 years
- Temperament: Affectionate, calm, refined
Persians stand out for their flat faces and large, round eyes. This breed comes in many colors, including all white.
Their long, soft coat looks especially stunning in snowy shades, and they require daily grooming to keep them healthy. White Persians, especially those with blue eyes, have a higher risk of congenital deafness.
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3. Khao Manee

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- Lifespan: 10–12 years
- Temperament: Social, smart, athletic
The Khao Manee originates from Thailand, where the breed’s name means “white gem.” These white cats have short coats that are easy to care for. They are also known for their striking eyes, which may be two different colors—one blue and one amber.
4. Turkish Van

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- Lifespan: 13–17 years
- Temperament: Loyal, loving, mischievous
Considered a rare cat breed, Turkish Vans are best known for their mostly white coats with darker markings on the head and tail, a look called the Van pattern. They require weekly combing to prevent matting.
Turkish Vans are a playful, social breed, and they are often interested in swimming.
5. Siberian

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- Lifespan: 11–18 years
- Temperament: Chatty, witty, sociable
Hailing from the subarctic region of Siberia, Siberian cats have thick, triple coats that come in many colors, including white. They are smart, loving cats who get along well with kids and other animals.
Pet parents should be prepared to provide extra grooming during the spring and fall when the Siberian sheds their coat.
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6. Maine Coon

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- Lifespan: 10–13 years
- Temperament: Intelligent, loving, loyal
One of the largest cat breeds, the Maine Coon is a longhaired beauty who requires regular combing and brushing, especially when their shedding peaks in spring and fall. Their coats are available in many colors, but they are especially striking in white.
7. Devon Rex

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- Lifespan: 14–17 years
- Temperament: Sidekick, intelligent, curious
The Devon Rex resembles a character from a cartoon fairy tale, thanks to its large ears, little face, and muscular, slender body. Their short, wavy coat feels soft and can come in many colors and patterns, including white. Coat care is usually simple, but gentle handling matters because Rex coats can be fragile.
8. Cornish Rex

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- Lifespan: 9–13 years
- Temperament: Playful, social, athletic
With muscular, slender bodies and long legs, the Cornish Rex is often compared to the physique of a Greyhound (yep, a dog!).
Like the Devon Rex, Cornish Rex cats have short, wavy coats that can be white. Their coats are usually easy to care for, though gentle grooming matters because the hair can be fragile. Their sweet, friendly personality also means they’ll want plenty of attention.
9. American Shorthair

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- Lifespan: 15–20 years
- Temperament: Social butterfly, adaptable, playful
American Shorthairs come in all traditional colors, including white. While frequent brushing is not necessary for these cats, pet parents might want to brush occasionally to remove excess hair and help manage shedding.
10. British Shorthair

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- Lifespan: 12–20 years
- Temperament: Calm, loyal, affectionate
The British Shorthair’s laid-back personality makes them a great choice for families. Pet parents will need to provide weekly brushing to keep their dense coats healthy. British Shorthairs are mostly known for their round faces and blue-grey coats, but their coats can also come in white.
11. Oriental Shorthair

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- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Temperament: Vocal, devoted, athletic
Oriental Shorthair cats are members of the Siamese breed family, and they share their short, sleek coats (that come in a wide range of colors!), chatty personality, and big ears.
These fun-loving, engaging cats tend to love attention and playtime with their pet parents. Make sure to stock up on some favorite toys, like wand teasers, balls, and mice.
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12. Norwegian Forest Cat

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- Lifespan: 13–15 years
- Temperament: Observant, confident, sweet
Norwegian Forest Cats come in many different colors and patterns, including stark white. Despite their fluffy coat and dense undercoat, the Norwegian Forest Cat is relatively low-maintenance, though weekly combing and extra grooming during seasonal shedding can help keep the coat healthy.
13. Scottish Fold

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- Lifespan: 11–16 years
- Temperament: Devoted, inquisitive, easygoing
Instantly recognizable for their folded ears, round faces, and big, round eyes, Scottish Folds are undeniably adorable. That folded-ear trait is linked to osteochondrodysplasia, a genetic cartilage disorder, so anyone considering this breed should talk with a veterinarian and choose breeders carefully.
Their plush coats—which can come in many colors—should be brushed twice a week. Bathing usually isn’t necessary for most cats, but it may be helpful for some depending on their coat, mobility, or skin needs.
14. Japanese Bobtail

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- Lifespan: 9–15 years
- Temperament: Outgoing, intelligent, loyal
Available in both longhaired and shorthaired, the Japanese Bobtail can be found in all coat colors, white included. Their naturally short tail is arguably their most striking feature; its kinks and curves are unique to each individual cat.
15. Sphynx

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- Lifespan: 7–14 years
- Temperament: Affectionate, playful, inquisitive
The Sphynx is perhaps one of the most unforgettable cats due to the breed’s hairless appearance. They can come in different colors and markings including white, although a white Sphynx will have a slightly soft-pink hue.
A Sphynx does not need brushing, for obvious reasons, but they do need regular skin care and bathing to manage oil buildup. They also need extra protection from sunlight and cold temperatures.
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FAQs About White Cat Breeds
Are all white cats with blue eyes deaf?
No. White cat breeds with blue eyes are more prone to deafness, but that does not mean all of them are deaf. Deaf cats can still live long, happy, and healthy lives.
Do white cats need sun protection?
Yes. Cats with white coats are more likely to get a sunburn, which can increase their risk of skin cancer. For this reason, it’s important to offer plenty of shaded areas to rest. Talk to your veterinarian about whether a cat-safe sunscreen is appropriate for your white cat’s ears and nose.
What is the most common white cat?
Because white is a coat color rather than a breed, there is no single most–common white cat. Some of the most popular breeds of white cats include the fluffy Persian and the elegant Turkish Angora.
What is the rarest white cat breed?
The Khao Manee is often considered the rarest white cat breed—particularly those who have two different eye colors.
What is the fluffiest white cat breed?
The Persian is likely to be crowned fluffiest white cat breed. They’re known for a luxurious, snow-white coat, flat face, and big, round eyes.










