An albino cat and a white cat with blue eyes are the same thing or not, is it true that they are all deaf?

A little about genetics

White coat color is genetic.
To give birth to a white kitten, it is enough that only one of the parents is white. And, at the same time, two white individuals can give birth to a colored kitten - such a tricky thing genetics is! The most interesting thing is that three genes can be the cause of an animal’s white color:

• C - albinism gene,
• W - dominant white,
• S - white spotting gene.

Gene C - albinism gene

Albinism is one of the genetic anomalies; the C gene prevents the production of melanin (the pigmenting substance responsible for the color of the animal) and completely suppresses the color. Albino cats have completely white fur and red eyes (this feature distinguishes them from other white representatives). Eyes appear red because blood vessels are visible through the transparent iris of the eye. According to statistics, albino cats are very rare - 1 in 10,000 white animals. Albinos have reduced immunity; representatives with poor hearing and vision are often found. Without proper care, the life expectancy of an albino cat is extremely short.

Gene W - dominant white gene

A group of cells, melanoblasts, are formed in the cat’s body and are responsible for the production of pigment and its delivery to each hair hair. Melanoblasts begin their movement from the neural tube to the necessary areas of the skin or retina, making long migrations. The W gene slows down their movement, causing the melanoblasts to reach the skin areas too late, when the hair follicles are already developed, so the fur turns white. A completely different situation is observed with the retina of the eye - due to mutation, the number of melanoblasts reaching the retina can vary, so cats can have different eyes - yellow and blue. With a large amount of pigmenting substances, the eyes will be yellow, and with a small amount - blue.

Gene S - white spotting gene

Cats with this gene are not completely white, but only have white spots. It happens that the white spots are large and located very close, so we do not see the boundaries between them and it seems to us that this is a completely white cat. Such representatives of cats are quite rare.

Description

What can be said about albinos? These are truly unique creatures. Genetic failure can occur in absolutely any species, and humans are no exception.

The phenomenon has not yet been fully studied and scientists regularly inform us about new discoveries. According to the latest data, a certain enzyme called “Tyrosinase” is responsible for the synthesis of melanin in the body.

It is from this substance that the correct (according to genetic memory) coloring of all tissues should occur. During the formation of genes responsible for tyrosinase, completely different failures can occur and lead to different results. As a result, we get a creature either with complete and pronounced albinism, or with partial albinism, affecting one or more areas of the body.

Interestingly, albino cats are somewhat less common than male cats. But if we talk about cats, then you can also find other pathologies, such as deafness. If you want to learn how to distinguish a real albino from an ordinary white cat, then look into his eyes. If you see pink pupils looking at you, then you are dealing with a genetic mutation. Why pink? No, this pink pigment was not developed as a result of a gene mutation. In fact, the pupils are transparent and blood vessels are visible through them.

Albinism may not be complete, but partial. In this case, the animal may have a partially colored body, or it may even have a standard appearance for its genus, but will have red irises. It will not be easy for an ordinary person unfamiliar with scientific research to understand all the intricacies of genetic anomalies.

But it is not our task to understand the nature of this kind of thing and their elimination. But what should you do if you come across a member of the cat family who was unlucky enough to be born with a genetic defect? How is it different from its relatives?

Life of a street and indoor cat

Life expectancy is affected by habitat. Well-groomed and caressed domestic cats live much longer than their street counterparts. The latter have to survive, get food, and hide from the cold in winter. In the cold, death from hypothermia overtakes animals quite quickly.

Kittens born in the basement or on the street die in the first months of life in 90% of cases. The reason for this is weakened immunity, lack of heat and viral diseases. Only the strongest survive, but they have yet to prove their strength in street fights. It is not surprising that they have a short life span - few live up to 7 years, and a 10-year-old street cat will be considered a long-liver.

Animals that end up outside from home find themselves in even worse conditions. Most often, the owners refuse them, indifferently throwing them away like an unnecessary rag. The chances of living at least a year on the street for cats unadapted to such conditions are negligible.

The life of a pet is a different matter. There is good food in the bowl, a warm bed in the room. Vitamins and vaccinations protect against diseases; at the slightest deviation, a caring owner will take all measures to restore the pet’s health.

Dream Interpretation - Eyes

The appearance of the eyes, the quality of vision are signs of the dreamer’s state of mind, the intensity of the dreamer’s spiritual life, their health, illness. The dreamer's own organs of love, his sex, potency. Having good vision and moving your eyes quickly is a blessing, happiness, health. It’s hard to see, it’s hard to open your eyes. They slowly toss and turn - loss, poverty, harm from sexual exhaustion. Being nearsighted is a nuisance. Feeling pain in the eyes, sand in them or something bothering you is an unpleasant self-knowledge, a bad conscience. Having a thorn is a deception. You will have to take a lot of care for adult children; they will not go out into public life soon. Losing one eye means complicated affairs, useless work, misfortunes with children. The eye leaks in a dream - pangs of conscience. Going blind in a dream means trouble, betrayal, death of loved ones: children or sister. Rubbing your eyes is a sign of masturbation. Seeing in the mirror that you have big beautiful eyes is happiness (happiness is in children). That you have dull, sore eyes means misfortune (anxiety about children). Seeing yourself in the mirror with colorless or white eyes means realizing the soullessness of your behavior. With eyes bulging out of their sockets - petrification of the soul, callousness. Seeing yourself in a mirror with holes instead of eyes means loyalty to intuition, deep insight, clairvoyance. With burning eyes - you feel dangerous, demonic forces within yourself. Seeing your eyes fall out means a wedding, children will begin an independent life. Taking out and examining your eyes means a feeling of the falsity of your perceptions, a wrong idea of ​​the world. See your children from a new perspective, your intimate life will become the subject of conversation. Having a third eye in a dream means giving birth to a child. For a woman: pregnancy. There is a danger of destroying what you have created with your labors. Use the light from your eyes to illuminate your path - to begin to perceive the world in a new way. Seeing as if some creature is chasing you and trying to eat your eyes means experiencing inconvenience and trouble from other people’s secrets. A warning against the dangerous development of spiritual powers, dangerous spiritual immaturity. Seeing the human eye on a table, in a bowl, glass, etc. - shameful details of your life will be revealed, and you will feel fear of divine justice. Seeing a bunch of human eyes are precious stones. Seeing eyes with eyesores means your enemies are closely watching you. Seeing someone's evil gaze is a bad dream, foreshadowing a dangerous collapse of plans, deception, most likely occurring from relatives. To see only someone's eyes in the darkness - the hard work of your conscience, hidden from you, will yield unexpected results; someone is watching you. To see dull ghost eyes in daylight without a body is an unpleasant, painful split personality to experience. Seeing a brightly sparkling eye in the clouds in the sky is a symbol of authority that should be obeyed. To gouge out someone's eyes is to scare away and turn people against you, and you will suffer severely from jealousy.

What determines the white-blue-eyed combination?

Snow-white fur in cats is also not a very common color in nature.
There are three main reasons why a cat may have blue eyes:

1. Gene dominance. The gene that provides the animal with a snow-white color often also becomes the cause of the cornflower blue color of the iris. The chance of an unusual iris color is the same for pure white pets and for those in which white predominates in the overall color. However, gene activity usually reduces hearing acuity, sometimes to the point of complete deafness.
2. Genetic code of albinos. In cats, albinism manifests itself in the form of white fur combined with aquamarine eyes.
3. The color of the fur on the face. Cats that have white spots on their faces around their eyes are more likely to have blue irises.

For the same reasons, cats have eyes of different colors. Kittens are always born with gray or blue eyes, which change color as the pet grows older.

Hygiene

Albinos, like other cats, usually manage their own hygiene on their own. However, dust and dirt are much more noticeable on snow-white wool than on dyed wool. Not all albinos cope with maintaining their fur in proper form. In this case, owner intervention is required. It is not advisable to bathe cats frequently. Frequent exposure to water and detergents can cause the skin to dry out and become more prone to dermatitis. Dust from wool can be removed with a damp cloth.

Once every couple of months, the animal can be completely bathed. During the procedure, special shampoos should be used. Human cats are not suitable. They may have odors that are irritating to the animal. In addition, they contain components that can lead to irritation on the pet’s skin. It is worth noting that there are special shampoos for albino cats that help whiten their fur. After bathing, your pet should be protected from drafts. You can't let him go outside with wet fur.

You should also monitor the condition of the eyes, ears, fangs and claws. You can wipe your eyes with a cotton pad moistened with clean boiled water. Ears can be cleaned with cotton swabs, and claws can be cut with a nail clipper. Veterinarians also advise periodically brushing your pets' teeth. To do this, you need to use a special toothpaste and brush. A cat should be taught to brush its teeth from childhood.

We recommend the article: Why the cat’s eye is cloudy: causes, treatment methods

Record-breaking cats

Long-livers among the cat family are quite common. It is difficult to say what exactly leads to this result. Perhaps this is good heredity, proper nutrition, a happy life with a beloved owner.

The record holder, listed in the Guinness Book, lived to be 38 years old. It was a cat named Cream Puff, her owner lived in Texas. However, there are other representatives who have surpassed this record.

One of these is a cat from the UK who lived to be 43 years old. If we translate into human terms, then this is about 175-180 years. Her name is Lucy, and she is still alive, although she does not even show signs of old age, with the exception of deafness.

Another cat living in Australia is a representative of the British breed named Lady Catalina. She is currently about 38 years old. The animal also leads an active lifestyle.

In Russia there are no particularly long-livers or they are simply unknown. This can be attributed to the fact that owners from Russia treat their pets with less trepidation. Although this is most likely because it is not customary in the country to advertise various kinds of records in this way. Most likely, many people have a pet that has long passed its due date.

Attitude towards a person

The decorative albino rat is a tame and loving animal. He is trainable, cunning and intelligent. Many owners claim that the rat quickly learns to open the lock on the cage. She thinks quickly, and is significantly different from her dark brothers. Watching your pet play is a pleasure. The Internet is full of videos where albinos willingly perform various tricks, climb around the room, and simply live.

A kind and gentle rat loves its owner. I’m ready to spend whole days on my hands, knees, or in my pocket. Having settled comfortably on a person, she shows her affection with all her appearance. She climbs into her arms to be stroked on her back.

Regular communication with your pet can be turned into training. The rat quickly remembers its name and the names of its cage neighbors. It is better to train animals to communicate with other pets gradually and carefully.

What affects the life expectancy of cats

With proper care and the absence of genetic or chronic diseases, many indoor cats can live up to 20 years or more. The average life expectancy is 15-17 years, with spayed and neutered animals living 2-4 years longer.

Factors that reduce life expectancy

First of all, it is the habitat. Adequate and regular nutrition, absence of temperature changes, these factors significantly affect life expectancy. Unbalanced nutrition - food from the owner's table, cheap food that does not contain the required amount of nutrients and vitamins, often leads to the development of endocrine diseases and the premature death of the pet.

Also, the period depends on the breed. Genetic predisposition can be traced, as a rule, only in purebred animals. Thus, British cats easily live up to 15 years, and Persian cats - up to 20, but “classic” and “extreme” Persians do not have such longevity and rarely live even up to 15 years. However, breed itself is not an indicator of longer life. Since these cats often have genetic defects that can be caused by inbreeding. For this reason, for example, it is dangerous to knit “Scots” and “British”.

Sexual instinct is another factor influencing life expectancy. Outdoor cats may go into heat three times a year, resulting in pregnancy. Childbirth somewhere in the basement, feeding and pregnancy again greatly depletes the body, doomed to a half-starved existence. The result is a short life.

In domestic unsterilized cats and female cats, hormonal surges and the inability to realize natural instincts can lead to diseases, so in this case, sterilization actually prolongs their life.

The allotted period can be reduced by:

• lack of vaccination and preventive measures;
• free walking, which can end in death under the wheels of a car, a fight with a dog or street cat;
• infection with infectious diseases.

Factors that increase life expectancy

Important factors that will help your pet live as long as possible are:

Proper nutrition

Food must be balanced, no matter whether it is natural or industrial food. The pet must receive the necessary vitamins and minerals

Feed should be chosen at least at the premium or super-premium level. Mandatory and timely vaccination, regular preventive examinations and immediate contact with a veterinarian in case of any deviations in the health and behavior of the pet. Sterilization or castration, after which you need to adhere to a special diet. Protection from dangers. For domestic cats, this is, first of all, the street, open windows and vents. It is advisable to exclude self-walking and cover the windows with special nets (mosquito nets will not help, you need an anti-cat net).

Regular removal of parasites and preventive treatment will have a positive effect on the health of the animal, and therefore on its life expectancy. Even if the cat has never gone outside in its life, it needs to be treated for fleas and helminths once every 3 months.

Factor table

Is this a disease?

Congenital heterochromacy is not a disease and does not affect a cat’s visual acuity in any way. But it can affect your hearing.

But if we are talking about purebred animals, then such an individual is removed from the breeding program in order to minimize the possibility of the birth of deaf kittens and stop the spread of the defect in this species.

Acquired difference of eyes occurs due to injury, disease, inflammation, tumor.

There are two types of acquired heterochromacy:

• Abnormal darkening of the iris. It is caused by iron deposition (siderosis) and can also be triggered by the use of certain eye drops by stimulating melanin growth. These are, for example, drugs to reduce intraocular pressure, which are used to combat glaucoma.
• Abnormal lightening occurs due to atrophy of the iris due to inflammation, due to neuroblastoma, melanoma, uevitis, leukemia and some other pathologies.

Deafness

It all depends on the genotype of the animal, and not its appearance. Albinos are characterized by congenital deafness, but there are exceptions. Of course, deafness is more common in blue-eyed white cats, but not all of them are born exclusively deaf. Such animals are not albinos, it’s just that white turned out to be the dominant color and under other conditions they could have been born of any other color.

All kittens are born blue-eyed, and the color develops gradually. Some white kittens develop orange, green, or heterochromia eyes as they age. Individuals with blue eyes are likely to be deaf in both ears, while individuals with one blue eye are likely to be deaf in only one ear on the side of the blue eye. The likelihood that kittens will grow up with normal hearing is higher for kittens born with a dark spot on the head, which disappears with age.

Rarely are deaf individuals with spotted white fur. The white spotting gene is semi-dominant, the spots are indistinguishable, and the cat appears completely white.

Deaf or not?

There is a claim that blue-eyed cats are deaf. Snow-white pets, indeed, are found to be completely or partially deaf, since the W gene, which dominates the other genes of the animal, has pleiotropic abilities - it directly affects the color of the coat, iris and the formation of hearing organs. This does not mean that absolutely all white cats with blue eyes will not hear you. Green-eyed, yellow-eyed and heterochromic (with different eye colors) kittens may also suffer from a similar pathology.

If you come across a white deaf cat, do not despair. Animals are distinguished by their kindness and gentle character. Active and sociable, such cats willingly play, hunt mice and rush around the apartment like ordinary cats. You can determine that an animal is deaf very simply:

• turn on the vacuum cleaner next to the kitten: a deaf animal does not react to loud sounds;
• the cat is very “loud”: loudly sneaks behind the bird, digs in the tray, meows.

The behavior of an animal largely depends on its character and how correctly you raise it.

Such a cat does not require special living conditions, but when communicating with a deaf animal, it is important to remember the following nuances:

carefully open and close all doors, otherwise you may injure the cat - she does not hear your actions; keep the windows closed: a deaf cat has no sense of fear and can jump down; do not let your cat go outside alone, it is dangerous; move around the house carefully, watch your step so as not to step on the animal; communicate with your pet using conventional gestures.

Cats suffering from deafness become very attached to their owner. They are completely dependent on people and need constant help.

Turkish Angora

Another cat breed with different eye colors is the Turkish Angora. This animal is small in size, has small bones, and has a long body with round ribs. The weight of the animal is on average 5 kg. Angoras quite often have representatives of the breed with a similar phenomenon. The head has long erect ears. The body of the animal may be covered with fur

:

• cream;
• white;
• black;
• blue;
• even red.

Felinologists say that this particular breed is the most common white-colored individual with different eyes. These kittens were first bred in Angora, in Byzantium, from which they got their name. Already in the sixteenth century, the breed was brought to continental Europe.

To ensure that Angora does not get sick, is active and mobile, it is recommended to include food with biological additives in her food. The animal must be brushed regularly. She also urgently needs her ears cleaned and her nails trimmed.

Angoras have an active temperament. They simply love to be the center of attention, are excellent at training, and love physical activity. So smart that they can learn simple tricks. Photos of such an animal will decorate any photo album.

Cat breeds with different eyes have always attracted special attention. Some consider them mystical creatures, while others love their pets without attaching much importance to the color of their eyes, just for who they are.

Different eye colors are usually found in completely or partially white cats, but there are colored and black animals with heterochromia. This feature is a consequence of a lack or excess of melanin pigment, which also affects the color of the animal’s coat and skin.

Heterochromia occurs in humans, but is much more common in cats. Moreover, one eye is blue, and the other can be orange, yellow or green. This feature often indicates existing health problems, for example, deafness, but this is not the rule.

Albino cats are sensitive to light

The lack of pigmentation in true albino cats is due to their inability to produce melanin. Melanin does more than contribute to skin tone. In cats, as well as other creatures including humans, melanin has a number of functions. For cats, melanin gives color to the skin, coat and eyes. In the eyes alone, it also helps in depth perception. On a more holistic level, it helps in the body's ability to fight infection and disease.

Most importantly, melanin's role in giving color to the eyes, skin and coat, and the complete absence of albino cats means that they are very sensitive to light. Albino cats may not have other health-related problems, but direct sunlight is harmful to their vision and potentially breaks down their skin with long-term exposure. Owners of Albino cats should be very careful about the cat's exposure to direct sunlight.

How to choose the right albino cat

When choosing an albino, you need to know exactly all the signs by which you can distinguish an albino from an ordinary white cat:

1. An albino may only have pink, red or pale blue-red eyes. All other shades of the iris are a sign of ordinary white cats.
2. When light hits the iris of the eyes, the blood vessels of the eyeball are visible in albinos, but not in an ordinary white cat.
3. The paw pads and tip of the nose are also white in albinos, but in normal white cats they may be pink or gray.
4. Albinos are inherently shy and withdrawn in the presence of strangers.

Albino kittens can appear in cats of many different breeds. But there is no point in contacting breeders or clubs: the likelihood of an albino appearing is extremely low. Therefore, when deciding to become the owner of a snow-white cat, you need to carefully read advertisements for the sale of such kittens from a variety of breeders. The cost of albino cats may vary depending on the region of sale and the original breed of the parents.

In the shelter you can find an albino who was abandoned by his owners

Color options

All snow-white Bengals are very similar and beautiful in their own way, however, they differ in genotype.

Links

These beauties were born as a result of crossing Bengal breeds with Siamese cat breeds. Their body is completely white with small beige markings called points. The difference between the background and the pictures is almost invisible, however? the spots are quite pronounced.

This cat breed has blue eyes that turn ruby ​​when flashed. Lynx Point babies are born almost white and remain that way for a long time. Only after 75 days can faint manifestations of the spots be seen, however, only after a year the pattern will be quite noticeable. Lynxes not only have a brown tint to the tip of their tail and nose, but also the pads of their paws and the rims of their eyes.

Sepia

This type of cat appeared as a result of crossing Bengals and Burmese. Sepia are considered the darkest representatives among snow Bengals. Their body is not completely white, rather creamy. The fur is “decorated” with bright cinnamon-colored spots. In those sepia that have a solid color, the difference between the body and the spots is completely indistinguishable. Just like the Lynx, the tip of the tail and other parts of the body have a brown tint.

Minky

This type of cat has a Tonkinese color, which is also called “mink”. Many people call this type of animal marbled. It appeared as a result of crossing Siamese and Burmese breeds. At birth, kittens already have patterns on their bodies. The body is cream colored and has brown and dark orange markings. In all other respects, they are similar to other subspecies of Bengal cats. Their eyes can be blue, green, or with a golden tint.

Stages of a cat's life cycle

The life of any cat can be divided into several stages.

Infancy (from birth to six months)

The first six months of a baby’s life are the most significant and eventful. Ten days after birth, these are blind sucklings, whose whole world is concentrated in the warmth of the mother’s body and the nipple with milk.

By two months, kittens become quite independent, begin to feed on their own, and learn to use a litter box.

Until three or four months, the pets usually do not leave the nursery and the mother. From four to six, they resemble playful children on the cusp of adolescence.

Youth (from six months to two years)

In almost all breeds, by six months the kitten is at the beginning of puberty. Physically, he is already quite developed, almost independent.

Usually at one year the female is already able to give birth and feed kittens, although it is better if pregnancy occurs a little later, at least at 18 months. Cats mature more slowly - up to one and a half years, and in some breeds up to two or three years.

Youth (three to six years old)

Animals are considered conditionally young when they are between two and six years old. This age approximately corresponds to 20-40 years of a person. It is at the age of six that it is customary in nurseries to remove an animal from breeding.

But with good care, pets are active, healthy and capable of producing full-fledged offspring for much longer - at least up to seven to ten years.

Maturity (seven to ten years)

A cat from seven to ten years old is considered a mature individual. About the same as a person aged 40-55 years old. The animal is in the prime of life, behaves calmly and reservedly.

Older cats (eleven to fourteen years old)

From 11 to 14 years old, the cat is in old age, corresponding to human 55-70 years. If the pet does not suffer from any chronic diseases, then neither he nor the owner will have any special problems in life. Sleep time increases, whims in choosing food may appear, and there is no particular desire for outdoor games.

Old age (over fifteen years)

Pets over 15 years old can be considered 80 year olds. They are calm, unhurried, affectionate, need the attention and care of their owner, and express their devotion more clearly.

This division into age groups is very arbitrary. Many animals at 15 years old are still vigorous, playful and active. There is a known cat of the Nibelung breed that lived 36 years. She gave birth to and nursed her last kittens at 28. By the way, read about long-lived cats on our portal.

Dream Interpretation - Wounded Kitten

Hello, perhaps the kitten means something broken inside you. Some feelings. You decide to fix it. Perhaps it is about the vulnerable side, about the child inside you that you want to save. This may be opposed by the more mature side of you. Later, the “child” will occupy all the space of your soul. He will be healed by defeating your mature, passionate nature (cat - female passion, female essence). Front paws can mean inability to act, a difficult situation in which further forward movement is difficult or impossible. Or a kitten is some kind of person in need of help. At first you (the cat) will be angry with him, but then you will accept him. However, it can harm you. A cat can also mean another person, such as a friend. Or this person will take up all the space in your life, and you will have to change your social circle or get rid of some character traits. It is also possible that you will meet a person who will relieve you of loneliness. A more correct option, it seems to me, is this: the fact that you took a kitten (that is, a stray) into your home means that you integrated it into yourself, accepted its qualities and way of life. If you quit your job, then it may indicate that you yourself are becoming “homeless” - that is, you are changing the way of your life, depriving yourself of your usual environment. Broken paws then mean uncertainty in life, instability. Then the cat is a mature nature, accustomed to feeling independent - that is, a person who knows that he has a job and money, and is self-confident. At first you will be afraid of change, then you will accept it (changed color). Then, perhaps, new abilities will open up for you or new opportunities will appear (easily jumps and runs). A tabby kitten is a situation with positive and negative sides. You may be able to find some benefit in your situation. And you may even forget about your independence (the cat has disappeared) and start a new life. On the other hand, you may be able to take a new look at the world, but this situation will still bother you (look for a cat - that is, independence - work). The kitten jumps and runs briskly - you may also take action (look for work). You may feel a little dependent. Do you have relatives who can help you? Perhaps you should be a “kitten” for now until your inner “cat” returns? Good luck! Interpretation of dreams from the Dream Interpretation of the House of the Sun

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• Why cats love boxes and bags
• An expression of love or a way to relax: why do cats purr?
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• Worms in cats (helminthiasis)
• How to pet a cat correctly
• Why does a cat need a tail?
• How did cats originate?
• How can a cat's paw pads peel off?
• How long do cats sleep per day?

Why is the iris blue and the fur white?

A special pigment, melanocyte, or rather its quantity, is responsible for everything. The less of this “ingredient” in a cat’s iris, the more likely it is to be blue or cyan. A high content of the substance will color the iris brown or green.

Genetics played a big role in the phenomenon, but we will not delve into the jungle of the genetic code, but simply say: that the “blue-eyed” gene is paired with the gene for white coat coloring (W).

The latter, during intrauterine development, negatively affects the migration of special cells - melanoblasts - to the skin and organs of vision. In some cases, the substances do not have time to reach the hair follicles and iris in time, as a result of which the fur is not colored, and the eyes lack the very pigment responsible for color.

This is why snow-white cats, as well as animals with white spots on their coats, are most often born with blue eyes.

Dream Interpretation - Eyes

If anyone sees an eye on his hand, he will receive a certain amount of hard cash. If a poor person sees himself blind in a dream, he will be freed from the burdens of need. And if an important person, while traveling, sees himself blind in a dream, he should abandon that trip. If he continues on his way, he will not return from this journey back

If a person on a journey sees one extra eye in his dream, he will get lost, and if a person staying in one place sees such a dream, he should take great precautions to protect his property. If someone sees in a dream that he is rubbing his eyes with antimony, then he will work to educate himself in the truths of faith and will exalt himself in the eyes of people; if he sees antimony on his hand, he will receive property

Caring for white blue-eyed pets

Some owners are afraid to take a white cat into the house because of its brand of fur coat. There are indeed difficulties in caring for, but not so global as to give up on a small white lump. Any coat needs care, but light hair is especially important. After all, even a small spot can turn a luxurious beauty into an ordinary mess.

Some tips for caring for your white pet:

1. A white cat will need to be washed more often than darker-colored animals. To take water procedures, you should purchase special white coat care products. If your cat absolutely does not like to be washed, you can buy dry shampoo.
2. After taking a bath, the cat should be thoroughly dried with a hairdryer. Dirt sticks to dry wool much less.
3. To prevent tangles from forming on the fur, furry animals should be brushed daily.
4. If the house is dirty, this will immediately affect the appearance of the pet. In the area where a white cat lives, wet cleaning will have to be done more often.
5. If an animal has hearing problems, it should be closely monitored. To avoid trouble, deaf cats are not allowed to leave their homes. If the cat still wants to go outside, you will have to get a harness.
6. White cats are more susceptible to ultraviolet rays than their relatives. It is better to protect your pet from frequent exposure to the sun.
7. Cats with white fur often suffer from allergies. Therefore, you need to carefully monitor the diet of the blue-eyed blonde.

Since we had a white cat in our house, I can say a few things about caring for her. A cat is a mobile animal; it climbs into all hard-to-reach places and collects dust and dirt there. This is especially noticeable on a white fur coat. Therefore, cleaning had to be done almost every day. The most easily soiled areas of white animals are the muzzle, neck area and groin area. But snow whites are very clean and take excellent care of their appearance. If something happened, we bathed the animal and then dried it with a hairdryer. But, in my opinion, any cat needs to take water treatments from time to time, regardless of color. And we didn’t have any special problems with nutrition and separate care.

White cats with blue eyes have incredible magnetism and attractiveness. The captivating appearance of these beauties is combined with a flexible mind, gentle disposition and friendly character. The blue-eyed blonde will become not only a decoration of the house, but also a reliable, devoted friend to her owner.

Features of care

• The white color is very easily soiled and you will have to regularly care for the fur. You only need to comb it with soft brushes and bathe it with special shampoos. They are very sensitive to chemicals and may be susceptible to rashes, skin irritation or allergic reactions.
• Allergies can also arise when preparing a diet, so you will have to be careful when choosing food. Naturally, premium food is the most preferable, although it is more expensive.
• Sun protection should be mandatory. To do this, you do not need to put sunglasses and a cap on your pet, or apply sunscreen. Just don't let your kitty go for a walk in the sun.
• A gentle disposition, affection, tenderness of character and a need for affection indicate not only that your pet is devoted to you, but also that he is vulnerable. Be caring and affectionate with your white cats.
• Due to low immunity, you will need to visit the veterinarian quite often for check-ups. You should also take care of reliable insect protection for your pet. Since the delicate skin of a cat reacts painfully to bites.
• And again we return to deafness. It does not interfere with the normal development of the kitten, but requires caution from owners. Don't let your cat go outside alone, he won't hear the car approaching. Don't grab him from behind, you might scare him.

To read: Tibetan Shepherd: a luxurious giant from ancient times

Why do they say white cats are deaf?

Do you want to get a white cat, but have you heard somewhere that they are all deaf? Perhaps this is just a prejudice, but this information may well turn out to be reliable. Are all white cats really deaf, and if so, why?

As one of the greats said, “even the smallest cat is beautiful.” Some people like fluffy, healthy cats, while others are crazy about statue-like graceful cats whose skin is not covered with hair. But almost everyone who loves cats agrees that snow-white cats with blue eyes are among the most beautiful.

Unfortunately, there is a myth that white cats cannot hear anything. People believe that if a cat has beautiful white fur and light, bottomless eyes, then with almost one hundred percent probability this cat is deaf. Is it really?

Why do many people think that white cats are deaf?

The fact is that in snow-white cats and male cats, the epistatic gene W is dominant in the genotype. It is often confused with albinism, but in fact it is not the same thing at all. It is the presence of this gene that explains the fact that 2 out of 10 white cats actually cannot hear anything.

But this gene can, with a high degree of probability, appear in the genotype of red, black, and even tabby cats, and they can also turn out to be deaf. Moreover, this gene is passed from parent to offspring, so some of the kittens in such a litter may be deaf, regardless of their fur color. But albinism, which is in no way connected with deafness, is responsible for the white color of the coat.

How can you tell if a white cat can't hear?

If you still want to get yourself a white kitten, but are not ready to provide care for a deaf animal, then you need to determine whether the cat is deaf before you take it into your home. As a rule,

Source

The Canadian Sphynx often has a beautiful color - white with blue eyes or white with different eyes. But few people know about the genetics of this color. For example, such cats are often deaf, and cats with different eyes are white or completely deaf or deaf in the ear on which side the blue eye is. You also need to know that white blue-eyed or different-eyed cats cannot be mated with each other because... in this case, the kittens will most likely all be deaf. I’m not going to write the genetics and reasons myself, but here’s what I found on these topics on the Internet:

Many white, blue-eyed cats are born deaf, however, not all are born deaf. Many cats with different colored eyes - blue and yellow, brown or green and blue - are also prone to deafness.

The cause of deafness is a genetic defect. Each animal has two genes for each trait, one from the mother and one from the father. As for hearing, if the mother passes on the deafness gene and the father does not, then the deafness gene is dominant and the kitten is born deaf.

There is an organ in a cat's ear that converts sound waves into electrical impulses that travel to the brain as sound. With such a genetic defect, the organ responsible for converting sound waves begins to degrade at approximately 5 days of age. Since the ear canal of a normal kitten does not open until 6 to 14 days of age, a kitten with a similar genetic defect will not hear a single sound in its life.

The same gene affects a cat's eyes, reducing their ability to see at night, which negatively affects the cat's hunting abilities.

As with other deaf animals, deaf cats are prone to accidents, are more vocal, and can be more aggressive. Deaf cats require special care. They must remain indoors and cannot be released

Source

Albino mating

Due to various health problems, mating albinos is a very dubious idea. However, breeders often ignore possible diseases of future offspring and cross albinos with representatives of different breeds.

A mutation at the gene level is inherited only if both parents are carriers of the W gene. However, due to the rarity of such individuals, matings occur infrequently. Breeders do not recommend breeding two albinos: there is a high probability of offspring being born with numerous disabilities (hearing loss, vision loss, disorders of the musculoskeletal system, etc.).

Mating among albinos is not encouraged, but it is possible to breed an albino with ordinary cats

Mating with an ordinary cat is quite possible, since in this case, due to the recessiveness of the albinism gene, normal kittens with some color are born.

Degrees of albinism

This is the basis of true albinos, which are rare. Partial albinism, however, is much more common than you might think. One surprising thing I learned was that some members of the so-called "Oriental" cat family, including the Siamese, Burmese and Tonkinese, each get their distinctive "pointy" coloring from some sort of partial albino genetic heritage.

A colored coat is one in which the color tends to concentrate in certain areas. Color concentration is dependent on heat, with pigmentation developing in cooler areas while warmer areas remain much lighter in comparison. Colored cats, at least those that evolved from the Siamese, including the Thai cat, are born white and develop their color patterns as they age.

Siberian white cat

Nature itself was responsible for the creation of this breed, which determined the original character of Siberian cats and their unusual appearance. The dense coat of the breed is a response to the cold Siberian winters, which the dense undercoat allows them to cope with.

Representatives of the breed, who have lived for centuries in the harsh Siberian climate, now easily take root in apartments.

Conquering international exhibitions

The details of the birth of this wonderful breed are unknown. The world learned about Siberian white cats at the same time as the Turkish Angora - in the 16th century. Then these cats were free and independent. The domestication of furry hunters lasted for centuries. Exhibitions saw the breed only at the beginning of the twentieth century. Despite its instant popularity, the Siberian cat received official recognition only in 1990. Fortunately, up to this point, cat lovers around the world had long fallen in love with this species and were actively engaged in its selection.

The Siberian cat quickly gained success at exhibitions

Breed standard

The International Cat Association has approved the following breed standard.

Table 2. Siberian cat: breed standard

The white Siberian cat is a huge rarity. The quality of its exterior is indicated by the even tone of the coat without any inclusions. The most harmonious eye color is golden. There are also blue-eyed animals.

Siberian white cat with classic golden eyes

Do not forget that the coat requires systematic care, especially when it comes to impeccably white wool. Otherwise, your pet's coat may become dull and dirty over time. How to care for the fur of a Siberian cat and what tools to stock up on, read on.

Siberian cat fur care

Character

The basis of the character of the Siberian cat is hunting genes. In the pet's temperament, they are combined with some pride and arrogance, so it is as difficult to get bored with such a pet as it is to predict its next action. A minute ago the cat was digging a flower pot, and now it is closely looking out for prey, sitting on the refrigerator.

Unpredictability is the calling card of the Siberian breed

By the way, a love of heights is an integral feature of the Siberian cat. In the wild, representatives of the breed conquered trees, but in apartment conditions they are forced to conquer furniture heights. There is no point in weaning your cat off climbing. It’s better to try to find a compromise and buy a high scratching post for her.

Cuddling a white Siberian cat for hours will not work, as it prefers to keep its distance

Another important trait of the breed is respectfulness. The Siberian cat not only demands respect for itself, but also shows it. For her, her owners are part of the pack, so the cat unquestioningly observes subordination. These pets will not compulsively beg for food, but they will not allow themselves to be petted without a reason. By appointment only.

Breeds

British

A beauty with a soft velvety coat. The cat's body is strong, muscular, with powerful paws. The face has the characteristic “smile” of the Cheshire cat. The cat's ears are erect and rounded, so do not confuse it with the Scottish Fold cat.

These cats do not require special attention. The exception is daily brushing. This is more pleasant to do than sweeping balls of wool out of your apartment every day. Despite the thick undercoat, it is necessary to protect your pet from drafts.

The character of the animal is special. It loves its owner dearly, but can endure separation for a long time without giving the appearance of being sad. Does not favor children and other animals in the house, but does not conflict with them either. He treats strangers coldly, but will never rush to scratch or bite.

If a cat does not want to communicate, calling it and catching it by forcefully holding it is useless. A Briton can allow himself to be caressed only when he wants to. You can scold and punish a cat only at the moment of committing a “dirty deed”, otherwise it will not understand why they are so unmerciful to it. It is absolutely forbidden to beat purebred British women: the animal is vindictive and will definitely come up with revenge for you.

Maine Coon

Maine Coons are special cats. They are the largest and longest in the world, have fluffy long hair and a very thick undercoat that protects them from severe frosts. Maine Coons have especially good fluffy pants on their hind legs and a collar. The pets' tail is simply gorgeous - like a white fan. The cat's body is muscular, strong, with long powerful legs.

By nature, Maine Coons are very good-natured. They adore children and other animals living in the house, and are distinguished by canine fidelity and devotion to their owners. Cats are active, rush around the apartment with toys, climb onto all the tall cabinets.

Breeders of this breed say that the Maine Coon needs a “hole” and a “mountain”. This means that the cat must have his own house where he will relax, and a sports complex in the form of a scratching post with turrets of various heights on which he will jump.

Turkish Angora

Blondes of this breed look very elegant. They have a slender body with well-developed muscles, a graceful long neck and a wedge-shaped head proportional to the body. The fluffy tail of extraordinary beauty resembles the feather of a snow-white fairytale bird.

The animals are smart and easy-going, love solitude and peace, are not particularly playful and are not too “talkative”. Suitable for those people who lead a measured lifestyle, without fuss and haste. Angoras do not require complex care. They carefully clean up the mess, not allowing the wool to roll into tangles.

Foreign white

This is the only breed of short-haired cat that has only one color - white. Slender, long-legged, well-built cats are small in size. The maximum weight of the animal is about 5 kg. The fur coat can be boiling white, and the muzzle has a color like that of a Siamese cat - the progenitor of this breed.

Foreign Whites are cheerful, kind and funny animals. Full of tireless energy, they are ready to play all day long and, like a devoted dog, run after you around the house. The best place to rest them is on your knees, neck and shoulders. They love to have a heart-to-heart talk, especially if they have something to complain about.

Persian

Representatives of this breed are the fluffiest. The head, body, tail and paws are all covered with soft hair, the length of which can be almost 12 cm. The body of Persian cats is squat, small, and the legs are short. The weight of an average cat reaches 7 kg, and because of its fluffy fur coat, it looks like 15 kg.

Snow-white Persian beauties are trusting, inquisitive and calm. Vanity and endless noise are not for them. Persians prefer to spend time on your lap and are ready to relax on them for hours. Cats treat guests and children with indifference and do not fight with other animals living in the house.

Devon Rex

These are amazing cats with a long elongated body, graceful high paws and cute soft curls on the body. You want to grab this charming Devon in your arms and endlessly cherish him, stroking his snow-white curls. Devons are cheerful, good-natured, sociable and talkative. Their angelic look fully matches their beautiful character.

The animals are endowed with high intelligence: they carry out simple commands from their owner and are even able to fetch slippers. They are loyal and good friends to everyone who is close to them; they cannot stand loneliness and suffer when separated from their family.

Features of white blue-eyed cats

Owners of white cats note their extraordinary modesty and even shyness. Despite their bright appearance, these beauties are absolutely not arrogant or arrogant

They need increased attention and care from their owner. And if strangers often appear in the house, ask them to be as correct as possible and not to frighten your pet - she is suspicious and too vulnerable, and she absolutely does not need unnecessary stress

A white cat can be modest and even timid

Is it true that they are deaf?

The statement that all white blue-eyed cats, without exception, suffer from hearing loss is not true, although such cases are not uncommon. Research by genetic scientists, based on the extensive practice of various breed nurseries, states: a third of these cats do not have any hearing problems. Darwin also noted the connection between the deafness of cats and their white color and blue eyes.

The “culprit” of the deafness of a white cat is the influence of the dominant allele of the W gene, which at the early embryonic stage not only forms the white color of the kitten, but also blocks the growth of cells of the organ of Corti - the peripheral part of the auditory analyzer, its degeneration and becomes the root cause of the animal’s deafness. This is a rare case when one gene forms not one, but several traits - this phenomenon is called pleiotropy.

Even if the kitten can’t hear, he will definitely bring joy to your home.

You shouldn’t refuse to buy a kitten you like just because he can’t hear. But, of course, only if you do not plan to exhibit this animal or use it for breeding. Breeding work with deaf individuals is prohibited in all breeds. And responsible owners should give up the idea of ​​“getting kittens” from their deaf pet. It would be better to spay or neuter such an animal.

You should not keep a deaf cat on a walk, and if you walk with it, do so only on a leash. The risk of getting lost and dying for a deaf cat is very high, and this should always be kept in mind.

Proneness to diseases and other problems

Like all white animals, cats have very sensitive skin. They are prone to allergies and various dermatoses. Overly loving owners who now and then pamper their pet with a variety of “human” treats should remember this feature. Any food from the master's table is a definite taboo for cats in general, and even more so for white cats.

Here’s what you absolutely can’t treat them with “tasty”:

• sweets and fresh pastries;
• peppered, salted and seasoned with any spices;
• smoked, fried and pickled;
• sausage and cheese;
• chocolate;
• citrus fruits.

Sunbathing is not good for a white cat

The delicate skin of a white cat can also suffer from external unfavorable factors - for example, from drafts, frost or, conversely, heat - each breed has its own risk zone. But for all, without exception, “snow whites,” direct sunlight is dangerous. Protect your cat from them - a tan will definitely not be good for her

Severe dermatoses can also be caused by bites of various insects, so it is especially important to promptly treat white cats against all types of parasites.

These animals often have problems with bone tissue, which can cause the development of diseases of the musculoskeletal system and the dental system.

Veterinarian examinations should be regular

What are the differences between albino cats?

White cats with blue eyes are not albinos. Albinism is expressed in the absolute absence of pigment. Such cats not only have white fur, but also red eyes, and the skin under the fur is always painted pink. Blue eye color indicates that there is pigment - it colors the iris of the eye.

Both the eyes and skin of an albino cat are pink.

Albinos have the weakest immunity of all white cats. Drafts, hypothermia or overheating, contact with sick animals and other provoking factors are especially dangerous for them.

In addition, the nervous system of albinos is characterized by increased sensitivity, and this is important to take into account when creating conditions and a comfortable living regime for them.

A comfortable lifestyle is very important for an albino cat.

How to communicate with such a cat?

Of course, keeping deaf cats has its own characteristics. Owners will have to get used to the fact that much of the behavior of such animals will be unusual for them. They will never be able to successfully hunt birds. They won’t make hunters, because you can’t explain to a cat that a bird hears when someone is creeping up on it. This means you need to sneak up on her as quietly as possible.

Deafness in cats can bring them a lot of trouble, because they have to live in a world of hearing people and animals. Therefore, they need constant supervision. They do not need to be allowed outside alone, because they will not even hear a dog or other animal approaching them, which can greatly frighten them. It is even more dangerous to let such cats out onto the street where cars drive. Without hearing the car signal, the cat will not have time to jump away in time and may fall under the wheels.

Despite their peculiarity, white cats have a wonderful cat character. Most of them:

• gentle and affectionate;
• love to communicate (although their communication is of a slightly different nature);
• sensitive;
• They quickly get used to their owner and are devoted to him (although they will play with other family members with no less pleasure).

But their excessive sensitivity may cause them to become afraid of strangers.

Keeping white cats includes grooming their coat, as stains and dirt are especially noticeable on a white background. You will have to accustom the animal to taking baths. Let him know that this is necessary. After this procedure, be sure to treat the cat to something tasty that he especially loves.

In nature, such animals are very noticeable, which sometimes poses a threat to their life. Don't let cats walk alone, they simply cannot survive without people. Especially if the animal is deaf. If you see an “ownerless” white cat on the street, take it in and try to find the owner. She must have gotten lost.

If you understand that you can solve all these problems, feel free to make such a friend.

Why are cats with white coats and blue eyes often deaf?

With the combination of white fur and blue eyes, 45% of cats experience severe hearing loss, and 5% are completely deaf.

This is due to the fact that the gene that is responsible for the color combination often disrupts the process of proper formation of the hearing organs.

Cats' sense of smell, touch, and taste are not affected. The animal easily adapts to life without sounds and navigates by vibrations. Because of this, some owners may not understand that the pet cannot hear in one ear or is completely deaf.

With the combination of white fur and blue eyes, 45% of cats experience severe hearing loss

When selling, the breeder must provide the buyer with a veterinary opinion regarding the condition of the animal’s auditory system. The absence of a document indicates the seller’s dishonesty.

In purebred pets, the risk of deafness is higher than in domestic ones, since in the former, during breeding, the genetic fund was somewhat disturbed by selection, aimed primarily at exterior rather than health.

Albino health

The health of albino cats is more fragile than that of normal cats. For example, snow-white pets are more at risk than others of catching a cold or getting allergies. Therefore, walks on the windowsill in winter will have to be limited so that the cat does not catch a cold. In addition, the eyes, ears and tip of the nose of albinos are very sensitive to sunlight: even a short stay in the sun can cause burns.

The immune system

The immunity of albinos is very weak. The slightest draft can cause a cold. Therefore, albino cats are usually not kept with other animals to avoid the possibility of contracting an infection. Snow-white pets must be vaccinated in a timely manner (as prescribed by a veterinarian) in order to maintain their fragile health.

Hearing and vision

As mentioned above, albinism (that is, a pronounced W gene) often leads to absolute deafness of the animal. This is due to the fact that the gene suppresses not only the production of melanin, but is also associated with the functioning of some internal organs. There are frequent cases of the birth of completely blind kittens, which even with age have not acquired the ability to see.

Therefore, the owner of the albino needs to check in advance whether the kitten has problems with hearing and vision. The hearing test is carried out as follows: you need to move some distance from the animal and clap your hands loudly or use some object to make a sharp noise. A kitten, if it is not deaf, will definitely turn its head towards the source of noise or begin to twitch its ears. You can test your eyesight with any cat toy: even the smallest kittens will happily look after a feathered wand or a wind-up mouse and try to catch it.

A kitten with normal vision will definitely follow the toy

Musculoskeletal system

Due to DNA abnormalities, snow white cats often suffer from various diseases associated with the musculoskeletal system. It is important to periodically (as prescribed by a veterinarian) undergo the necessary examinations in order to avoid diseases in your pet that may be associated with disorders in cartilage and bone tissues. Because of this, problems with teeth/claws may also occur.