Features and rules for keeping a foreign white cat

In England, in 1962, breeders decided to breed a pure white cat, without hereditary deafness. On November 5, they crossed a white Siamese cat and a solid British cat. As a result of mating, the first Foreign White babies were born.

Amazing snow-white kittens have captivated many people with their appearance.

Today, the price for a purebred Foreign White kitten starts from 20 thousand rubles.

Origin story

White Oriental, White Siamese - Foreign White is also called that.
Their homeland is England in the mid-21st century. It was then that Patricia Turner (a nationally known geneticist), looking at a photograph of a lilac Siamese cat, decided to try to breed an oriental type cat with blue eyes, but without hereditary deafness. Interesting fact: this photograph was overexposed, due to which the image was transmitted with significant distortion. The Lilac Point Siamese in the photo turned out to be as white as snow. The program began in November 1962. The very first crossing brought the desired result: from a Siamese seal point and a white British shorthair, cute Foreign White babies were born.

An attempt to develop a new breed was carried out not only in England, but also in Ireland and the Netherlands. Breeders bred a white shorthair cat of the British breed with a Siamese cat of red point color, but it all ended in failure: the babies born were very sick. There weren’t enough fingers to count their flaws: infertility, muscle weakness, strabismus, deafness, depigmentation, joint contracture, intestinal problems, wide-set eyes, skin and coat problems.

The breed was officially recognized in 1977, in June, and already at the beginning of winter the first cat won the title of Champion.

White oriental cat

The white oriental cat has an extraordinary appearance. The muscular and strong body of the foreign white is combined with a refined, graceful form. The white oriental cat grows to a height of 30-35 centimeters and weighs on average 6 kilograms.

This cat is distinguished from other species by its sharp triangular ears located high on the top of the head. The special shape and arrangement of the ears gives the white oriental cat a clear resemblance to wild felines. The Forenwhite has long, slender legs with oval paws (the hind legs are longer than the front) and a tail that is equal in length to the body and tapering to the end.

The cat's head has an elongated shape; a distinctive feature of the breed is the protruding muzzle and chin. The cat's cheeks and cheekbones are emphasized and highlighted. The breed standard is pink on the paw pads, nose and eyelids.

The almond-shaped, slanted eyes characteristic of this breed come in varying shades of blue (from light blue-gray to dark blue and indigo).

Standard

These are small, gracefully built cats. Average weight - 3-5 kg. The standard is the same as cats of the Siamese group of breeds, but the Foreign White is considered the most elegant of all.

Disadvantages of appearance:

• thick tail, tail and kinks or loops;
• round or small eyes;
• round head;
• different coat color;
• undershot or overshot;
• different eye color;
• small ears.

Description of the external standard of the Foreign White cat breed

The Foreign White is a cat that has a fairly strong and muscular body, but at the same time it has some unsurpassed elegance and sophistication.
All representatives of this breed belong to the category of medium-sized cats; for some individuals, small sizes are acceptable. The average body weight of a white Siamese cat ranges from 3 to 6 kg. For representatives of pets of this breed, TICA (International Cat Association) has legalized certain external appearance criteria; they are the same for the entire species group, which includes Oriental cats, Siamese, and Balinese.

1. head
   has a regular wedge-shaped shape, which more closely resembles an isosceles triangle with slight bends. The head is small in size, but relative to the body its parameters are very correct and harmonious. If you look at the cat from the outside, you can’t help but notice how clearly all the protruding parts of the skull are visualized. The cheeks are very precisely contoured and toned, the chin and forehead are quite wide, but at the same time the face retains all its prettiness. The nose is somewhat elongated, straight, without grooves or humps, with a smooth and barely noticeable transition to the forehead.
2. The eyes
   of individuals of this breed are distinguished not only by the color of the iris, which is presented in a deep bright blue color, but also by its beautiful almond-shaped shape. The cat's visual organs are located quite close to each other, but they are very slanted, giving the impression that they are simply huge. But this only seems so visually; in fact, the eyes are slightly larger than average in size. What is special about this breed of cats is their gaze, which conceals beauty, attentiveness and a certain bottomlessness.
3. ears
   are another feature of white foreign cats. They are similar in shape to a triangle, quite wide and large in size in relation to the size of the head, so they immediately catch the eye. A bit like locators. The ears are placed at a great distance. In order to check whether a kitten meets the breed standard, it is necessary to draw a conditional line from the cheekbone to the base of the ear - in purebred individuals it will always be straight. We can say that a cat's ears are a continuation of the contour of its muzzle.
4. The body
   - at first glance it seems thin, but if you look closely, you can see how well developed the muscle tissue is in these cats. It’s just that it’s developed somehow correctly and in moderation, which doesn’t create the impression of enormity, but retains all the elegance and grace. Their chest is well developed and strong. The neck is straight, of medium length, and tends to narrow from the shoulders to the head.
5. The limbs are
   straight, long, all joints are clearly visible on them. A little thin, but not devoid of strength and power. The paws end in a relatively large brush, round in shape. The pelvic bones are slightly raised above the shoulder line, due to this their gait is more reminiscent of the gait of cats native to the wild.
6. The tail process
   of the foreign white is quite long, tapering noticeably from the base to the tip. It is characteristic that these cats always have a “pistol” tail.
7. Wool.
   This is perhaps the most important and decisive factor in breed recognition. The length of the fur of Foreign White cats is very short; there is no undercoat. The coat is thick, uniform and smooth. From a distance, you might think that they do not have a “fur coat”, but that it is just white skin. As for the color, it can only be white, without any shades or reflections, and without a single hair of a different tone, with the exception of newborn kittens, this is acceptable for them.

Character and behavior

Foreign White cats are considered highly intelligent cats for a reason. This breed has adopted the best features of the Siamese: the ability to think logically, the ability to think and make choices, as well as truly canine devotion to its man (whom Foreign Whites choose once and for all).

Don’t think that they are affectionate with only one and can’t stand other family members, no. Their sociability and kindness extend to everyone else: both adults and children.

But everyone should remember: these are not cats that can be pushed and poked with impunity. Their patience is not limitless, and as soon as it runs out, the offender will get back from the heart.

They get along with other living creatures: be it a dog, a rodent, a snake or a bird. But they will defend their supremacy to the last. Those who do not accept this will be persecuted. Whites know how to fight and make concessions only to those who are significantly smaller or clearly weaker. They will enter into a fight with pleasure with an opponent of equal strength.

They are inquisitive, love fresh air and new territories. And, given their fearlessness, letting them out on solo walks is simply dangerous: they will move further and further from home, start communicating with everyone, and may get injured or even die. Therefore, it is not recommended to take them out without a leash.

Does your pet like to go for walks?

HomebodyWalking on the street

They are not excellent hunters, and, indeed, they do not strive to hone this skill, but they will not refuse to catch a mouse or bird for their own entertainment.

Owners of a loud and emotionally colored voice, rich facial expressions, which allows them to express their desires and feelings very clearly. They love to communicate, and strive for this constantly, without making any distinction between light and dark times of the day.

They respond well to training, but only if they are interested in this process. Teams “get it” on the fly. There is no need to force them: it is a waste of energy. The rules of behavior in a Foreign White home should be taught from a very early age: this applies to the tray, food, and games.

They are very active, love games and running around, so the play set will be useful. It is not necessary to buy a large structure: 2-3 levels, several ladders, crossbars and pipes are enough.

They are jealous and do not hide their emotions if they see that the owner is paying more attention to someone else. They can be very offended by the lack of affection.

When choosing a kitten, keep in mind that they are born snow-white, but at the age of several weeks their fur may show multi-colored spots on the nose and paw pads, as well as single brown hairs on the ears. Over time they disappear. The eyes also change: in newborns they are very light, as if faded, but as they grow older they become rich and bright.

Education and training

Foreign Whites are very smart. Usually, there are no problems with accustoming these animals to the tray and scratching post. It is extremely important that the educational process takes place peacefully. In raising a Foreign White, you need to be patient. It is not advisable to strictly punish a cat for pranks. It is especially not recommended to shout or hit your pet, as this breed has a vindictive character. You can ensure that your animal stops perceiving you as its owner altogether.

The cat should be rewarded for good behavior. It can be either a tasty piece of meat or just tender words addressed to him. You can rest assured that this method will work. The cat will quickly figure out what needs to be done to be loved.

Care instructions

Foreign Whites are very clean creatures and spend a lot of time taking care of themselves, but they will also need your help. To live comfortably, a cat must have:

• wide tray with high sides;
• filler (wood or gel);
• comb with natural bristles;
• nail clipper;
• 2 wide bowls: one for water, the other for food;
• separate towel;
• cotton pads;
• scratching post

They do not require special procedures. Clean your ears once a week with a cotton swab (not dry, but soaked in ear lotion or boiled water), wipe your eyes (if they are leaking), brush your teeth once a month with a special cat paste and a soft brush, and comb the fur 2-3 times. in Week. Nothing complicated, as you can see. These cats do not like to bathe, so do it if absolutely necessary (before giving birth, an exhibition, or if your pet gets particularly dirty during a walk).

Expert opinion

Dusheba Vera Ivanovna

In 2010, she graduated from the Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine named after K.I. Scriabin with honors, specializing in veterinary medicine. I regularly attend veterinary conferences, congresses, and webinars.

You should not use human hygiene products or household chemicals when caring for your cat. This applies to gels, pastes, and lotions. Cat skin is much more delicate than human skin, and reacts more sharply to “chemistry”. And, after swallowing toothpaste, an animal can simply become poisoned.

A cat wears down its claws during active play and on a scratching post, but from time to time you will still need to sharpen them: very carefully, trying not to damage large vessels.

Foreign whites are very sensitive to ultraviolet light, so do not let them stay in the sun for long periods of time. When going for a long walk, take sunscreen with you - lubricate your cat's ears with it (they burn quickly).

A foreign white kitten costs approximately 40-50 thousand rubles. The price consists of several factors: the cost of mating, childbirth and nursing, medical procedures, paperwork.

Characteristics of Foreign White cats

Like all representatives of the Siamese family, these pets are very sociable and intelligent. They love to play and communicate with humans. In terms of the degree of attachment to their owner, these cats are even more like dogs: they follow their owner everywhere, love to climb into their arms and play active games.

But there is also a downside to this temperament: Foreign Whites require constant attention. No matter what the owner does, they will certainly demand to pet them and give them time. If a pet does not receive the required amount of attention, it begins to feel disadvantaged.

For this reason, the socialization of an animal is very difficult in the house if there are other pets and many family members. A cat can be very jealous of its owner towards others and even show some aggression. She has a heightened sense of ownership, and she is unable to share her object of adoration with someone else. If the owner spends little time at home, then you can get another cat. But it is necessary that it be a Siamese or Oriental breed. It is unlikely that you will be able to establish a relationship with dogs, although there are rare exceptions.

Foreign Whites are very talkative creatures. If a pet wants to attract attention or play, it begins to purr obsessively. True, in such a situation the cat looks more like a crying child.

A very difficult character also lies in an acute love for one’s own person. If others sometimes treat pranks addressed to them condescendingly, then the Foreign White may hate a person when he pulled his tail or stepped on his paw. This should be taken into account by those who are considering purchasing a pet for a family with small children. In a fit of anger, it sometimes comes to scratches from sharp cat claws.

The main advantage of the representatives of the breed is their outstanding intellectual abilities. At home, they easily understand the purpose of a tray or scratching post. It is difficult to discipline your pet due to their freedom-loving nature. You can achieve success only with affection and patience. You cannot even lightly spank your pet or yell at it - the result will be the opposite and the animal will become uncontrollable. But approving stroking and a friendly tone are much more effective.

Therefore, when raising, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the breed’s character. With a polite and kind attitude, the pet will certainly respond and become a favorite and faithful companion. Kittens are usually purchased from nurseries that breed them.

Catering

This breed is not prone to weight gain and, thanks to its strong stomach and good digestion, can handle both natural and commercial food.

They have an excellent appetite (which is explained by their irrepressible energy), but you should immediately accustom the animal to the correct diet. Cats older than one year eat 2 times a day: morning and evening. From six months to a year - 3 times, younger - 4-6 times.

Natural products

Foreign white is allowed to be given to:

• lean meat (veal, chicken, horse meat, turkey, beef);
• offal (liver, cartilage, kidneys, ventricles, ground chicken necks);
• porridge (millet, rice, oatmeal, buckwheat, pearl barley);
• vegetables (carrots, pumpkin, zucchini, greens, broccoli);
• boiled quail and chicken eggs (from chicken eggs only the yolk is given);
• fish (flounder, salmon, trout, navaga);
• fruits (apples, melons, cucumbers, radishes).

The meat is served defrosted, scalded with boiling water (this is done to destroy parasitic pathogens). The fish is boiled and cleaned of bones, fins and husks.

It is prohibited to give:

• dog food;
• human canned food;
• alcohol, tea, cocoa, coffee, juices, compotes, sparkling water;
• fatty, flour, sweet, sour, salty, fried, smoked;
• mushrooms, potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, legumes;
• grapes, dried fruits.

To get rid of hairballs, cats look for a certain type of grass, eat it, and induce vomiting. Domestic cats do not have this opportunity, so buy a special kit at the pet store and regularly germinate it in a convenient tray.

Recommended food

Among the foreign white industrial feeds, food from the holistic and super-premium groups is suitable. These are Acana, Naturea, Savarra, Nutram, Pronature Life. The rest - premium and economy - are cheaper, but much worse in quality.

Below are recommended super-premium and holistic foods. Links with the names of the food are clickable, on them you can, within our website, get acquainted with the descriptions of the food and read reviews from owners of Foreign White cats.

Dry food can remain in the bowl for a day; wet food should be removed 3-4 hours after eating. Fresh clean water must be poured constantly. You can buy clean water in a store or leave it in an open pan for 10-12 hours.

What to feed Phoren White?

Feeding a pet of this breed does not have any special features; you need to adhere to the standard rules of a balanced diet for a cat. Proteins should predominate in the diet, fats should be kept to a minimum, and the amount of carbohydrates should be moderate. Be sure to keep an eye on the freshness and constant availability of water in your animal’s bowl.

Drinking should be kept away from the tray - cats are very clean and will not shit where they eat. If you decide to feed your cat ready-made food - dry or liquid, make sure that the product is of high quality and contains all the necessary vitamins and microelements. Dry food is not recommended for kittens.

Foren white is a unique pet with a complex character. If you find an approach to it, the cat will become a faithful and true friend for you. Love your snow-white foreigner, and he will certainly reciprocate your love.

Video

Diseases

Many people are concerned about the question: are Foreign Whites prone to deafness? We hasten to please you: no. Despite its Siamese roots, this breed has excellent hearing.

But there are often problems with something else:

1. Tumor of the mammary glands is the most common type in cats in general, and in foreign whites in particular. The neoplasm can be benign (adenoma, cyst) and not life-threatening (causing only physical inconvenience, but you will still need to monitor it) or malignant (sarcoma, carcinoma), and therefore deadly. Tumors of the mammary glands are more common in unsterilized animals (over 7 years old), in animals with hormonal imbalances and trauma to the mammary gland area. The tumor can be removed with surgery, and a course of chemotherapy can be used to prevent the disease from developing again.
2. Peripheral vestibular disease. Its clinical picture is as follows: the kitten’s paws begin to move apart, its head falls to the side, and movements are difficult for it. The reasons are varied: from intrauterine infection to a reaction to certain medications (human antibiotics, for example). In most cases, the problem can be dealt with with medication, care and affection.
3. Hydrocephalus is a brain abnormality, simply called “dropsy of the brain.” Causes: intrauterine infection, poor heredity, birth trauma, reaction to medications. The animal cannot be cured, but with the help of a shunt the condition can be significantly alleviated. However, please note: this method only helps kittens and if the operation is performed by an experienced neurosurgeon.

Vaccinations against rabies and the most common diseases are mandatory, even if your pet has never been outside in its life. Pathogens can easily enter his body through raw meat, poorly purified water, and from your own hands.

Photo gallery

Below are photos of Foreign White cats.