Do you know that only about 5% of cats have completely white fur? White cat is generally considered more unique than dark cats. This may be because they are relatively rare, but also because they are associated with good luck and wealth throughout the history of many countries. But you may have heard that white cats are more likely to be blind or deaf. Do these statements make sense? If so, why?
Why are some cats white?
The color of all-white kittens is due to the lack of melanin production in their bodies. Melanin is a pigment produced by cells called melanocytes. It is responsible for giving color to the skin, fur and eyes. So, why are only some cats with white fur? It all comes down to inheritance. If a cat has a dominant W gene, it will be born with a pure white coat. Albino cats are also white, but for different reasons. They suffer from a genetic disease called albinism that affects the production of melanin. The resulting pigmentation is the reason for the colorless fur of albino cats, pink skin and pale eyes.
Are white cats prone to blindness?
Researchers found that white cats are not prone to inheritance or blindness. The myth that they are more prone to blindness may be related to the color of their eyes. White cats' iris is usually blue because their eyes have no pigmentation. Nevertheless, the myth of the blue-eyed white cat being prone to blindness is just: a myth. This trait has nothing to do with whether they are blind or not. Blue eyes only indicate a lack of melanin.
A cat's blindness has nothing to do with the color of its fur or eyes. Some cats are born blind due to genetic defects. Others become blind as they age. Body injury, infection, and diseases such as glaucoma and chronic kidney disease can also cause cats to be blind. Signs of blindness include squinting, disorientation and increased vocalization. If you notice any of these signs in your cat, take them to your veterinarian for examination as soon as possible.
The truth of deafness
So now you know that cat blindness has nothing to do with fur or eye color. But is deafness more common in white kittens? Unfortunately, they are more likely to be deaf than colored cats, but that doesn't mean that all white cats are deaf. This simply means that they are more susceptible to congenital deafness than cats with colorful fur.
All white cats are more likely to be naturally deaf because their white fur is determined by genes. However, the color of white cats' eyes represents deafness more than their fur color. About 40% of a white cat with blue eyes are born deaf, and if they have two blue eyes, nearly 85% of cats are deaf. The link between blue eyes and deafness is particularly evident in cats with only one blue eye, as they are usually deaf on the same side of the head.
So why does the genes that cause cats to have white fur and blue eyes sometimes lead to deafness? Remember the melanin-producing cells we mentioned earlier, called melanocytes? They are also found in the cat's inner ear. The W gene inhibits melanocytes in the ear, which can lead to hearing loss in white cats.
Are most white cats and albino cats also prone to deafness?
Most white cats and albino cats are not prone to deafness because they do not carry the dominant W gene. Cats with mostly white furs carry different genes, which explains why they are not completely white. Therefore, they are not susceptible to deafness caused by dominant W genes. Albinism can cause pigmentation in the skin, fur and eyes. However, it has nothing to do with the cat's genes that produce white fur and blue eyes.
Tips for caring for deaf cats
As far as white cats are concerned, deafness is a congenital disease that exists since birth. As long as you understand this situation and take steps to help your cat friends adapt to their disability, there is no reason they cannot live a long and happy life. One or both ears deaf cats rely heavily on other senses to navigate their surroundings. VCA Hospitals recommends training your cat and communicating with them using visual cues and gestures, vibrations, touches and play.Training aids such as
flashlight and laser pen can be used to help guide cats' attention to specific locations in the home. You can also use facial expressions and gestures to teach and strengthen basic commands. Additionally, you can tap on the surface or stomp the floor to use vibration as a stimulus to attract the cat's attention. To communicate with your cat using touch, try to gently comb them to release the feeling of pleasure and relaxation. Finally, make sure to have your cat play regularly and provide toys to keep them mental and physically stimulating.
