Click to Skip Ahead
Ragdoll cats are loving and gentle companions with long, luscious fur. While many Ragdolls have large areas of white fur, a completely white purebred Ragdoll is extremely rare and not recognized by major breed associations. To meet official breed standards, Ragdolls must display point coloration, darker colors on the ears, face, paws, and tail. Although some cats may appear nearly all white, especially as kittens, they typically develop their color points over time.
You may come across blue-eyed white cats referred to as “white Ragdolls,” but these are not recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) or The International Cat Association (TICA) as standard Ragdolls. To learn more about white-coated Ragdolls, keep reading.
What Does a White Ragdoll Cat Look Like?
Pure white Ragdoll cats, except for their pristine white coats, look the same as any other Ragdoll cat. There is no difference in the cat’s size, shape, or fur texture. Most often, white ragdolls will have blue eyes. If they don’t, some consider it to be an aesthetic imperfection.
Are White Ragdoll Cats Rare?
White Ragdoll cats are incredibly rare, and the reason is two-fold. First, there is a low probability that a Ragdoll will inherit the traits of blue eyes and white fur.
For a Ragdoll cat to be entirely white, it must have a dominant white fur gene so that melanin does not gradually begin to change the color of the cat’s fur. Ragdolls are typically born without any pigmentation in their coat; then, their color begins to take root as they age. In pure white Ragdolls, this pigmentation never occurs.
Secondly, white Ragdolls are rare because breeders don’t breed them. Purebred Ragdolls must be pointed, so breeders don’t have an incentive to breed them without points.
Due to their rarity, the blue-eyed white Ragdoll can cost more than twice as much as an average Ragdoll, even though they are not considered purebred Ragdolls.
What Is the White Ragdoll Cat’s Personality?
Despite the dazzling, snowy fur, the white Ragdoll is no different from Ragdolls with other colors or patterns. White Ragdolls are just as sweet and gentle as any other ragdoll and are one of the most even-tempered cats.
Unlike some cats, Ragdolls are perfectly fine with being lifted up, and their name even comes from their tendency to fall limp in a person’s arms. They love to be cuddled and will snuggle with you for as long as you want. Ragdolls are social cats. Although they aren’t demanding, they will need a lot of attention in order to thrive.
Due to the Ragdoll’s sweet temperament and social tendencies, it is an excellent choice for families.
White Ragdolls Have a High Chance of Deafness
Before getting your heart set on a blue-eyed white Ragdoll, there is something you should keep in mind; genetically, they have a higher chance of being deaf. Genetic deafness is linked to white hair in cats and is even more closely associated with blue eyes and white fur. Research shows that 17–22% of white cats without blue eyes experience congenital deafness. That percentage shoots up to 65–85% if the white cat has blue eyes.
Such high odds make hereditary deafness a significant concern with blue-eyed white Ragdolls. Even without blue eyes, there is still a decent chance that a white Ragdoll may be born deaf. If you are looking for a white Ragdoll to add to your family, do thorough research to find a reputable, responsible breeder who can work against such enormous genetic odds.
If you adopted or rescued a white Ragdoll and are not sure if it is deaf, there are some signs you can look for. If your cat is unresponsive to sudden sounds, its name, or squeaky toys, it can indicate that your white Ragdoll is deaf. Cats can experience rich and fulfilling lives even if they cannot hear.
However, it will be vital that you keep your cat indoors if it is deaf. Deaf cats cannot hear predators, cars, or other threats and will thus be especially vulnerable.
Common Ragdoll Cat Colors
If you aren’t sure that the white Ragdoll is the right fit for you, there are plenty of other Ragdoll colors to check out.
- Seal Point. Seal point cats have light-colored bodies, often white to fawn, with darker points on their extremities.
- Chocolate Point. The chocolate Ragdoll can appear almost milk chocolate or coffee-like in color. The base of the coat takes on a fawn appearance, with dustings of brown littered throughout. In some instances, a chocolate Ragdoll will be entirely brown, but that is less common.
- Blue Point. The blue Ragdoll will appear in a gray, almost muted blue color. If you like the idea of a white Ragdoll, this may be a good option for you, as most of the blue Ragdoll’s body is a cool, off-white color.
- Lilac Point. Doesn’t a lilac Ragdoll sound lovely? This cat has a frosty gray look sprinkled with a warmer hue, giving it a purplish appearance.
- Cream Point. Cream is another good option for those on the fence about the white Ragdoll. Cream Ragdolls come in a warm, off-white color, almost like a toasted marshmallow.
Conclusion
While white Ragdolls might exist, they are not recognized by major breed associations such as TICA or CFA. White Ragdolls are unique beauties, although they come with a significant chance of hereditary deafness. If a white Ragdoll is in your future, be sure to work with responsible breeders to ensure your cat’s health.
On the other hand, there are plenty of beautiful coat colors to choose from when considering a Ragdoll. Regardless of its color, the Ragdoll is a friendly companion that will surely become a lifelong friend.
Featured Image Credit: Liliya Kulianionak, Shutterstock
2 Responses
This is a fantastic breakdown of white Ragdoll cats! Their rarity and the genetic factors behind their pure white coats often lead to confusion, so it’s great to see this topic being explored in detail. One point worth emphasizing is that while white Ragdolls are visually stunning, they may not always meet the breed standards set by organizations like TICA and CFA. This can impact their recognition in shows, even though they have the same affectionate and docile temperament as their traditionally colored counterparts.
Another aspect to consider is their grooming needs—since their pristine coats are more prone to staining, regular upkeep is crucial. Owners might find daily tear stain cleaning and UV protection especially important for these light-colored felines.
Do you think breeders should actively try to produce more white Ragdolls, or should their rarity remain part of their mystique?
Hello Rafayet,
Thank you for your nice feedback. As mentioned in the post, breeding white Ragdolls comes with a huge risk of the cat being born deaf, with chances of being deaf going up to 85% when the cat has blue eyes too. As such we can’t endorse breeding of these cats no matter how gorgeous they are.