White cat breeds: list with photos and names

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White color in the cultural traditions of any people signified purity, innocence and a new beginning. A white cat with green eyes is mentioned in ancient texts as a symbol of good news, good luck and peace. Pedantic and neat people try to have white cats; a snow-colored beauty will give harmony and comfort to the home. Any cat breed has a lot of characteristics, and cats with white fur are no exception.

Genetic studies do not provide a reliable answer to the question: does the character and behavior of pets depend on color? However, over many centuries of coexistence, people began to endow felines of a certain color with their own character. White cats are characterized by deep devotion to their owner and a calm disposition; they value comfort, silence and coziness.

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Naturally, different breeds of white cats differ in their habits:

Gray cat with green eyes: breed and photo

The green color of the eyes harmonizes perfectly with the smoky gray coat, which was given a more aristocratic name among breeders and felinologists, and the gray color turned into “blue”. It is not at all surprising that the combination of blue fur and magical green eyes became the reason for the formation of several magnificent breeds.

Russian blue

It’s nice that this breed of cat with green eyes has retained Russian roots in its name, although it is not known for certain whether it originates in Russia. These elegant and aristocratic cats with a slender, graceful body, plush fur coat and delicate, gentle character charm people the first time they meet them.

The coat of Russian Blue cats is quite short, thick and dense, evenly colored and has a pleasant pearl-silver tint. Almond-shaped eyes are a bright emerald color as standard; other eye colors are not allowed. We wrote more about the Russian Blue breed in this article.

Nibelung

It is very rare to find cats and cats with green eyes of the Nibelung breed. This beautiful name means “fog” in German. The Nibelungen is a long-haired version of the Russian Blue cat, and they do have a lot in common, such as emerald green eyes and blue fur with silver tipping - the very tip of each hair is bleached, which gives the coat a beautiful silver shimmer.

What is the significance of eye color?

For outbred cats, eye color does not matter, but in the situation with some breed and show class animals, it plays almost a decisive role when judging at an exhibition. In some cases, the shade of the iris is genetically linked to the color of the coat or is strictly determined by breed standards, and the manifestation of inconsistencies serves as a reason for disqualification from competitions.

For example:

• Thai cats must have blue eyes . At the same time, their color should be bright, saturated, closer to ultramarine. Faded shades are considered a serious drawback.
• Approximately the same rule applies to Siamese cats - for them, the breed standards have approved a color range from blue to bright blue. And the richer the better.
• In Burmese cats, the color spectrum of the iris varies from lemon yellow to rich gold. Other shades are a minus when assessing the exterior.
• Oriental cats always have green eyes , and their irises are moderate to deep green.
• British Shorthairs are characterized by eyes the color of copper or terracotta amber. A green-eyed black cat of the British breed, no matter how beautiful her eyes are, will not be allowed to participate in exhibition competitions.

Many white cats have blue eyes or eyes of different colors. For example, this feature is often found in Van and Angora cats, and a lack of coloring pigment is responsible for this effect.

Korat

And here is the Korat - another rare and ancient breed: a photo of a gray cat with green eyes will not leave any Thai indifferent. The name itself is consonant with one of the provinces of Thailand, and for good reason. A great many national traditions and beliefs are associated with this cat. According to local residents, korat brings prosperity, wealth and success.

The coat of cats of this breed is thin and not thick, like that of Russian Blues and Nibelungs, but has the same color - silver tipping with a characteristic iridescence. The eyes of a Korat cat are large and round, and the color of the iris is olive green. Other coat and eye colors are not allowed by the standard.

Black cat: review of popular breeds, signs, facts, 26 photos

The ancient Egyptians considered cats with black fur to be sacred animals. In the cruel era of the Middle Ages, black cats were burned at the stake along with imaginary sorcerers and witches.

For a long time it was believed that a black cat brings bad luck, and the black cat population was on the verge of extinction.

Relatively recently, someone noticed that against the background of black fur, these blue, green or amber eyes seem unusually bright, and their gaze seems mysterious.

Black-haired cats have become popular, and many breeds of these amazing creatures have appeared. Once you take a closer look at them, it will become clear why they are so loved all over the world.

First, we should dispel the myths that have been created for centuries around the black color of cat fur. The black color of the fur is the result of genetics, and not the machinations of evil spirits. Color is inherited, from mother to son - in most cases, a black cat gives birth to kittens with exactly the same coat color.

Melanin pigment, which is microscopic granules, is responsible for color.

This pigment, in turn, breaks down into two components such as:

• eumelanin completely absorbs light and gives black pigmentation with all derivative colors: chocolate, blue, lilac, fawn;
• pheomelanin is responsible for all varieties of red color.

Inheritance of a certain color depends on the gender of the tabby, since the cat has one X chromosome and can be either black or any shade of red. Cats have two X chromosomes, so kittens can be born with black, red or tortoiseshell colors.

Nature has endowed black cats with an easy-going and peaceful character. They are sincerely attached to a person and are able to capture his mood and state.

It is blacks who are considered the best healers: they take negativity upon themselves, transform it into positive energy and return it to their owner. These animals are not characterized by aggression.

Their playfulness and cheerfulness make them good playmates for children. If the owner often moves from place to place, they quickly adapt to new conditions.

The black cat is a reliable weather predictor, especially for those who live in an area of ​​seismic activity.

The alarmed animal begins to rush around the house restlessly, forcing the owner to leave the building. However, black cats are loved not only for their friendly nature and colorful appearance, but also for the expressive look of their huge eyes.

It has long been believed that the most common combination is a black cat with green eyes.

Although genetic scientists tried so hard to breed an animal with an unusual iris color, today it is almost impossible to meet a cat with natural emerald green or grassy eyes.

Today's green color is one of the possible shades.

Thanks to science, numerous species of animals with blue, amber, and olive eyes have appeared. At the same time, breeders warn that as a cat grows older, the color of its eyes may change.

For example, almost all kittens are born with blue eyes. Then it all depends on the pigmentation. If the front of the eye is more pigmented, the cat will have yellow eyes. If the accumulation of pigment is in the back, you will get green eyes.

As a result of selection, scientists have developed interesting breeds of cats. It’s no wonder that the future owner will be confused. Before deciding which purebred cat to bring into your home, it is worth understanding the existing types of these graceful pets.

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To begin with, it should be emphasized that the only prominent representative of black-haired cats is the Bombay. This breed appeared thanks to the American breeder and selector Nicky Horner, who wanted to have an ideal copy of the Indian wild cat at home.

Short-haired individuals of an American cat and a Burmese cat were selected for crossing. Its color is sable, ideally black. It was only in the fourth generation that we got kittens with perfectly black fur.

But this made it possible to establish certain standards for a new type of cat.

Representatives of the Bombay breed are characterized by a coal-black coat color. The nose and paw pads are the same black color. White spots are not allowed.

In rare cases, kittens are born with a white spot on their chest, which disappears as they grow older. The characteristic features of the Bombay are a neat head with round, far-set eyes and medium-sized ears.

He has a muscular body, small paws, and a graceful gait.

Almost 100% similarity to a wild panther. However, this breed was bred as a miniature copy of this formidable predator.

Despite their resemblance to their wild older sister, Bombays are extremely sociable and friendly. They get along easily with small children, willingly play with other pets, often climb into their arms, and love to sit on their owner’s lap.

These cats love active games; they bring back an thrown mouse or ball like dogs. Other breeds do not adhere to such strict rules for maintaining black coat color, allowing various colors.

However, experts note that black cats have certain characteristics.

Manx cats have a memorable appearance: a short body, fluffy hair and a square muzzle on a round head. They are characterized by prominent cheekbones, a slightly elongated nose, triangular ears and slightly slanted almond-shaped eyes. Another interesting feature of their appearance is their tail.

Often, representatives of this species are born with a short, pom-pom-shaped tail, or even without one at all. Normal tail length is rare for representatives of this species.

Manx cats get along easily with all family members. They will never scratch a small child, even if it bothers them or causes pain. As a last resort, the Manx will hide in a place inaccessible to the little tyrant.

Therefore, it is possible that they will purr affectionately to everyone, but obey and truly seek the attention of only one person.

If there are already pets in the house, the Manx will quickly find a common language with them. And they will get a cheerful playmate - after all, this active and curious animal simply does not know how to sit in one place for a long time.

It is no coincidence that it is said about curiosity - if this cat is interested in something, it will climb to any top to examine the object that intrigues it.

Therefore, all things standing on the upper shelves must be stable or well secured so that the animal does not harm itself or drop anything.

This is one of the largest representatives of domestic cats. The weight of a male can reach more than 15 kilograms (females weigh less, but not much). These giants have thick soft fur, a muscular body and powerful paws. The length of the fluffy tail can reach up to 50 cm in length. The head is massive with triangular ears and small but expressive eyes.

The animal is distinguished by excellent health and great endurance - it is no coincidence that it was bred in the harsh climate of North America.

Despite its impressive dimensions, the Maine Coon carefully moves around the house, avoiding all obstacles. Overturned chairs, thrown pillows from the sofa or broken dishes are not his thing. It is enough to call a small kitten to order once, he will quickly remember the location of the tray.

The Maine Coon is a strong, at the same time friendly and peace-loving cat that does not snap at the unpleasant touch of an adult or the squeezing of a small child.

Any cats evoke associations with something mystical. Breeds of black cats are doubly mysterious. Although for only one variety of pets this color is the only acceptable one - Bombay.

Bombay cat

Microscopic granules of the melanin pigment are responsible for the color of fur, as well as skin and eyes. There are two varieties of it, differing in structure - eumelanin and pheomelanin.

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The grains of the first are spherical in shape, they completely absorb light and give black pigmentation and all its derivatives - chocolate, blue, lilac, fawn. The ellipsoids of the second reflect light in the red range and are responsible for this color and all its varieties.

The inheritance of color depends on the sex of the animal, since this gene is located on the X chromosome; this allele is not on the Y chromosome.

The genes responsible for color are passed from mother to son. A black cat cannot give birth to a red cat, and a red female will never give birth to a black male.

Over the centuries of existence next to humans, black cats have been persecuted and destroyed more than once. Scientists have discovered a pattern that these pets always have a more docile and peaceful character. Biologists attribute this to the fact that in this way nature is trying to protect this type of color from complete extermination and extinction.

There are many stories, myths and legends associated with coal cats:

1. In Ancient Egypt, black cats were worshiped and considered servants of the cult of the goddess Baset.
2. During the years of the Inquisition, medieval Europe practically exterminated the entire population of black cats. They were considered the embodiment of the witch's soul and were burned at the stake.
3. It is still customary to turn back or spit over your shoulder three times if a black cat crosses the road. The appearance of a strange black cat in the house is considered a sign of trouble. And in Ireland, these facts, on the contrary, serve as lucky omens - if a black cat crosses the road or enters the house, it is good luck.
4. The owner of a black cat in England is credited with love and a large number of fans.
5. In Scotland and Australia, these pets are believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the home.
6. In Russia, black cats have always been the best defenders against thieves and the most successful hunters.
7. Sailors treat any cat on board with love, but if it is a black animal, then it is believed that the voyage will be successful.

Coal-colored individuals are born and are acceptable by felinological standards in many breeds. But according to the rules, only the Bombay cat can be of one single color - black, including the fur, nose and paw pads. Any deviation from this shade is considered disqualifying.

Singapore

According to legend, this rare breed of miniature cats comes from Southeast Asia. Singapura cats have a very unusual coloring - sepia agouti. The ivory body is complemented by dark brown ticking, giving the coat a sandy tint. Singaporeans are characterized by not only yellow, but also yellow-green, as well as bright green eyes. You can learn interesting facts about this breed from our article “Singapore cat and more.”

Abyssinian breed and Somalia

These ticked cats also have green or yellow eyes. The main thing, as the standard says, is that their color is intense, without intermediate shades. We wrote more about the characteristics of Abyssinian cats here.

Somalis are long-haired relatives of the Abyssinian cat, so their eye color options are the same as those of the Abyssinian cat.

Breeds of chinchilla colors

This group includes all tipped (shell) and shaded (shaded) colors, both silver and gold. All cats with chinchilla coloring have emerald eyes, or an aquamarine and blue-green iris (the exception is cats with red pigment, their eyes are yellow or copper).

The combination of emerald eye color with silver and gold fur looks great, especially considering the expressive eyeliner and nose. This color is found in Persian and exotic cats, as well as in British and Scottish fold cats.

Silver tabby cats

Quite often, green eye color can be found in silver tabby cats (British, Scottish, American Shorthair and many other breeds, as well as in ordinary, but no less charismatic yard cats). However, in comparison with chinchillas, it is not nearly as rich and bright. Most likely, breeders, paying great attention to the quality of the color itself, its pattern, have not yet had time to pay due attention to eye color.

Let's make a reservation that silver tabby cats and cats are also characterized by yellow and yellow-green eyes.

Heterochromia in cats

Different eye colors have a scientific name - heterochromia. Heterochromia occurs not only in cats, but also in dogs, horses, and even in humans (although it is a very rare occurrence in humans). The reason for its occurrence is a lack or excess of the melanin pigment in cats, and in albinos it is even completely absent.

Variegation of eyes in cats is directly related to color and most often affects animals whose color is predominantly white, although it occasionally occurs in black cats. In this case, the second, non-blue eye can be yellow, green, or orange.

Cat heterochromacy can be easily explained from a genetic point of view. The snowy coat gene has a strong effect not only on the color of the coat. During the development of the fetus in the womb, it also has a significant impact on the formation of the nervous system. It is its presence in the nerve endings of the eye that causes the absence of melanin there and forms the blue color of the iris. Both organs of vision or one may be affected.

This gene also affects hearing. After all, most white cats with blue eyes are deaf. And if the nerve endings on one side of the head are affected by it, then different eyes are observed, for example, blue and yellow irises, and unilateral hearing loss.

If the cat is completely white and both irises are blue, then this is the action of the dominant W gene. If it is homozygous, then the kittens die in the womb. Only heterozygous snow-white and blue-eyed individuals survive. In this case, White is combined with another “non-white” gene. Therefore, the entire litter is never born pure white; often there are spotted and even black babies.