12 Curious Facts About White Cats to Know Before Adopting One

If you’re pondering adding a sweet, snow-colored ball of fuzz to the family, there is a lot you need to know. And we’re not just talking about the most popular white cat breeds, although that’s certainly a consideration. After all, you might want to go for a rare, expensive kitty (like the Khao Manee), or maybe a super fluffy Felix (hello, Turkish Angora), or one that’s known for friendliness (Persians, for example, are nowhere near as grumpy as they look). But there are other things about white cats you should be aware of, including some that impact their health.

For example, did you know that many white cats are deaf, and, according to Dr. Ashly Smith, Regional Medical Director for Small Door Veterinary, may need to learn visual cues? Even more surprising, “White cats have less melanin in their skin, which makes them more vulnerable to sunburns as well as certain skin cancers,” says Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, Veterinary Medical Advisor for Rover. “The risk of these cancers is greater in cats who spend more time sunbathing, so be sure to limit your cat’s exposure to harmful UV rays, especially on their more sparsely-haired faces, ears, and bellies.”