The White Maine Coon

The White Maine Coon

White cats are strikingly beautiful and occur in many breeds. But a white Maine Coon cat is simply majestic. After all, they are the Kings and Queens of the cat world.

What Constitutes The White Color In Maine Coons?

White is actually a non-color.

The genes that create white are masking genes, so there is actually a color underneath so to speak.

A white female can pass on that underlying color or can pass on the masking gene.

White Maine Coons are very popular. The Cat Fanciers Association refers to them as “glistening”! White is an accepted solid color with a pink nose and paw pads in Maine Coons.

For those wanting to see a white Maine Coon kitten you can watch this;

White Cats And Deafness

We often joke about cats not listening and ignoring us (not Maine Coons of course!).

Well, when it comes to white cats there may be some truth in that statement.

White cats are more likely than colored cats to have congenital deafness (present from birth). Cats that are white and have blue eyes are particularly susceptible.

Deafness may occur in one ear or both ears and is caused by an absence or abnormality of melanocytes.

Melanocytes are melanin-producing cells like those in the skin that has to do with color.

Interestingly, they are also found in the eye and the ear.

Which is why we often see white, blue-eyed cats that are deaf.

Maine Coons, Persians, and Ragdolls are felt to have a higher incidence of congenital deafness.

How To Tell If My Maine Coon Is Deaf?

One of the most intriguing things about the Maine Coon is that they are such a friendly and personable cat.

So if your cat is not responding to his or her name, coming when you walk into a room or seems disoriented, they may have hearing loss.

If you suspect deafness, take your cat to the vet.

They will be able to examine the ears and do some simple tests to determine hearing loss.

Cats with hearing loss are very susceptible to dangers such as motor vehicles and predators.

White cats should be kept indoors or have supervised outdoor time such as an outdoor enclosure.

How Common Are White Maine Coon Cats?

White cats make up 5% of the total cat population.

Of that population, about 2% have two blue eyes and those cats have a 40 – 60% chance of being deaf.

White cats with non-blue eyes have a 10-20% chance of being deaf.

Famous White Maine Coons

There is a long tradition of White Maine Coon cats. Snowball was considered a foundation White Maine Coon cat. He was born in 1942 and was the first cat at Snowball cattery, Le Beau Mineau foundation whites.

Moby is a FIFE Champion from Metatroneyes Maine Coon

Do White Maine Coons Get Dirty Easier?

White cats do often get dirty easily, especially if they go outside.

Any dirt just seems to pop out on that luxurious white fur.

Cats with white fur may require more frequent bathing. Get a cat shampoo designed for white cats that will help brighten the fur.

A white cats fur can also become stained by food and urine or feces.

Use a damp cloth to clean away anything stuck to the food.

Then use a toothbrush to apply some hydrogen peroxide to the stain.

Be careful not to get hydrogen peroxide around the eyes or sensitive skin areas. Let that dry and then brush your cat out.

Your white Maine Coon may require a tad more maintenance but it will be well worth your time!