Just as the color white often symbolizes purity, cat lovers see white-coated kitties as symbols of pure love. These snowy felines are so cherished that they even have their own special day: National White Cat Day!
When is National White Cat Day?
National White Cat Day is celebrated every year on September 5.
Fun Facts
- Superstitions: It’s said that if a man sees a white cat on his wedding day, it’s a sign of good fortune—so long as he keeps the cat! White cats have been the subject of many superstitions over the years.
- Hearing: According to Cornell University, 17 to 22 percent of white cats without blue eyes are deaf, while 65 to 85 percent of those with blue eyes are hearing-impaired.
- Sun Sensitivity: Did you know that cats can get sunburned? White cats are especially susceptible to the sun’s rays.
- Lucky Cats: White cats are considered lucky by some, and statistics back this up. They are less likely to be euthanized in shelters and have a higher chance of being adopted.
White Cats with Famous Pet Parents
- Bimbo: Artist Paul Klee had two white cats, both named Bimbo, who inspired his work and appeared in 28 of his creations.
- Choupette: The famous cat of the late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, Choupette was even invited to the 2023 Met Gala! Although she declined, her presence was felt as Jared Leto attended in a costume based on her likeness.
- Little Man: Cameron Diaz’s feline companion.
- Mitsou: Marilyn Monroe’s white Persian cat. Monroe once said, “If you talk to a dog or a cat, it doesn’t tell you to shut up.”
- Olivia Benson: Taylor Swift’s Scottish Fold, named after the Law & Order: SVU character, is the third richest pet in the world with a net worth of $97 million!
- Snowdrop: The childhood cat of Prince Leopold, Queen Victoria’s youngest son.
Famous White Cartoon Cats
- Artemis: The wise kitty counselor in the anime Sailor Moon.
- Bitsy: A speedy kitten in the Disney Junior series SuperKitties.
- Duchess: Voiced by Eva Gabor, this elegant Parisian cat stars in Disney’s The Aristocats.
- Ghost: A magical cat in the Disney Channel series The Owl House.
- Hello Kitty: Also known as Kitty White, this icon of kawaii culture has been beloved worldwide since her debut in the mid-1970s.
- Korin: A martial arts master and sage cat in the anime Dragon Ball.
- Marie: The Turkish Van from The Aristocats even has her own holiday, Marie Day, celebrated on February 22nd by Disney Japan.
- Mimmy: Hello Kitty’s twin sister, recognizable by her yellow bow (as opposed to Hello Kitty’s pink one).
White Cats on the Big and Small Screen
- Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery: While many remember the hairless Mr. Bigglesworth, the role of Dr. Evil’s feline started with a fluffy white cat.
- CATS: The character Victoria, an innocent white kitten, was first played by Finola Hughes on stage and later by Francesca Heyward in the 2019 movie adaptation.
- Cats & Dogs: The villainous Mr. Tinkles, voiced by Sean Hayes, starred in this family-friendly film.
- Doctor Sleep: A white cat named Azzie (short for Azrael, the angel of death) could sense when hospice patients were about to pass away. Two Ragdoll cats, Merry and Skyler, played Azzie in the film.
- The Mummy: In the 1999 film, a white cat (unnamed in the movie but called Cleo in the novelization) frightens the villainous Imhotep.
- The Office: Angela Martin’s beloved white cat, Sprinkles, was portrayed by a feline actor named Paris.
- From Russia with Love: The white Turkish Angora in this James Bond film likely inspired Mr. Bigglesworth in Austin Powers.
Celebrate National White Cat Day and all the love these beautiful cats bring into our lives!