Sadly, yes. Because of their pink skin, they are more susceptible to melanoma and squamous cell cancer as well as deafness. It’s a complicated answer related to the varying genetics and eye colors in correlation to pink skin/white fur.
What health problems do white cats have?
There isn’t any one thing guaranteed to pop up in your tiny snow leopard, but they might be at risk for some of these issues. Recommended Videos
Up to 80% of truly white cats with blue eyes go deaf as kittens, meaning they never learn the sounds or vocalizations that lots of hearing cats do. There isn’t anything you can do about it medically, but remember, a domesticated cat can live an amazing life without being able to hear. Lots of them even learn signs instead of spoken commands. We do recommend you keep them indoors though, since they won’t be able to navigate cars well without the use of their ears.
Are white cats common?
No, white is the most rare color found in cats.
What’s the difference between a white cat and an albino cat?
Cats that are albinos are born with a damaged or absent TYR gene. This indicates that they lack the tyrosinase enzyme, which is required to make melanin. Albinos have no pigment. Their eyes can seem pink, but they are the lightest shade of blue. Their skin also appears pink.
The pinkish hue is caused by blood flow beneath the skin’s surface and light reflecting off blood vessels in the eyes. In comparison, my dominant white cat has very pale skin that appears nearly off-white in most places, with a very slight hint of pale pink.
While white cats do contain melanin, it is less than that of cats with colored fur. Albino cats have no color in their genes and no melanin, whereas white cats have genes that produce white fur, frequently hiding other colors in their genetic makeup.
A bit of wild information: Siamese, Burmese, and Tonkinese cats’ pointed patterns are descended from a condition known as partial albino, which is exactly what it sounds like!
FAQ
Do white cats have more health issues?
What are the cons of having a white cat?
Are white cats more susceptible to allergies?
Are white cats defective?