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What health issues do white cats have? When do kittens start walking?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 5.5 lbs

What health problems are asscoiated with white cats? My cat has been an outdoor cat since she was a kitten. Also, how do I know if my white kitten is blind? And how do I care for a kitten 3 legs and a stump for the 4th as I can’t keep them indoors? Is it normal for 13 day old kittens to barely be able to crawl around? How long does it take for them to start walking around? I can’t afford the vet

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on May 7th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

White cats are not blind but can be deaf. Deafness in white cats can occur with any eye color but is more prevalent in white cats with blue eyes. It is a very high percent chance that white cats will be deaf (70%). If they are deaf they may not be able to hear cars or predators which may cause their lives to be shorter. White outdoor cats are also more sensitive to the sun like pale skinned people are are at a higher risk to develop skin cancer. If you can not keep the abnormal kitten indoors then try to place it in a new home that can keep it indoors. It is not wrong to find other homes for all the kittens. If you can not find the abnormal kitten a new home then do the best that you can. If it can not run away from predators it will be at a higher risk. It is normal for 2 week old kittens to not be able to walk normally. They will get stronger and more coordinated in the next week or 2.

I wish you the best!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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