When it comes to cat eye color, there’s tremendous variation out there. Some cats have bright green eyes, others have deep blue, and some even have eyes that are two different colors! But what causes these differences in eye color? And can a cats eye color change over time? Let’s take a closer look.
First of all, it’s important to understand that cat eye color is determined by the presence and concentration of pigments in the iris. The main pigment is called melanin, and the more melanin there is in the iris, the darker the eye color will be. A cat with a lot of melanin in its iris will have dark green or even brown eyes.
On the other hand, cats with less melanin in their irises will have lighter eyes. And this is why blue eyes are so common in cats with white fur – they have a genetic mutation that causes a lack of melanin production. If you’ve ever seen a Siamese cat, you’ll know what I mean – their eyes are a beautiful, bright blue.
But melanin isn’t the only pigment that can affect a cat’s eye color. There’s also something called lipochrome, which is a yellow pigment. If a cat has a lot of lipochrome in its iris, its eyes will be a yellow-green color. Some cats with yellow eyes can have an intense and striking eye color, especially in comparison to cats with green eyes.
Another thing to keep in mind is that a cat’s eye color can change over time. As cats age, their eyes may become cloudy or develop cataracts, which can make the eyes appear more blue or gray. Some cats can also develop iris atrophy, a condition where the iris thins and loses pigmentation, leading to a change in eye color.
Now let’s talk about heterochromia, which is a condition where a cat’s eyes are two different colors. This can be caused by a genetic mutation, injury, or disease. It can be complete heterochromia, where one eye is a different color than the other, or sectoral heterochromia, where only part of the iris is a different color. Heterochromia can be quite striking, and adds to the uniqueness of the cat.
Below, we’ll unpack more details about the various cat eye colors, and go into some general facts about cat eyes.
Table of Contents
- 1. Green Eyed Cats
- 2. Brown Eyed Cats
- 3. Blue Eyed Cats
- 4. Yellow Eyed Cats
- 5. Hazel Eyed Cats
- 6. Orange Eyed Cats
- 7. Amber Eyed Cats
- 8. Dichroic and Heterochromia Eyes
- When Will I Know What Color My Kitten’s Eyes Will Be?
- What Cat Eye Colors Are Rare?
- How To Clean Cat Eyes
- Why Is My Cat Closing One Eye?
- Conclusion
1. Green Eyed Cats
Green eyes on a cat are absolutely stunning! They’re so bright and striking, it’s hard not to be mesmerized by them. But what causes a cat’s eyes to be green? Well, it all comes down to pigments in the iris. The main pigment is called melanin, and the more melanin there is in the iris, the darker the eye color will be.
So, if a cat has a moderate amount of melanin in its iris, it’s likely to have green eyes. It’s also possible that green eyes are a mix of yellow and blue pigments. It’s important to note that green eyes can vary in intensity and saturation, that’s why you may find different shades of green in cats.
Some cats may have a light green eyes, while others may have a more deep and intense green eyes. Overall, green eyes on a cat are a beautiful sight to behold and definitely make a cat stand out!
2. Brown Eyed Cats
Brown eyes on a cat can be quite striking, and they’re definitely not as common as green or blue eyes. The color of a cat’s eyes is determined by the presence and concentration of pigments in the iris, and in the case of brown eyes, it’s all about melanin.
Melanin is the primary pigment found in the iris, and the more melanin there is in the iris, the darker the eye color will be. So, cats with a higher concentration of melanin will have brown eyes. Brown eyes can range from a light amber color to a deep chocolate brown.
It’s important to note that brown eyes on a cat can also change over time, as cats age their eyes may become cloudy or develop cataracts, which can cause a change in eye color. Brown eyes are quite unique and give a cat a distinguished look.
3. Blue Eyed Cats
Blue eyes on a cat are truly mesmerizing. They’re so bright and captivating, they can make any cat stand out. The less melanin there is in the iris, the lighter the eye color will be.
So, cats with a lower concentration of melanin will have blue eyes. This is why blue eyes are often seen in cats with white fur, as they have a genetic mutation that causes a lack of melanin production.
There are several breeds that are known for their blue eyes. Siamese cats, for example, are a well-known example of cats with blue eyes. They have a striking blue eyes that complement their light-colored fur perfectly. Another breed that often has blue eyes is the Sphynx, a hairless cat breed, their blue eyes make them even more striking. The British Shorthair, and the Turkish Angora are other breeds that can have blue eyes.
4. Yellow Eyed Cats
Yellow-eyed cats are truly unique and striking creatures. Their most distinctive feature, as you might have guessed, is their bright yellow eyes. These cats are relatively rare, and their striking appearance is sure to turn heads.
Some people believe that yellow-eyed cats are a sign of good luck and prosperity. These felines are often depicted in ancient Egyptian art and mythology, where they were believed to have the power to guide the dead into the afterlife.
Yellow-eyed cats are also known for their intelligence and independence. They are very independent and can be quite aloof at times, but they can also be quite affectionate with their owners. They’re quite independent and like to explore and discover new things, so they’re not a good fit for people who want a cat that will always be by their side.
Another thing to know about yellow-eyed cats is that they can be prone to certain health issues. Their yellow eyes can be a sign of a condition called “scleral sequestration,” which can lead to blindness if left untreated. They are also prone to certain genetic diseases that are specific to certain breeds.
5. Hazel Eyed Cats
Hazel-eyed cats are truly mesmerizing creatures. Their eyes are a beautiful blend of green, brown, and gold, creating a stunning hazel color. This unique eye color is rare among cats and is sure to catch the attention of anyone who sees them.
Hazel-eyed cats are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are very sociable and enjoy being around people and other animals. They are also known for their playful and curious nature, always eager to explore and discover new things. This makes them great companion for families with children or other pets.
Hazel-eyed cats can come in different breeds, some of them are Siamese, Bengal, American Shorthair, and many others. They can have different coat patterns, colors and textures, making them unique.
It’s worth noting that hazel eyes in cats can be a sign of a genetic condition called heterochromia, which is a variation in the coloring of the iris. This condition is usually benign and doesn’t affect the cat’s vision or overall health.
6. Orange Eyed Cats
Orange-colored cat eyes are truly striking and unique. This eye color is most commonly found in cats with orange or ginger fur, but it can also occur in cats of other colors. The orange color of their eyes is a result of the high concentration of melanin in the iris, which gives them their distinctive hue.
Orange-eyed cats are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities. They are very social and enjoy being around people and other animals. They are also known for their playful and curious nature, always eager to explore and discover new things. This makes them great companion for families with children or other pets.
The orange color of a cat’s eyes can also be a sign of a condition called heterochromia, which is a variation in the coloring of the iris. This condition is usually benign and doesn’t affect the cat’s vision or overall health.
A few breeds that are known for having orange eyes are the Siamese, the Bengal, the British Shorthair and the American Shorthair.
7. Amber Eyed Cats
This eye color is a rich, warm shade of brown that can range from a light honey color to a deep, almost golden hue. The amber color is a result of the high concentration of melanin in the iris, which gives them their distinctive hue.
Amber-eyed cats are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities. They are very social and enjoy being around people and other animals. They are also known for their playful and curious nature, always eager to explore and discover new things. This makes them great companion for families with children or other pets.
Amber eyes can be found in many different breeds of cats, such as Siamese, Bengal, British Shorthair, and American Shorthair.
8. Dichroic and Heterochromia Eyes
Dichroic eyes in cats, also known as Heterochromia, is a condition where the eyes have different colors. This can range from a subtle difference in shade to a marked contrast between the two eyes. This condition can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics, injury, or disease.
Cats with dichromatic eyes are often quite striking and unique, with one eye appearing in a different color than the other. The most common eye color combination is one blue eye and one eye of a different color such as green, yellow, or brown. This condition is more common in certain breeds such as Siamese, Turkish Van, and the Scottish Fold.
Dichromatic eyes do not affect the cat’s vision or overall health, and these cats lead normal lives. They have the same behavior and characteristics as cats with homochromatic eyes.
Some cats with dichromatic eyes may be at a higher risk for certain eye conditions such as uveitis or glaucoma. It’s important to have regular check-ups with a veterinarian to ensure that the cat’s eyes are healthy and functioning properly.
When Will I Know What Color My Kitten’s Eyes Will Be?
When it comes to kitten’s eye color, it can be a bit tricky to predict exactly what shade they’ll end up with. For most kittens, their eye color will change several times before settling into their final hue.
Generally speaking, kittens are born with blue eyes, and as they grow and develop, their eye color will change to the shade that they’ll have as an adult. For most cats, this process will be complete by the time they’re about 8 weeks old. But for some breeds like Siamese, their eyes will continue to change color for a few months.
As for what the color of a kitten’s eyes can tell you about their health, it’s not a definitive indicator, but some specific color can be a sign of a certain condition. For example, cats with yellow or green eyes may be at a higher risk for certain eye conditions such as uveitis or glaucoma, and cats with heterochromia, different color eyes, may have a higher risk for certain genetic diseases.
As for some fun facts, did you know that in ancient Egypt, cats with blue eyes were considered sacred and were believed to have the power to guide the dead into the afterlife? And in medieval Europe, cats with yellow eyes were believed to have healing powers, and people would often keep them in monasteries to help cure illnesses.
What Cat Eye Colors Are Rare?
When it comes to cat eye colors, some shades are definitely considered more rare than others. For example, cats with blue eyes are relatively rare and are most commonly found in certain breeds such as Siamese, Russian Blues, and Sphynx.
Yellow eyes are also considered relatively rare, and they’re most commonly found in breeds like the Scottish Fold and the Siamese.
Green eyes are considered quite rare, and they’re most commonly found in breeds such as the Turkish Van and the American Shorthair.
Amber eyes are also considered somewhat rare, they’re most commonly found in breeds such as the Siamese, Bengal, British Shorthair, and American Shorthair.
Heterochromia, or cats with different color eyes, is also considered quite rare, but it can happen in any breed of cat.
Just because a cat has a rare eye color, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re any more valuable or special than a cat with more common eye color. All cats are unique and special in their own way, regardless of their eye color.
How To Clean Cat Eyes
Cleaning your cat’s eyes is an important part of their overall grooming routine. It helps to keep their eyes healthy and clear of any debris or discharge that may be present.
The first step in cleaning your cat’s eyes is to have all the necessary materials on hand. You will need a clean, damp cloth, a separate dry cloth, and a small amount of water. It’s also a good idea to have a cat-specific eye cleaning solution on hand, as this will be gentler on your cat’s eyes than plain water.
Next, you’ll want to approach your cat in a calm and gentle manner. Speak softly to your cat and pet them to help them feel more relaxed. Gently lift your cat’s chin to expose their eyes and wipe away any discharge or debris with a damp cloth. Be sure to use a different area of the cloth for each eye to avoid spreading any bacteria or infection.
After cleaning the eyes, you can use a dry cloth to gently wipe away any remaining moisture. Be sure to avoid rubbing the eyes too hard, as this can cause irritation.
If you notice any signs of redness, swelling, or discharge that doesn’t clear up after cleaning, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian as this may indicate an infection or other eye condition that requires medical attention.
Why Is My Cat Closing One Eye?
There could be a few different reasons why a cat might be closing one eye. It’s important to keep an eye on the situation and consult with a veterinarian if the behavior continues or if you notice any other signs of illness or discomfort.
One of the most common reasons for a cat to close one eye is due to eye irritation or infection. Cats can develop infections or irritations in their eyes just like humans can, and closing one eye can be a way for them to protect the affected eye and give it a chance to heal.
Another possible reason for a cat to close one eye could be due to a problem with the eye itself. For example, a cat may have an ulcer on the cornea or a scratched cornea. This can be very painful and cause the cat to close one eye to protect it from further damage.
It’s also possible that the cat is experiencing pain or discomfort in the muscles surrounding the eye, such as with a headache or sinus infection. In this case, the cat might close one eye as a way to alleviate pain or pressure.
Lastly, In some cases, the cat may be closing one eye as a behavioral or psychological response. For example, a cat that is feeling stressed or anxious may close one eye as a way to “shut out” the source of their stress.
If your cat is closing one eye, it’s important to keep an eye on the situation and consult with a veterinarian if the behavior continues or if you notice any other signs of illness or discomfort. There could be a few different reasons for this behavior, from eye irritation or infection to a problem with the eye itself, pain or discomfort in the surrounding muscles or a behavioral or psychological response.
Conclusion
When it comes to cat eye colors, there’s a wide range of hues that cats can have. From common colors like green and blue, to more rare colors like yellow and amber, each cat’s eye color is unique and special in its own way. However, it’s important to remember that a cat’s eye color is not necessarily an indicator of their health, but it can be a sign of a certain condition.
Caring for your cat’s eye health is important, it includes regular check-ups with a veterinarian, and cleaning their eyes as part of their grooming routine. If you notice any signs of redness, swelling, or discharge that doesn’t clear up after cleaning, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian as this may indicate an infection or other eye condition that requires medical attention.
Cat eye colors are unique and captivating, and each cat’s eye color is special in its own way. Caring for your cat’s eye health is important, it includes regular check-ups with a veterinarian and cleaning their eyes as part of their grooming routine. If you notice any signs of redness, swelling, or discharge that doesn’t clear up after cleaning, consult with your veterinarian as this may indicate an infection or other eye
