White Maine Coon: Eyes, Deafness, Price and Care
A white Maine Coon is one of the most eye-catching cats you will ever meet: a snowy gentle giant with tufted ears, a huge plumed tail and eyes that may be gold, green, blue or even two different colors. Before you choose one, it pays to understand the genetics, health and care that come with that pure white coat.
What Makes a Maine Coon White?
A solid white Maine Coon is not an albino. Its color comes from the dominant white gene (W), which stops pigment cells from reaching the skin and hair as the kitten develops. The result is a pure white coat with pink skin, nose and paw pads.
The W gene works like a mask. Underneath, the cat still carries another color, such as black, red or tabby, and it can pass that hidden color on to its kittens. Some white kittens are even born with a small colored smudge on the head that fades as they grow.
Because W is dominant, a white Maine Coon kitten needs only one white parent. Two non-white parents cannot produce a solid white kitten. White is also different from cream or very pale silver, which still show faint color on the hair tips when you look closely.
Pure white coat, pink nose and paw pads: classic signs of the W gene.
Odd eyes: one blue and one gold.
White Maine Coon Eye Colors
White is the only Maine Coon color that can have blue eyes. Breed standards accept several eye colors for white cats:
- Blue eyes: the rarest and most sought-after look
- Odd eyes: one blue eye and one gold, green or copper eye
- Gold or copper eyes: warm and very common
- Green or green-gold eyes: a soft, natural contrast
A white Maine Coon with blue eyes or odd eyes looks stunning, but eye color is closely linked to hearing, as you will see below.
Are White Maine Coons Deaf?
Not all of them, but white cats do have a higher risk of congenital deafness. The same W gene that blocks pigment can also affect the inner ear. Figures published by Cornell University’s Feline Health Center for white cats in general are:
| Eye color | Chance of deafness |
|---|---|
| Two blue eyes | About 65–85% |
| One blue eye (odd eyes) | About 40% |
| No blue eyes | About 17–22% |
Odd-eyed cats are often deaf only on the blue-eyed side. Deaf cats live full, happy lives indoors. Ask your breeder for a BAER hearing test, which checks each ear separately.
White Maine Coon Size and Appearance
A white Maine Coon grows just as large as any other Maine Coon, and it keeps filling out until it is 3 to 5 years old.
Expect a long, muscular body, a square muzzle, large lynx-tipped ears, snowshoe-like paws with fur between the toes, and a long, flowing tail.
White Maine Coon Personality
Coat color does not change temperament. A white Maine Coon is just as friendly, patient and playful as any other Maine Coon. They love being near their people, chirp and trill instead of meowing loudly, and usually get along with children, dogs and other cats.
Deaf white Maine Coons tend to be extra observant and respond well to hand signals, vibration and a flashlight blink. Keep them indoors, since they cannot hear traffic or other dangers.
A white Maine Coon kitten keeps its playful side for years.
White Maine Coon Price
White Maine Coon kittens are popular, so good breeders often have waiting lists. Typical US prices are:
| Type | Typical price (USA) |
|---|---|
| Pet-quality white Maine Coon kitten | $1,500–$3,000 |
| White with blue or odd eyes | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Show-quality kitten | $3,000–$4,500+ |
| Rescue or retired adult | $100–$600 |
Prices are estimates. A reputable breeder includes vaccines, a microchip, registration papers, a health guarantee and ideally a BAER hearing test.
Regular grooming keeps a white coat bright and tangle-free.
Caring for a White Maine Coon
- Brushing: 2 to 3 times a week to stop mats and hairballs
- Coat care: wipe stains around the eyes and mouth so the fur stays white
- Sun safety: pale ears and noses can burn and are prone to skin cancer, so keep your cat out of strong midday sun
- Health tests: ask for HCM, SMA and hip checks on both parents
- Hearing: book a BAER test if your kitten wasn’t tested
Vet tip: Check your cat’s ear tips for redness, crusting or sores. Early treatment of sun damage makes a big difference.
White Maine Coon Blue Eyes vs Odd Eyes vs Gold Eyes
If you are choosing between kittens, here is how the three looks compare:
White Maine Coon Blue Eyes
The most striking look, but also the highest deafness risk. Ask for a BAER test before you commit, and be ready to care for a deaf cat if needed.
White Maine Coon Odd Eyes
One blue eye and one gold or green eye. Odd-eyed cats may be deaf on the blue-eyed side only, so most hear well with the other ear.
Gold, Copper or Green Eyes
The lowest deafness risk of the three and a beautiful warm contrast against a snowy coat. A great choice for families.
Remember that every kitten is born with blue eyes. Final eye color usually shows between 6 weeks and 4 months, so a good breeder will wait before promising a blue-eyed or odd-eyed kitten.
White Maine Coon FAQs
Are all white Maine Coons deaf?
No. Deafness is more common in white cats, especially those with two blue eyes, but many white Maine Coons hear perfectly. A BAER test confirms hearing in each ear.
Can white Maine Coons have blue eyes?
Yes. White is the only Maine Coon color that can have blue eyes or odd eyes.
How much does a white Maine Coon cost?
In the US, a pet-quality white Maine Coon kitten usually costs about $1,500 to $3,000. Blue-eyed, odd-eyed or show-quality kittens can cost $4,000 or more.
Is a white Maine Coon an albino?
No. White Maine Coons get their color from the dominant white gene. Albino cats are extremely rare and have pale, pinkish or light blue eyes.
Do white Maine Coons need special care?
Mostly the same as other Maine Coons, plus extra attention to sun protection, eye-stain cleaning and hearing checks.
Final Thoughts
A white Maine Coon combines a breathtaking snowy coat with the sweet, easygoing nature the breed is famous for. Ask about hearing tests, protect your cat from strong sun and choose a breeder who health-tests both parents. For more honest breed and color guides, keep exploring Bengal Cat Info.