The white British Shorthair is one of the most striking varieties in the breed — a pure, bright white coat combined with the rounded, plush type of the British Shorthair makes for a genuinely impressive cat. Whether with deep copper eyes, vivid blue eyes, or the dramatic odd-eyed combination of one of each, a well-bred white British Shorthair has a quality that photographs cannot quite capture.
White is also one of the more genetically complex British Shorthair colours, and there is an important health consideration that every buyer needs to understand before choosing a white kitten. This guide covers all of it — the genetics, the appearance, the health implications, and how to find a well-bred white British Shorthair from a responsible breeder.
What Makes a British Shorthair White?
White British Shorthairs carry a dominant white gene (W), which is quite different from the way other coat colours are produced. The W gene does not create white pigment — it masks whatever underlying coat colour the cat carries entirely. A white British Shorthair could be carrying blue, black, chocolate, or any other colour underneath, and the white masking gene prevents any of it from being expressed in the coat.
This has two important implications:
For breeders: A white British Shorthair’s underlying colour is relevant to breeding, because when that cat is paired with another, the hidden colour can be passed to kittens who do not carry the white gene and will therefore express it. Responsible breeders know the underlying colour of their white cats and factor it into their breeding programme.
For health: The dominant white gene has a known association with congenital deafness, particularly in cats with blue eyes. This is not unique to British Shorthairs — it is a well-documented genetic link in cats generally. The cochlear cells responsible for hearing require melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) to develop correctly, and the W gene that masks pigment in the coat can also affect these cells in the inner ear.
White British Shorthair Eye Colours
One of the most distinctive things about white British Shorthairs is the variety of eye colours recognised by the GCCF:
Deep orange or copper: The same eye colour standard as most solid British Shorthairs. A white cat with rich copper eyes is a classic and striking combination.
Blue: Deep, vivid blue eyes in a white coat produce one of the most glamorous looks in the breed — but this combination carries the highest risk of congenital deafness. Not all blue-eyed whites are deaf; not all deaf white cats have blue eyes; but the correlation is strong enough that responsible breeders test every blue-eyed white kitten before placing it in a home.
Odd-eyed: One blue eye and one orange or copper eye. Odd-eyed whites are fully recognised by the GCCF and are often particularly sought after. Typically, odd-eyed whites are deaf on the blue-eyed side only — the orange-eyed side usually has normal hearing. As with blue-eyed whites, responsible breeders test hearing before placing kittens.
Green: Less common in British Shorthairs, but occasionally seen.
The GCCF recognises all of these eye colours in white British Shorthairs. In the show ring, depth and clarity of eye colour are important — pale or washed-out eyes are faulted.
White British Shorthair and Deafness: What Buyers Need to Know
This is the most important section of this guide for any buyer considering a white British Shorthair, and it deserves plain, direct information.
The link between white coats, blue eyes, and deafness in cats is well established. It is caused by the same W gene that produces the white coat. When the W gene affects pigment-producing cells in the inner ear during development, the result is degeneration of the cochlea and permanent, irreversible deafness — typically in one or both ears.
The key facts:
- Not all white British Shorthairs are deaf — those with orange or copper eyes are at much lower risk
- Blue-eyed white cats have the highest risk of deafness
- Odd-eyed whites are often deaf on the blue-eyed side only
- Deafness caused by the W gene is congenital — present from birth — and cannot be treated or reversed
- Responsible breeders test all white kittens using a BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) test before homing them
A deaf cat can live an excellent, full life — many deaf cats are confident, happy, and form strong bonds with their owners. But buyers deserve to know before they commit to a kitten, and responsible breeders provide BAER test results as standard for all white kittens.
If a breeder selling white British Shorthair kittens cannot provide BAER test results, that is a serious concern. Always ask.
White British Shorthair Appearance
Coat: Pure, bright white — no cream, yellow, or grey tinting anywhere. The coat should be the same dense, plush, crisp texture as any well-bred British Shorthair. White cats can look dingy if their diet is poor or if the coat is not well maintained — a genuinely white British Shorthair in good condition is a clean, bright, pristine white.
Eyes: Deep orange/copper, deep blue, or odd-eyed (one of each). All are recognised. Eye depth and clarity matter — pale eyes are penalised in the show ring.
Body: The full, compact, rounded British Shorthair type. Broad head with full cheeks, strong chin, short nose. Dense plush coat. Males typically 5–8 kg; females 3.5–5.5 kg.
Skin and nose leather: White British Shorthairs have pink skin and pink nose leather. This means they can be susceptible to sunburn on exposed areas — ears and nose in particular. Keeping them out of direct strong sunlight, particularly in summer, is sensible preventive care.
White British Shorthair Temperament
Coat colour does not affect temperament. The white British Shorthair has the same calm, steady, affectionate character as any other colour variety.
British Shorthairs are adaptable, quiet, and independently affectionate. They suit a wide range of households — families, single owners, flat living, households with other pets. They are not demanding or highly vocal. They choose when to seek attention and are comfortable in their own company when needed.
It is worth noting that deaf white British Shorthairs may startle more easily than hearing cats — they cannot hear you approaching, and a surprised cat can react defensively. This is easy to manage with a little awareness: approach from in front, let the cat see you coming, and use vibration (a tap on the floor nearby) as a signal rather than a sound. Deaf cats bond strongly with their owners and communicate effectively using visual and tactile cues.
For a full overview of British Shorthair character, see our British Shorthair personality guide.
White British Shorthair Health
Congenital deafness: As covered above — the most important health consideration specific to white British Shorthairs. BAER testing of all white kittens before homing is essential, and responsible breeders provide the results.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): Annual cardiac echo screening of breeding cats is standard practice. Ask for dated results for both parents.
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): DNA test available; results should be clear for both parents.
Sun sensitivity: The lack of pigmentation in white cats means the skin and ears are more susceptible to sunburn and UV damage. Prolonged sun exposure should be avoided, particularly in summer. In cats that spend time outdoors, the tips of the ears are the area most at risk.
For a full breakdown of inherited conditions in the breed, visit our British Shorthair health guide.
Buying a White British Shorthair in the UK
White British Shorthairs are less commonly bred than blue or black, but more available than the rarer recessive colours. The white gene is dominant, so a white cat paired with almost any other colour can produce white kittens — which means white offspring can appear in a relatively broad range of breeding programmes.
What to look for:
- GCCF registration papers — essential
- HCM cardiac echo results for both parents — current and dated
- PKD DNA test results — clear for both parents
- BAER hearing test results for any white kitten — non-negotiable
- Kittens raised in a home environment, socialised from birth
- A breeder who can discuss the underlying colour of their white cats and understands the genetics
Price: White British Shorthair kittens typically range from £900 to £1,600 from a reputable breeder. Odd-eyed whites are often priced higher due to demand. Prices significantly below this range should prompt careful questions about health testing and BAER results specifically.
To find GCCF-registered British Shorthair breeders in the UK, use our Find a Breeder directory.
White British Shorthair FAQs
Are all white British Shorthairs deaf?
No. White British Shorthairs with orange or copper eyes are at low risk of deafness. Blue-eyed whites have the highest risk; odd-eyed whites are often deaf on the blue-eyed side only. BAER testing before homing is the only reliable way to know.
Can a deaf British Shorthair live a normal life?
Yes, absolutely. Deaf cats adapt well to their situation and often live full, confident lives. They should be kept as indoor cats or in a safely enclosed outdoor space, as they cannot hear approaching dangers. With appropriate management, a deaf white British Shorthair is a wonderful companion.
What is the difference between a white British Shorthair and an albino cat?
They are different. An albino cat carries a different gene (the C locus) that prevents all pigment production, resulting in a very pale pinkish-white coat and pink or pale blue eyes. The dominant white gene in British Shorthairs masks a coloured coat — it is not true albinism. White British Shorthairs have normally pigmented eyes, unlike true albinos.
Do white British Shorthairs need special grooming?
Not more than any other British Shorthair — the plush, dense coat benefits from regular brushing to remove loose hair and maintain condition. White cats can be more susceptible to staining (grass, tears, food) simply because any discolouration is more visible, so a little extra attention to cleanliness keeps them looking their best.
How do I find a white British Shorthair with odd eyes?
Odd-eyed whites are produced when a white cat carries the orange gene on one chromosome — a combination that is not easy to predict reliably. The best approach is to find breeders who have produced odd-eyed cats in previous litters and join their waiting list. Good breeders will be upfront about how frequently odd-eyed kittens appear in their programme.
Is a White British Shorthair Right for You?
If you are drawn to the pure, striking look of a white British Shorthair and you are willing to do the homework — asking about BAER testing, understanding the deafness considerations, and taking the time to find a genuinely reputable breeder — this is a beautiful and rewarding cat to own.
The health consideration around deafness is real but manageable. The key is being informed before you commit, choosing a breeder who tests as standard, and being prepared for the slightly different management a deaf cat requires if that is what you end up with.
A well-bred white British Shorthair from a responsible, health-testing breeder is one of the most eye-catching pedigree cats in the UK. Approached with the right information, it is also one of the most rewarding.
Explore the full range of British Shorthair colours, or find a registered breeder through our Find a Breeder directory.