White Maine Coon Cats: Blue Eyes, Deafness, Genetics and Care

A white Maine Coon combines the breed’s large frame, shaggy coat, tufted ears, and flowing tail with a completely white appearance. Some have vivid blue eyes, while others have green, gold, copper, or one eye of each color.

Their striking appearance also creates plenty of confusion. Are white Maine Coons albino? Are they always deaf? Does a blue-eyed white Maine Coon have poor eyesight? Are they rarer, larger, or more expensive than other Maine Coons?

I have never owned a white Maine Coon. Pippin, Bali, and Mika have all been tabbies. Since I cannot offer first-hand experience of living with this cat coloring, the genetics and health information in this guide is based on veterinary research, university genetics resources, and official cat-registry standards.

White Maine Coon Quick Facts

Feature	White Maine Coon
Registered color	Solid white
CFA coat description	Pure, glistening white
Nose and paw pads	Pink under the CFA standard
Possible eye colors	Green, gold, green-gold, copper, blue, or odd eyes
Usually albino?	No
Deafness risk	Higher than in colored cats
Do blue eyes prove deafness?	No
Does white fur cause blindness?	No established association
Personality	Individual; not determined by color
Size	Comparable to other Maine Coons
Main color-specific care	Hearing verification and sun protection

Is White An Official Maine Coon Color?

White is a recognized Maine Coon color.

The Cat Fanciers’ Association Maine Coon standard describes the ideal coat as pure, glistening white, with pink nose leather and pink paw pads. CFA permits green, gold, green-gold, and copper eyes, while white Maine Coons may also have blue or odd-colored eyes.

The International Cat Association’s Maine Coon profile also lists white among the breed’s solid colors and permits blue or odd eyes in white and particolor Maine Coons.

A solid-white Maine Coon should not be confused with:

• Silver tabby
• Shaded silver
• Chinchilla or shell silver
• Smoke
• Cream
• A colored Maine Coon with extensive white spotting

Silver and smoke cats still have pigmented hairs, even when the coat looks extremely pale. A true solid-white Maine Coon has no visible colored markings across its adult coat.

Our complete Maine Coon colors and patterns guide explains how solid white differs from silver, smoke, shaded, tabby, and “with white” coats.

What Makes A Maine Coon Completely White?

In many white cats, the appearance is caused by a dominant-white genetic variant associated with the KIT gene.

The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory explains that one or two copies of its tested dominant-white allele can produce a completely white cat, regardless of the animal’s other coat-color genes.

A white Maine Coon still has an underlying genetic color and pattern. The dominant-white effect simply prevents that pigmentation from being visible in the fur.

Beneath the white appearance, the cat might genetically be:

• Black
• Blue
• Red
• Cream
• Brown tabby
• Silver tabby
• Tortoiseshell
• Another accepted Maine Coon color or pattern

This hidden color can become relevant in breeding because a white parent may produce colored kittens, depending on the genes inherited from both parents.

Dominant white versus white spotting

Dominant white and white spotting are related pigmentation effects, but they do not look the same.

Dominant white generally produces a completely white cat. White spotting produces defined areas of white on an otherwise colored coat, ranging from a small chest patch to a mostly white bicolor or van pattern.

Genetic testing can help breeders distinguish dominant white from white spotting when appearance or inheritance is unclear.

Are White Maine Coons Albino?

Most white Maine Coons are not albino.

A dominant-white cat appears white because its underlying coat color is masked. Albinism is a separate inherited condition that affects melanin production.

According to the UC Davis feline albinism resource, the tested feline albino mutation occurs in the TYR gene and is inherited as an autosomal-recessive trait. UC Davis describes the mutation as extremely rare: among 9,229 tested cats, only four were positive.

A white Maine Coon with blue eyes, a pink nose, and pink paw pads is therefore not automatically albino. Those features can also be completely normal in a dominant-white cat.

Where the cause of a blue-eyed white coat is uncertain, UC Davis recommends testing for dominant white and white spotting before considering the much rarer albinism test.

What Eye Colors Can White Maine Coons Have?

White Maine Coons may have:

• Blue eyes
• Green eyes
• Gold eyes
• Green-gold eyes
• Copper eyes
• Odd-colored eyes

An odd-eyed Maine Coon has two differently colored irises, often one blue eye and one green, gold, or copper eye. This is known as heterochromia.

Both the CFA Maine Coon standard and the TICA breed profile permit blue and odd-colored eyes in white Maine Coons.

Eye color can alter the statistical risk of deafness, but it cannot tell you whether an individual cat can hear.

Our guide to Maine Coon heterochromia explains why pigment may be distributed differently between the two eyes.

Are White Maine Coons Deaf?

Some are deaf, but many hear normally.

White cats have a higher risk of congenital sensorineural deafness, particularly when one or both eyes are blue. Hearing loss may affect one ear or both.

The Cornell Feline Health Center summarizes research suggesting that:

• Approximately 17-22% of white cats with no blue eyes are born deaf
• Approximately 40% of white cats with one blue eye are deaf
• Approximately 65-85% of all-white cats with two blue eyes are deaf

Some affected cats are deaf in only one ear. These figures relate to white cats generally. They should not be presented as exact probabilities for every Maine Coon population, breeder, or bloodline. Published results vary substantially between study groups.

A 2019 UK study of client-owned purebred kittens found congenital sensorineural deafness in 30.3% of the solid-white kittens tested.

A later 2022 study of 72 purebred white cats found an overall prevalence of 16.7%. That study did not find a statistically significant association between deafness and a particular breed within its sample.

The practical conclusion is not that every white Maine Coon is likely to be deaf. It is that hearing should be tested objectively rather than guessed from appearance or behavior.

Why can white coloring affect hearing?

Pigment-producing cells called melanocytes are involved in more than coat and eye color. They also contribute to normal inner-ear development.

In some white cats, abnormal development or loss of these cells within the inner ear causes degeneration of hearing structures shortly after birth. The resulting deafness is permanent and may affect one or both ears.

UC Davis notes that dominant white is genetically distinct from albinism and that varying degrees of hearing impairment can occur among cats carrying dominant-white variants.

Can You Tell Whether A White Maine Coon Is Deaf At Home?

You cannot reliably diagnose hearing by clapping, calling the kitten, or making another loud noise.

A deaf cat may react to:

• Floor vibrations
• Air movement
• Another animal’s response
• A person entering its field of vision
• Changes in light
• Movement of nearby objects

A cat deaf in only one ear may behave almost normally, making unilateral hearing loss especially easy to miss.

Possible warning signs include:

• Sleeping through loud noises
• Failing to respond when approached from behind
• Becoming startled when touched
• Meowing unusually loudly
• Struggling to locate the source of a sound
• Watching other pets for cues
• Responding to vibrations rather than voices

These signs may justify veterinary assessment, but they cannot confirm which ear hears normally.

BAER And OAE Hearing Tests

A BAER test, or brainstem auditory evoked response test, records electrical activity along the hearing pathway after sound is delivered to each ear.

It can determine whether a cat:

• Hears normally in both ears
• Is deaf in the left ear
• Is deaf in the right ear
• Is deaf in both ears

An OAE test, or otoacoustic emissions test, is another objective method of assessing hearing function.

The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy requires any white cat used for breeding to have a BAER or OAE certificate showing freedom from unilateral and bilateral deafness before its offspring can be registered on the active register.

GCCF also advises that tested cats should be microchipped, with the number recorded on the hearing-test result and veterinary record. Sellers must advise prospective buyers in writing that white cats may be deaf in one or both ears.

Even if a kitten is being sold solely as a pet, an individual hearing certificate is valuable. It removes uncertainty and tells the new owner whether any safety adaptations will be needed.

Ask to see the original result and make sure its microchip number matches the kitten.

Can A Deaf White Maine Coon Live A Good Life?

A deaf Maine Coon can live a happy, affectionate, active life. The principal concern is safety. A deaf cat cannot hear approaching vehicles, dogs, people, or other hazards.

Cornell advises keeping deaf cats away from situations where their safety depends on hearing, including unrestricted outdoor access.

Helpful adjustments include:

• Keeping the cat indoors or providing a secure catio
• Approaching from the front rather than behind
• Avoiding sudden touch while the cat sleeps
• Using consistent hand signals
• Flicking a light briefly to attract attention
• Creating gentle floor vibrations before approaching
• Teaching children not to startle the cat
• Securing doors, windows, balconies, and garden access
• Using identification stating that the cat is deaf
• Maintaining predictable household routines

A deaf cat may vocalize more loudly because it cannot hear its own voice normally. This is not necessarily a sign of distress.

For safe indoor stimulation, see our guide to keeping a Maine Coon entertained.

Are Blue-Eyed White Maine Coons Blind?

Blue-eyed white cats are not inherently more prone to blindness. Cornell specifically states that blue-eyed white cats are not more susceptible to hereditary or acquired blindness than other cats. The established color-linked concern is deafness, not blindness.

Any Maine Coon can still develop an unrelated eye problem. Contact a veterinarian if you notice:

• Squinting
• Redness
• Cloudiness
• Persistent discharge
• Unequal pupils
• Swelling
• Light sensitivity
• Repeated eye rubbing
• Difficulty navigating

White facial fur may make tear staining or discharge easier to notice, but persistent staining should not automatically be dismissed as cosmetic.

Our Maine Coon eye guide explains common symptoms and when veterinary attention is needed.

Sunburn And Skin-Cancer Risk

White Maine Coons have less protective pigment in pale areas of skin, particularly where the hair is thin. The most vulnerable areas include:

• Ear tips
• Nose
• Eyelids
• Lips
• Skin between the eyes and ears

The MSD Veterinary Manual states that feline solar dermatitis occurs most often in white cats or cats with white ears following chronic sun exposure.

Early signs may include redness, scaling, crusting, or roughened ear tips. Continued damage may lead to ulceration and can progress to squamous cell carcinoma.

To reduce the risk:

• Limit exposure to intense midday sunlight
• Provide shaded resting areas
• Move beds away from prolonged direct sun
• Consider UV-filtering window film
• Use a shaded, enclosed catio rather than unrestricted outdoor access
• Check pale ear tips and the nose regularly
• Ask a veterinarian before applying sunscreen

Do not use human sunscreen without veterinary advice. Ingredients safe for people may be unsuitable if a cat licks them.

Seek veterinary care for any persistent red, crusted, bleeding, or ulcerated area.

Do White Maine Coons Have Different Personalities Or Sizes?

There is no reliable evidence that white coloring creates a particular personality or makes a Maine Coon larger.

The TICA Maine Coon profile describes the breed generally as social, friendly, playful, and interested in family activities. Individual temperament still depends on genetics, early socialization, health, handling, environment, and previous experiences.

A white Maine Coon may be confident, cautious, affectionate, independent, vocal, or quiet. Color cannot guarantee any of these traits. Likewise, adult size is influenced by sex, family line, nutrition, health, and individual development – not by whether the coat is white.

Read our Maine Coon personality guide and Maine Coon size and growth guide for more detailed breed information.

Grooming A White Maine Coon

A white Maine Coon needs the same essential coat care as another Maine Coon with a similar coat texture.

Regularly comb areas prone to tangles, including the:

• Armpits
• Chest
• Belly
• Hind legs
• Neck ruff
• Base of the tail

White fur simply makes dirt and staining more visible. Owners may notice:

• Tear staining
• Food residue
• Litter dust
• Saliva staining
• Grease around the chin
• Urine or fecal staining around the hindquarters

Do not use bleach, peroxide, human whitening shampoo, or harsh stain removers.

Persistent discoloration can indicate a health or mobility problem rather than a cosmetic issue. Facial staining may accompany eye discharge, chin staining may occur with feline acne, and hindquarter staining can result from diarrhea, urinary leakage, obesity, arthritis, or difficulty grooming.

Our complete Maine Coon grooming guide covers brushing, bathing, mat prevention, claws, ears, teeth, and coat care.

Are White Maine Coons Rare Or More Expensive?

White Maine Coons are less commonly seen than the brown-tabby appearance traditionally associated with the breed. However, there is no reliable worldwide registry dataset proving exactly what percentage of Maine Coons are white.

Claims such as “only 5% of Maine Coons are white” should be treated cautiously unless the source identifies a real population and explains how the figure was calculated.

Availability varies according to:

• Country
• Registry
• Breeding program
• Bloodline
• Local demand
• Time period

White is an accepted color, not a separate breed or official rarity classification.

There is also no standard white Maine Coon price. A breeder may charge more where white kittens, blue eyes, or odd eyes are in high demand, but unusual coloring does not make a kitten healthier or better bred.

Price is more meaningfully affected by:

• Location
• Breeder reputation
• Registration and pedigree
• Health screening
• Veterinary care
• Vaccinations and microchipping
• Neutering arrangements
• Show or breeding rights
• Transport
• Supply and demand

A blue-eyed or odd-eyed kitten should not command a premium unless the breeder can also provide appropriate hearing and breed-health documentation.

See our guide to Maine Coon kitten prices before comparing advertisements.

Questions To Ask A White Maine Coon Breeder

Color should never be the priority when choosing a breeder.

Ask:

1. Has this individual kitten had a BAER or OAE hearing test?
2. Can I see the original certificate?
3. Does its microchip number match the kitten?
4. Does the kitten hear normally in both ears?
5. Have the parents received appropriate HCM screening?
6. Have hip assessments and relevant DNA tests been completed?
7. Is the kitten registered with a recognized registry?
8. Will I receive a pedigree, contract, and veterinary records?
9. How has the kitten been socialized?
10. What support is available after purchase?

A responsible breeder should not:

• Claim that every blue-eyed white kitten hears normally
• Assess hearing only by clapping
• Refuse to provide test documentation
• Prioritize eye color over health
• Use the word “rare” to distract from missing screening
• Sell an untested kitten as definitely hearing

White coloring does not replace the usual Maine Coon health considerations. Breeding cats should still be screened appropriately for conditions affecting the breed.

Our Maine Coon health guide explains the principal health concerns, while our guide to buying a Maine Coon covers breeder verification, contracts, registration, deposits, and common warning signs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all white Maine Coons deaf?

No. Many hear normally. However, congenital deafness is more common in white cats, particularly those with one or two blue eyes. A BAER or OAE test is the best way to confirm hearing in each ear.

Are blue-eyed white Maine Coons always deaf?

Blue eyes increase the statistical risk but do not diagnose deafness. A blue-eyed white Maine Coon may hear normally, be deaf in one ear, or be deaf in both ears.

Are white Maine Coons albino?

Usually not. Most solid-white Maine Coons are white because dominant-white genetics mask their underlying color. True feline albinism is separate and extremely rare.

Can a white Maine Coon have green or gold eyes?

Yes. White Maine Coons may have green, gold, green-gold, copper, blue, or odd-colored eyes.

Are white Maine Coons blind?

White fur and blue eyes do not create a known general predisposition to blindness. The important inherited association is with deafness.

Should every white Maine Coon kitten be hearing tested?

An individual BAER or OAE result is the clearest way to establish whether both ears hear normally. Testing is essential for responsible breeding and highly valuable to pet buyers.

Can a deaf Maine Coon live happily?

Deaf cats can thrive with indoor living, visual and vibration-based communication, predictable routines, and protection from hazards they cannot hear.

Are white Maine Coons more expensive?

They may be marketed at a premium where demand is high, but there is no standard color-based price. Health testing, pedigree, welfare, and responsible breeding matter far more than coat or eye color.

Final Thoughts

White Maine Coons are striking, but their appearance should be understood accurately. Their coat is usually produced by dominant-white genetics that conceal an underlying color and pattern. They are generally not albino, and their eyes may be blue, green, gold, copper, or odd-colored.

The main color-associated health consideration is congenital deafness.

Not every white Maine Coon is deaf, and blue eyes do not prove hearing loss. Equally, apparently normal behavior cannot reliably rule out deafness in one ear. A documented BAER or OAE result provides far more useful information than assumptions based on appearance.

White Maine Coons also need protection from prolonged strong sunlight because nonpigmented skin (particularly around the ears, nose, and eyelids) is more vulnerable to solar damage.

I have not yet owned a white Maine Coon, so I cannot honestly present this as a personal account of living with one. Pippin, Bali, and Mika have all been tabbies.

However, I hope to own a white Maine Coon in the future. When that day comes, documented hearing results, comprehensive Maine Coon health screening, sound temperament, and ethical breeding will matter far more to me than blue eyes, rarity, or price.