301 White Cats That Prove They Also Share One Brain Cell Among Them

It might be surprising to hear that white cats aren't as widely seen online, especially compared to tabbies or oranges, but there are actually scientific reasons for that. For starters, they're much rarer.

According to experts, pure solid-white cats make up only about 5% of the total cat population because they carry the dominant W allele, which suppresses all other pigment genes. Meanwhile, tabbies, calicos, and tortoiseshell cats are much more common, which is why you see so many of them online. But we're grateful for every kitty that comes our way.

There are other reasons, too. Pure white felines, and really, any other animal with a pure white coat, are more prone to certain medical conditions. They're most likely to be born deaf, and less commonly, even blind, say animal professionals.

The same gene that gives them their white coat is also linked to congenital deafness. If a cat is white and has blue eyes, there's a 60% to 80% chance it's deaf. That isn't a problem necessarily — after all, deaf cats make wonderful pets. But it does make them a little harder to record in TikTok videos that show their uniqueness.

And while we've all heard that different cats have different personalities, there's actually no biological evidence that the genes controlling a cat's fur color directly influence its personality. However, numerous studies have shown that owners often perceive their cats' behavior differently depending on their coat color.

One study found that calicos and tortoiseshells are often described as feisty and even aggressive; orange cats are considered the friendliest, most affectionate, and maybe a little dumb, while black cats and tabbies tend to be seen as the least aggressive and most tolerant. And white cats, you ask? Well, they're usually described as shy, calm, and a little aloof. Such babies.

While white kittens are often loved for their unique, beautiful coats, in Thailand, there's actually a long history behind the love for pure white cats. Historians say that, for centuries, Thai royalty kept a breed called the Khao Manee, which translates to "White Gem." They were considered royal cats, and only members of the royal family were allowed to own them.

Many Khao Manee cats also have heterochromia, meaning each eye is a different color. Stealing one from the royal palace was once a punishable offense, and honestly, I get it. If someone stole my cat, I'd probably commit a punishable offense too.

In general, though, don't let the possibility of adopting a deaf cat stop you from finding your animal soulmate. White cats are wonderful companions, and in cultures like Japan, the UK, and parts of the Mediterranean, they're even considered symbols of good luck. Just don't forget to put some pet-safe sunscreen on their ears and nose!

We're really serious, though, because white cats are especially prone to sunburn. Just like us, sun exposure can increase their risk of developing skin cancer. That being said, do you have a pure white or partially white cat? Do they have any quirky personality traits? Let us know in the comments!