The white Persian cat is a famous cat breed with world-class beauty. Anyone who sees this creature will surely fall in love with them right away due to its striking, beautiful, and gentle-looking appearance.
White Persian cats will not disappoint you with their lovely personality to complement their good looks. They are friendly and affectionate cats that enjoy being handled and cuddled next to their owners.
To begin, let’s talk about what a white Persian cat is, how rare they are, their history, and anything else you need to know. So, let’s start!
What Is a White Persian Cat?
The white Persian cat is one of the most iconic-looking cats out there. Simply put, these cats are purebred Persians with white-colored coats. They are loved for their long, luxurious hair, flat faces, and big eyes. Aside from their eye-catching looks, they also have quiet and sweet personalities.
The white Persian cat is not a distinct breed but rather one of the color variations of the Persian cat. They are a medium-sized cat breed with a very long history.
Although nothing is known about the breed’s origins, it is well understood how they came to be in Europe.
The name Persian cat is derived from its homeland, Persia, known as Iran today. It was believed that similar-looking breeds were brought by an Italian traveler named Pietro Della Valle during the 1600s.
Not long after, this cat breed became popular not only in Europe. As a result, the Persian cat was one of the first breeds to be officially recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA).
Are White Persian Cats Rare?
Yes, white Persian cats are very rare which makes them pricey and sought after.
However, this question may be debatable because it is believed that white is the most common color among all color variations of Persian cats. This is due to how frequently they appear in photographs on social media.
Unfortunately, with the use of today’s technology, it is not surprising that some of these may be a product of editing, as white Persian cats are quite rare.
In fact, only five percent of all cats are white. Thus it is impossible for them to be seen everywhere.
White Persian Cat Appearance: What Does a White Persian Cat Look Like?
Except for the coat color, white Persian cats are built similarly to regular Persian cats. They usually have chubby cheeks with a flat and pushed-in appearance.
They also have large heads, short noses, and a pair of wide-set eyes that vary in multiple shades of blue, green, or copper.
Even so, the most noticeable feature of a white Persian cat is the color white itself and its long, silky coat. They have an undercoat and a top coat, which feels wonderful to the touch but sheds a lot.
Moreover, white Persian cats are lightweight cats, weighing between 7 and 12 pounds, making them easy to carry around. They stand 10 to 15 inches tall, with short, broad legs and a rounded, muscular body.
White Persian Cat Color Genetics: What Makes a Persian Cat White?
The white color of Persian cats is caused by a lack of melanin production in their bodies. This component is in charge of coloring in the coat and skin of your cat.
The more melanin they create, the darker your cat’s hair and skin will be. The amount of melanin in their body is primarily determined by genetics.
If one or both of the Persian cats have a white gene, there’s a high likelihood of less melanin thus, they’ll have a white Persian cat.
The dominant white gene is responsible for this white color. This gene blocks out any other genes that code for color, resulting in an entirely white coat.
White Persian Cat Temperament: Do White Persian Cats Make Good Family Cats?
Persian cats are known for their sweet, calm, and gentle nature, which makes them excellent family cats. Knowing that white Persians are not different from them, we can assume that they have the same temperament.
They are really sweet cats, yet they can be picky with their affection, only showing it to people they trust.
Because they are calm cats, they like quiet surroundings and are not suitable for noisy environments. White Persian cats don’t mind being left alone, making them ideal for people who go out on occasion.
White Persian cats, like all other cats, can live with little maintenance. They are satisfied with regular meals and a little playtime. They’re content to sit on the couch or bed and watch you go on with your day.
Here’s an interesting video of a white Persian cat relaxing until it falls asleep:
White Persian Cat Sleeping on the Bed | Cats to Relax<a href="https://youtu.be/ryt0NuzGWJo" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fryt0NuzGWJo%2F0.jpg" alt="White Persian Cat Sleeping on the Bed | Cats to Relax" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
White Persian Cat Lifespan and Health Issues: Are White Persian Cats Healthy Cats?
Generally, white Persian cats can live for 15 to 20 years like other colored Persians. However, you should keep in mind that the quality of care would affect this life span.
Before bringing them to your home, it’s important to familiarize yourself with common Persian cat health issues so you know what kind of care you’ll need to provide.
Below are some of the most common health issues that white Persian cats may develop:
Trichobezoars: Persian cats are famed for their thick, lengthy coats. As a result, they are more prone to trichobezoars than other cats with shorter hair. Trichobezoars are hairballs that form in the stomach and digestive tract of cats and cause abdominal pain, vomiting, easily becoming full, weight loss, and abdominal mass.
Polycystic Kidney Disease: Unfortunately, white Persian cats are most susceptible to polycystic kidney disease. This is an inherited, incurable condition that damages the kidneys of cats. This disease causes cysts to form on the tissue of the kidney, which, if left untreated, can ruin the organ and lead to kidney failure.
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: White Persian cats have a small nose, which causes their nasal passage to be very short and more sensitive to cold, heat, wetness, or dryness. Brachycephalic airway syndrome decreases the cat’s respiratory efficiency, which is why Persian cats are less active than other breeds.
Entropion: Entropion is a condition in which the upper or lower eyelids fold inward, generating unnatural, unpleasant friction with the eye’s surface. It causes excessive tearing, narrowed eyes, and corneal sequestrum, which can lead to blindness in cats.
Aside from the above-mentioned health issues, it is also possible for a white Persian cat to be born autistic. Autistic cats need special care, so it is recommended to visit the vet if you think your cat has feline autism.
As per usual, it is important to pay attention to your cat’s health. A healthy lifestyle, regular playtime, and regular vet check-ups are some of the things your cat will benefit from. Also, don’t forget to purchase pet insurance for your pet!
How Much Does a White Persian Cat Cost? Kitten Prices & Expenses
If you wish to own a cat with a gorgeous, luxurious coat, angelic face, expressive eyes, and calm personality, you may bring home a white Persian kitten from reputable breeders for $1,200 to $1,800.
But if you don’t have this amount, you can also adopt them from rescues for as low as $75 to $500. You may also get them for free by trying to look around your place; perhaps they’ve been waiting for you to find them.
Check out our post on how to find free kittens to boost your chances of meeting one.
If you plan to get a white Persian cat, you need to be aware of the cost and additional expenses associated with owning one. Preparing as much as possible will help you not to hurt your pocket.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of initial expenses for a white Persian cat:
As you can see, you need around $555 to $1,465 for your cat’s initial expenses. This initial cost may seem daunting, but if you look closely, you’ll realize that this is on par with the initial cost of owning other breeds, such as the Toyger cat and Manx.
That said, becoming a cat parent does not have to be expensive. There are several methods to save money without sacrificing the quality of life for you or your kitty companion.
Begin by looking for coupons at your local store. Staying engaged online allows you to check for potential discounts or promotions.
Places to Find White Persian Kittens for Sale and Adoption
White Persian cats are one of the most loved cat breeds around the world. When buying them or any other pet, it is not always a good idea to go for the cheapest price.
While you do not want to be broke, you also do not want to buy from a scammer.
To ensure you are actually purchasing a pure white Persian and not being tricked into buying a mix, it is always a good idea to do some research first or directly ask to see evidence of the kitten’s family line.
Here are some of the reputable breeders of white Persian cats you might want to check:
Cacao Cattery – Cacao Cattery is a Texas-based breeder that was established in 1971. This breeder specializes in Persians, including white varieties. Aside from this breed, they are dedicated to raising purebred cats like the American Shorthair and American Wirehair.
Kingsley Kittens – Kingsley Kittens is another breeder that specializes in Persian and Himalayan cats. They are a member of the Atlantic Himalayan club and are officially registered with the Cat Fanciers’ Association. They take pride in breeding the most beautiful and distinct white Persian kittens that adhere to the breed standards.
Ethereal Persians – Ethereal Persians is a breeder of CFA-registered Persian cats that operates in Florida. They guarantee the health of all purebred white Persian kittens and thoroughly test all of them for common health issues before releasing them to their forever home.
While the cheapest option isn’t always bad, it is best to be suspicious and inquire how they are able to obtain and sell those kittens for such a low price.
Check the following rescues that offer affordable but quality white Persian cats:
Seattle Persian & Himalayan Rescue – Founded in 2004, Seattle Persian & Himalayan Rescue is a 501c3 non-profit corporation run by a small group of volunteers who devote an incredible amount of time, care, and energy to saving Persian and Himalayan cats. Check their website to know if they have white Persians available for adoption.
Kitten Rescue – Kitten Rescue was founded in 1997 and grew to become one of Los Angeles’ largest animal welfare organizations. They are a non-profit, volunteer-run organization dedicated to finding loving new homes for unwanted, homeless cats and kittens. They have rescued and placed over 21,000 cats into loving homes, including white Persians.
Adopt-a-Pet – Adopt-a-Pet is the largest non-profit pet adoption web service in North America, gathering information from over 12,000 pet shelters in the United States and Canada and presenting adoptable pet data in a searchable database to facilitate pet adoption. Your white Persian might just be one click away!
In adopting white Persian cats, always keep in mind that the process isn’t just that easy. There are certain processes throughout your application before you finally bring home your new addition to your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do White Persian Cats Shed?
Like all other pets, White Persian cats shed, and it’s one of the most common complaints that cat owners have. Because they are a long-haired breed, they shed a lot of fur throughout the year.
However, they shed significantly more than usual during the hot and cold weather to get an entirely new coat to keep them warm and comfy.
Do White Persian Cats Have Blue Eyes?
Blue eyes are one of the special features of white cats. However, it is thought that blue-eyed white cats are more likely to be deaf than white cats with green or yellow eyes.
This is because the gene that codes for blue eyes can cause a cat’s inner ear cochlea to deteriorate within days of birth.
Are White Persian Cats Hypoallergenic?
White Persian cats are not hypoallergenic breeds. These cats have long, thick hair that carries a high quantity of cat dander.
Therefore, the white Persian cat is not suitable for people who are allergic to cats. Cuddling and being around the cat breed is not advisable at all.
What Is the Rarest Persian Cat Color?
Lilac and chocolate are the rarest colors of all Persian coats. These have been produced by mixing a Himalayan with a Persian cat.
Because it is difficult to find breeders who specialize in Himalayan breeding, you should expect the price to rise dramatically.
Final Thoughts: Is a White Persian Cat the Right Cat for You?
The Persian cat is a stunning and elegant breed that you would be fortunate to have in your home. They are excellent companions for people who appreciate a peaceful and laid-back lifestyle.
Although white Persian cats may live on their own, they should not be left alone for a long time. You must commit to caring for a white Persian cat, especially for their long, silky fur that made you fall for them in the first place.
These cats will need daily brushing to keep their fur from becoming matted or knotted. Other than that, this outstanding white cat will surely enchant you with its endearing personality.
If this guide has helped you decide on bringing a white Persian cat into your family, leave a comment below!
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