Albino Cat

Are you curious about whether your cat is albino? Do you think that albino cats and kittens are too beautiful for words? Well, you’re in luck. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at albino cats and kittens so you can find out if your feline friend is an albino. From their distinctive white coats to their striking pink eyes, we’ll explore all the unique characteristics of these special pets.

What Is An Albino Cat?

Also known as achromasia, albinism is a genetic disorder recognized by little to no melanin production. That means that the animal, cat in this case, is all white fur with skin so pale the reflected blood flow beneath makes the skin look pink. They have reddish-pink eyes (sometimes a light blue). As the cat has no pigment, the eyes have little to no pigment, hence the red eyes.

How many cats are albino?

Albinism is rare – only two percent (2%) of the feline population are albino. They are the rarest color of all cats so the chance of having an albino kitten is pretty slim.

Is My Cat Albino?

Albino cats are a rare and beautiful sight, beloved by many cat owners. With their distinctive white coats, pink noses and eyes, albino cats come in a variety of breeds that offer unique personalities and traits. Here’s an overview of some of the most popular albino breeds:

Siamese cats are the most common breed with albinism, possessing the pointed coat pattern with white fur and yellow-green eyes. Oriental shorthairs have similar characteristics to Siamese but also have a more vocal personality. Persian cats have albinism as well; their long hair can come in a variety of shades from pure white to cream. Ragdoll cats grow to be large, friendly felines with silky hair and light blue eyes.

So if you have one of these breeds, you’re more likely to have an albino cat.

How Will I Know if My Cat is Albino?

Albino cats have no color in their fur. If you brush the fur back, you’ll see that the cats skin is completely pink. No spots or markings of any sort mar the albinistic perfection of an albino feline.

Another way to tell if your cat is albino is to check their eyes. As previously mentioned, albino cats have reddish-pink eyes. While cats, even white cats, can have a variety of eye colors, albino cats are absent the melanin required for eye color, and therefore they have red eyes. After all that, albino cats can have blue eyes.

Will My Albino Cat Have Health Problems?

YES. If you have an albino cat, it will likely have a few health issues. Although cats have some issues they’re relatively predisposed to, albino cats all share conditions and tend to deal with similar albinistic-related difficulties.

Eyesight

Like people, albino cats will likely have eye problems. They don’t wear glasses, (unless you are spectacularly talented and know how to get the cat to wear them) but they do have limited vision. 

The lack of melanin in the eye not only causes a sensitivity to light that can limit how much they see but also damages their retinas permanently. So albino cats tend to be photophobic because the sun causes eye pain.

Hearing

The hearing of an albino cat is rarely affected because there is no association between albinism and hearing loss. In comparison, many non-albino white cats are born deaf. However, this relates to the breed of cat and how the white color interacts genetically.

Skin sensitivity

Albino cats are susceptible to skin cancer. Without that melanin in their body, the skin suffers from sensitivity and potential for sun damage. If you have an albino cat, keeping them inside protects their body and health.

Immunity

Our bodies are strengthened by melanin, adding to our immunities and physical constitution. The presence of albinism weakens the immune system and leaves albino cats prone to disease. However, immunity strength in feline albinism directly correlates to their breed. Because of this, it’s more important for an albino feline to receive their vaccinations. 

Social Issues

All animals choose a mate with the highest predisposition to survive and succeed. Having a genetic abnormality creates a higher likelihood that the animal will be bullied, shunned, or rejected in the wild. They’re also targeted more by predators. It’s hard being different.

Are Albino Cats Worth Having As Pets? 

That depends. They may have a higher vet bill overall, but properly cared for and kept inside, albino cats can have a normal lifespan. Like any cat, their personalities are related to breed and environment. Love your cat. Chances are, your cat loves you.

Conclusion: Benefits Of Owning An Albino Cat

Albino cats can provide a plethora of benefits to any owner. They’re low-maintenance and docile, which makes them perfect for first-time pet owners. The dazzling white coat of an albino cat is beautiful and captivating, providing a bright spot in any home. Furthermore, owning an albino cat can be incredibly therapeutic for people with mental health issues. Lastly, their friendly disposition makes them great companions for people of all ages.

Find out. Bring an albino cat home. Bond with your four-legged therapist over a few lengthy cuddle sessions. See what all the fuss is about and how they can make such a difference in your life.