3) White Cats Are Thought to Bring Good Luck

While black cats are often associated with witches and bad luck, the salt to their pepper coloring is a different matter. “White cats are celebrated in parts of the world like Russia and Asia as being bringers of good fortune,” says Dr. Greenstein. “The most obvious example would be the image of the iconic waving white cat known as Maneki-neko, prized in Japan (and beyond!) for reportedly bringing its owners good luck and success.”

7) White Cats Are Said to Be Chill

Folks love to generalize about cat personalities based on coat color. It’s believed black kitties are lovey-dovey and gingers temperamental, while calicos are thought to be “spicy,” according to Dr. Greenstein. The rumor about white cats? They’re generally regarded as a bit timid, relaxed, and generally calm-natured.

But this is probably more of an old wives’ tale than anything else. “it’s hard to make generalizations about personality based on white coat color,” Dr. Greenstein says. “Temperament is based on countless genetic and environmental factors and varies tremendously between individuals.”

9) White Cats Can Sunburn

While albino cats are at the greatest risk for sun-related injuries and diseases, you might want to limit your white kitty’s sunbathing, too. “White cats (especially with pink skin) are at higher risk for sunburn and squamous cell carcinoma,” says Dr. Smith. “Keeping them indoors or using pet-safe sunscreen is recommended.”

In particular, keep an eye on delicate areas with less hair, like their nose, mouth, and eyelids. Try to limit their exposure when the sun is strongest, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. You can also buy window film that blocks harmful UV rays (it’ll keep your home cooler in summer, too).

11) White Cats Are a Hit in Pop Culture

White cats look fantastic on the silver screen and have starred in numerous films over the years. Animated Turkish Angoras Duchess and her kitten Marie made their mark prowling the streets of Paris in The Aristocats, released back in 1970.

More recently, Mr. Bigglesworth, Dr. Evil’s cat in the Austin Powers movies, was a long-haired white Persian. (He went bald, and was played by a Sphynx, after being cryogenically frozen with his master.) Of course, the original baddie with the white kitty was Ernst Stavro Blofeld in the James Bond flicks. Other colorless cats have been featured in Stuart Little 2 and Cats and Dogs.

12) White Cats Have Bunked at the White House

White cats must be political animals, judging by their tenures at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. William McKinley kept a pair of Turkish Angoras, named Enrique DeLome and Valeriano Weyler, during his term as the 25th President. Cats with white markings that have called the White House home include the Siamese felines owned by Rutherford B. Hayes, Gerald Ford, and Jimmy Carter, as well as Socks, the Clinton’s tuxedo kitty.