These shorthaired cats are essentially solid white Siamese - no point colour appears at all on tail, face, paws or ears.

One of their strengths is that they are blue-eyed white cats with sound hearing. This is because they genetically get their blue eyes from the Siamese, rather than from the gene which is responsible for blue eyes in other breeds.

The standard stipulates a body type similar to the Siamese, which they also resemble in temperament. Some breeders contend the Foreign White is mellower than the Siamese and not as highly strung. It is also claimed that although they have the same voice, it is slightly softer.

They are very affectionate and demanding if they like you, and can be equally independent if they choose to be. Like the Siamese, they will exhibit a devotion to one human in particular and are highly intelligent, interesting individuals.