The White Maine Coon: Blue Eyes, Deafness Myths & Care#

If the Black Maine Coon is a panther, the White Maine Coon is a cloud. There is nothing quite as striking as a 15lb bright white cat with piercing blue eyes. They look like they belong in a fairytale.

But owning a white cat is not just an aesthetic choice; it is a medical responsibility. The gene that creates that pristine white coat carries baggage—specifically, a link to deafness.

I don’t own a white Maine Coon (with two muddy dogs and a garden, I’d go crazy keeping one clean), but I have interviewed several breeders to get the truth about the “White Cat Risks.”

The Genetics: It’s Not a Color#

Technically, a white cat isn’t “white.”

The Masking Gene: The “W” gene (Dominant White) acts like a blanket. It covers up the cat’s actual color. Underneath that white fur, your cat is genetically a Black Tabby or a Red Solid. The W gene just prevents any pigment from reaching the fur.

The Blue Eye / Deafness Link#

You have likely heard that white cats with blue eyes are deaf. Is it true? Partially.

The Science: The same stem cells that create pigment in the fur also create part of the inner ear. If the “W” gene is aggressive enough to strip all pigment (creating blue eyes), it can sometimes strip the cells in the ear, too.
The Stats:
- White cat, non-blue eyes: ~17-22% chance of being deaf.
- White cat, 1 blue eye (Odd-eyed): ~40% chance of being deaf.
- White cat, 2 blue eyes: ~65-85% chance of being deaf.

Crucial Buying Advice: If you are buying a White Maine Coon, you must ask the breeder for a BAER Test (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response). This is a hearing test done on kittens. Do not buy a white kitten without proof of hearing unless you are prepared to own a special-needs deaf cat.

A pristine White Maine Coon with blue eyes sitting in a bright room — White Maine Coons are stunning, but require specific grooming to prevent staining.

Keeping Them White (The Stain Battle)#

A white Maine Coon is high maintenance.

Tear Stains: The most common issue. Red/brown streaks under the eyes. This is caused by porphyrin in tears reacting to light. You need to wipe their face daily with warm water or specific eye wipes (like Angels’ Eyes).
Paw Stains: Clay litter can turn their white paws yellow or grey. Many owners of white cats switch to Crystal litter or Wood pellets to avoid “grey boots.”
Food Stains: Wet food with artificial dyes can stain their chin. Stick to natural-colored foods.

Sunburn Risks#

Yes, cats can get sunburned. White cats have no melanin to protect their ears and nose.

The Risk: Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Skin Cancer).
Prevention: If your white Maine Coon loves the window or has a “Catio,” you need to apply pet-safe sunscreen to their ear tips in the summer.

Conclusion#

A White Maine Coon is a statement piece, but it requires a dedicated owner. You aren’t just brushing fur; you are managing eye stains, checking for sun exposure, and potentially dealing with hearing limitations. But if you are up for the grooming challenge, you will have one of the most beautiful animals on the planet.

Resources & Further Reading#

Louisiana State University: Genetics of Deafness in White Cats.
Cornell Feline Health Center: Squamous Cell Carcinoma in White Cats.
TICA: BAER Testing Standards.