Finding a totally white cat can be rare, but finding an albino cat is even rarer than that. Being white isn’t what makes a cat albino (so if you have a white cat you thought may be albino, chances are they aren’t).

But what’s the difference between an albino cat and a white one? Some of them look similar at first glance but look closer, and you’ll notice minute differences. The biggest difference between these two felines, though, is albinism is caused by a genetic alteration that makes these kitties different from all the rest—including white cats.

Here’s what to know about albino cats and why they aren’t the same as white cats.

What Is an Albino Cat?

An albino cat is one with a hereditary genetic disorder that has caused them to lack pigmentation in the eyes, fur, and skin. This genetic disorder is caused by mutations in the tyrosinase (TYR) genes, or the genes that produce enzymes responsible for creating melanin. So, with this genetic mutation, cats don’t have enough melanin to have anything but white fur, pinkish skin, and pinkish or incredibly pale blue eyes.

To be an albino cat, a feline must have inherited a copy of this mutation from each of their parents. This is because this genetic disorder has an autosomal recessive nature; only inheriting the gene from one parent wouldn’t be enough to make the offspring albino.

How Do White Cats Differ From Albino Cats?

As previously stated, the most significant difference between white and albino cats is that albino kitties have a genetic mutation. White cats, on the other hand, have their color due to a dominant W gene; this gene is known as one that masks or “hides” all the other possible coat color or pattern genes in a feline, resulting in a white coat. So, both types of felines look the way they look because of genetics, but the genes involved are entirely different.

What else differs? Their eye color, for one. Albino cats will always have eyes that look pinkish or the palest of blues due to their lack of pigmentation. White cats, though, can have eyes that are green, blue, orange, yellow, or even heterochromatic.

Another difference is the skin color of albino and white cats. Where albino cats have pink skin, white cats merely have pale skin (like some humans). So, if you aren’t sure whether you have a white or albino cat on your hands, check to see what the color of their skin is.

Finally, albino cats can have more health issues than white cats, which we’ll discuss below.

What Health Issues Do Albino Cats Face?

Having a lack of pigmentation means albino cats are more likely to have health issues that other cat breeds suffer from less often.

The first is sensitivity to the sun. Because of their paleness, albino cats are much more susceptible to sunburn, skin cancer, and other skin damage if they stay in the sun for a long time. If you have one of these kitties, they should be kept inside; if they must go outside, they should stay in shaded areas.

Too much sunlight could harm an albino cat’s eyes, too; in fact, too much of any light could cause issues as these felines tend to be incredibly sensitive to light. Albino cats may also suffer from nystagmus or involuntary eye movements; nystagmus can cause vision problems, so if you have an albino kitty, make sure their vet is giving them regular eye exams!

Finally, melanin plays a role in keeping the immune system healthy, so without it, the immune system may be weaker. A weaker immune system puts albino cats at a higher risk for general health issues, so these cats may experience more sickness and illness than feline breeds with melanin.

Albino Cat Care

Caring for an albino cat is a little different than caring for a white cat, too.

Though white cats can be more susceptible to sunburns, they aren’t nearly as sensitive to the sun as albino cats. Albino cats should always be kept indoors, or if taken outside, should stay entirely in shaded areas lest they suffer skin damage. White cats shouldn’t be out in the sun too often either, but they, at least, can spend a little time in the sun without too much risk.

Because albino cats are at higher risk of health issues due to a weaker immune system and eye problems, they may need to visit the vet more often, even for routine care. Because they’re higher risk, you want to ensure your cat is well-monitored for eye and health issues.

Finally, these cats may need more help staying healthy via supplements and medication. Depending on their eye and skin health, you may find yourself regularly investing in eye medication or skin creams to help keep them protected. Your vet may also prescribe your kitty vitamins and supplements to help counteract their weaker immune system.

So, the differences between caring for an albino cat and a white cat aren’t huge, but they are there.

Final Thoughts

Albino and white cats aren’t the same, even though they can look incredibly similar at first glance. Albino cats have a genetic mutation that causes a lack of melanin, while white cats have a gene that overrides all other coat color genes to produce their white coat. This difference between the two may seem minute, but these genetic differences make the two felines very different regarding characteristics and health issues.

If you’re unsure if your white cat is albino, check the color of their skin. If they have pink skin, they have albinism; if their skin is pale, they are simply a white cat.

Related Reads: 

• My Cat’s Fur is Changing Color: Vet-Approved Reasons for Coat Changes
• When Do Kittens’ Eyes Change Color? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Featured Image Credit: Visionlabs, Shutterstock