Blue-Eyed White Ragdoll Cats (BEW): Genetics, Hearing & Standards

Christine Keryakes is the founder of Rarity Ragdolls, a TICA-registered cattery based in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. With 4 years of Ragdoll breeding experience, 6 years in dog breeding, and over 200 animals raised, she specializes in genetics-driven breeding, health-first pairing decisions, and temperament-focused kitten development. Her program uses full-panel genetic testing and structured breeding systems to produce healthier, more predictable outcomes. Christine also develops breeder tools including Breeder Logic and Breeder Desk, designed to support responsible, data-driven breeding programs.

Owner: Christine Keryakes

Location: 63 Downey St, Hopkinton MA 01748

Species: cat

Quick Facts

Blue-Eyed White Ragdoll Cats (BEW)

A Blue-Eyed White (BEW) Ragdoll looks like a snow angel—brilliant white coat with striking blue eyes. Under the white, these cats can be any color or pattern; the white simply masks it. Quick Facts Gene: Dominant white (KIT variants) masks the underlying color/pattern Eyes: Blue; not produced by the Siamese colorpoint gene Show status: Limited under current CFA and TICA standards Health note: Ethical programs avoid risky pairings and may BAER-test

What Makes a Cat Blue-Eyed White?

Most blue-eyed white cats carry a form of dominant white (mutations in the KIT gene) that prevents pigment from developing in the hair and often affects eye pigment, too. Multiple KIT mutations are known in cats, and DNA panels can test for the most common ones (W5, W10, W13, W20, W22).

History and Registry Position

Traditional show standards were written around the pointed, blue-eyed look. The CFA Ragdoll standard defines the breed as a blue-eyed, pointed cat, so fully white coats are outside that show definition. TICA's 2025 RD/CB standard defines pointed (RD) and Cherubim (CB: mink/sepia/traditional) categories and explicitly excludes solid white in CB colors, while RD requires blue eyes in the pointed division. In short: Blue-eyed White Ragdolls exist, but championship eligibility is limited under curre…

Genetics and Health Notes

Dominant white is not the same as albinism. In some breeds, certain dominant white combinations can be associated with congenital deafness. Responsible breeders pair cats to avoid risky combinations and may BAER-test breeding stock or kittens. At Rarity Ragdolls , we have never produced a deaf kitten because we carefully manage pairings to ensure our BEW kittens are always hearing and healthy.

What BEW Looks Like in Ragdolls

Because white masks the underlying color and pattern, a Blue-eyed White Ragdoll can genetically be Seal, Blue, Red, Chocolate, Lynx, Tortie, and more—you just won't see it on the coat. Eye color in BEW is blue (often brilliant), aligning visually with the breed's classic eye appeal even though the coat is not pointed.

Temperament and Grooming

Personality is pure Ragdoll: affectionate, easygoing, and people-focused. Grooming is the same weekly brush you use for other colors. The white coat shows dirt more readily, so a soft wipe or bath during seasonal shedding can help.