10 White Cat Breeds to Shed on Your Favorite Black Sweater

The Turkish Angora is the definition of elegance. With a pure white coat, silky fur and expressive eyes that can be blue, amber or odd-colored, they’re one of the most recognizable white cat breeds.

Many Turkish Angoras are born with one blue eye, and in such cases, they may experience hearing loss on the same side (so only one ear). These partially deaf cats are still highly sociable and great family members, taking visual cues from their pet parents.

Persians are among the most iconic white fluffy cats, though their color spectrum is vast. A pure white cat with blue eyes exudes grace but requires regular grooming to keep their thick coat mat-free.

White Persians are prone to squamous cell carcinoma, particularly on sensitive areas like the ears and nose, due to their white fur — so sun exposure should be limited.

Siamese kittens are actually born white and develop color points later. Some rare Siamese cats retain a lighter tone, especially in cooler climates. Their slender body, intense vocalization and devotion to their humans make them ideal companions for those who appreciate a chatty cat.

Often depicted in the maneki neko (beckoning cat figurine), the Japanese Bobtail is a white kitty often paired with orange or black markings.

This breed is known for bringing luck and positivity, and it features a unique tail that looks like a pom-pom. Active and outgoing, they thrive with older children and other pets.

The Cornish Rex sports a short coat that feels like crushed velvet. Their coat color can include white — and combined with their slender body, arched back and large ears, they look positively alien.

White Cornish Rex cats need sun protection to prevent skin cancer, especially on areas with thin fur like the ears and nose.

A cousin of the Cornish Rex, the Devon Rex also appears in white. This quirky, affectionate cat loves to play, learn tricks and follow pet parents around the house. Their minimal grooming needs and short, curly coat make them ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance white cat with loads of personality.

With a thick, double-layered coat and sturdy frame, the Norwegian Forest Cat is built for cold climates. While white coats are less common, they exist and are stunning.

These cats are friendly, calm and enjoy fresh air, often preferring high vantage points like cat trees.

This breed is more known for blue-gray coats, but white British Shorthairs are gaining popularity. Their dense, plush fur and round features give them a teddy bear look.

They’re not overly clingy, making them a good match for cat lovers who appreciate independence.

The Russian White was developed from the Russian Blue and features the same calm demeanor and elegant appearance. This breed’s white coat requires only occasional grooming.

Their quiet nature and loyalty make them favorite companions for quiet households.

True albino cats are extremely rare and result from a genetic mutation that prevents pigment production. These pure white cats usually have pale blue or even pinkish eyes and are extremely light-sensitive.

Given that they're more vulnerable to sun exposure with their increased risk of skin cancer, they should be kept indoors with limited access to UV light.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.