Albino Cat vs White Cat: Key Differences, Health Issues & Care
Have you ever looked at a pure white cat and wondered, “Is this an albino cat?” You are not alone. Many cat owners see a snow-white coat with no markings and immediately assume the cat must be albino. But that is not always true. A completely white cat usually falls into one of two categories. One is a normal white cat whose true coat color is simply hidden by genetics. The other is a true albino cat, a rare cat born with a complete lack of melanin. They may look similar at first glance, but their genes, body structure, health risks, and daily care needs are very different. This guide breaks down what an albino cat really is, how to tell an albino cat vs. white cat apart, the most common albino cat health problems, and how to care for these rare and delicate cats properly. What Is an Albino Cat? The genetic cause of albinism in cats An albino cat is born with a congenital genetic condition caused by an autosomal recessive gene mutation. The main issue is a lack of tyrosinase, an enzyme animals need to produce melanin. Melanin is not only responsible for coat color. It also