The Foreign White is a notable cat breed acknowledged by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF), the Australian Cat Federation (ACF), Co-Ordinating Cat Council of Australia (CCCA) and Australian National Cats Inc (ANCATS). Although in other registration bureaus around the world, it is considered a colour variation of the Siamese or Oriental Shorthair breeds rather than a breed of its own.
This breed’s distinct features include a prolonged body, a triangular-shaped face, a consistent white coat, and deep blue eyes, making it a remarkable and sought-after companion.
History
During the 1960s, advancements were made in the Siamese standard resulting in the emergence of fully solid-coloured cats.
The Foreign White breed was developed through a selective breeding program aimed at creating a pure white Siamese and was officially recognised by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy in 1977.
At first, each colour of Siamese was regarded as a separate breed, but this approach was deemed impractical by the federations who understood the need for consolidation. Consequently, all united breeds were merged into one, the Oriental Shorthair.
Nonetheless, the GCCF has affirmed that the Foreign White stands as a separate breed.
Genetics and Breeding
The Foreign White is a cat breed that is notable for its distinctive white coat, which is influenced by the dominant W gene. However, it is important to note that this gene is also associated with an increased risk of hearing impairment in white cats with blue eyes.
As a result, responsible breeders of Foreign Whites take great care when selecting suitable mating partners for their cats, often preferring to cross them with Siamese cats to minimize the risk of deafness in any offspring.
In addition, breeders will typically avoid breeding cats with tabby patterns or red colours, to maintain the purity of the breed and reduce the likelihood of health issues in subsequent generations.
Health
The Foreign White, like any other animal, requires proper veterinary care, nutrition, and exercise to live a healthy life. This breed is known to have a longer lifespan of up to 20 years, provided they receive the necessary care.
While deafness is a common issue among blue-eyed white cats, the Foreign White Siamese is fortunate enough to have a low occurrence of this problem. This is because of strict breeding and careful selection, resulting in a white cat with beautiful blue eyes and minimal deafness problems.
When it comes to Foreign White cat health problems, it is essential to consider the breeding practices of the “Modern Siamese” and the potential development of health issues due to inbreeding. Inherited problems in this breed may also include other health concerns that can affect their quality of life.
