A long white coat identifies the White Persian, which varies otherwise only in the color of its eyes. Orange and blue eyes are accepted for shows, and some have one blue and one orange eye. Green-eyed White Persians also Occur.

The first longhaired white cats known in Europe came from Angora (now Ankara), the capital of Turkey. They were blue-eyed or had one blue and one orange eye. Later it was disputed whether these Angoras were really different from the White Persians that arrived in Europe somewhat later and not from Turkey. The Angoras did have noticeably softer, silkier fur. Recently the Angora has been rediscovered, so to speak, and may be given recognition with separate standards.

A breed called the Turkish, also a recent introduction, gives credence to the Angora story. Also from Turkey, the Turkish is all white except for apricot or orange marks on its head and its totally apricot or orange-ish tail, ringed with a darker, almost red color. The Turkish and the Angora differ from the ordinary Persians, too, in having smaller, wedge-shaped heads and larger ears. The eyes of the Turkish are amber.

White cats with blue eyes are frequently deaf, a genetic link occurring between eye color and hearing. Owners of deaf cats sometimes put tags on them so that people will be considerate if the cat does not respond to noises or calls.

All longhaired cats require regular and careful grooming to keep their coats in good condition, particularly white cats. Those that live in the city are likely to become dingy, but all white cats tend to yellow. The cats clean themselves constantly, of course, but they need help. Few cats like soap and water, and it is also not advisable to get them wet in cool or cold weather. A dry bath is recommended.