Cats with blue eyes are a beautiful sight. But many people are curious about the health of these cats. Are all cats born with blue eyes? Are white cats with blue eyes deaf? Do cats with blue eyes have vision problems? This comprehensive guide will answer all of your questions about cats with blue eyes.
What is the Genetic Cause of Blue Eyes in Cats?
For pure breeds with blue eyes, particularly pointed breeds, this is due to a recessive albinism gene. For other cats, it is due to an extra gene that also acts to block the coat colour. Another possibility is that the cat has a gene for the dilution of pigment, which lightens the color of the fur and eyes. In some cases, a white cat may have a combination of these two gene mutations, which can result in very light blue eyes. A cat must inherit the gene from both its parents in order to have blue eyes. If a cat only inherits the gene from one parent, it will have green eyes.
Are All Cats Born with Blue Eyes?
All kittens are born with blue eyes. This is because they have not yet developed their true eye color, which can change to different colors over time. This change in eye color usually happens around 6 or 7 weeks old, when the kitten’s iris (the colored part of the eye) becomes more mature.
Are white cats with blue eyes deaf?
Studies have shown that a pure white cat with blue eyes is well known to be suspectable to congenital hereditary deafness that may affect one or both ears; the deafness is linked to the so-called W gene. (Source: The Veterinary Journal 173 2007) It also has been suggested that longhaired cats have a higher prevalence of blue eyes and deafness than short-haired cats (Mair, 1973), but this has not been confirmed.
Cats with blue eyes have fewer melanocytes which are the cells that make pigment. The same cells also create pigment in their skin and play a role in the way the inner ear functions. It can be said that this lack of cells can affect a cat’s hearing.
Purebred white cats are said to have a lower prevalence of deafness than mixed-breed white cats (Pedersen, 1991)
How Common are Cats With Blue Eyes?
According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association, approximately one in every five domestic cats has blue eyes. This may be due, in part, to the fact that blue-eyed cats are more likely to be bred because of their striking appearance. Interestingly, while blue is a common eye color among cats, it is actually quite rare among other animals.
Do Cats With Blue Eyes Have Vision Problems?
Cats with blue eyes do not have vision problems. Cats with blue eyes have the same vision as cats with other eye colors.
What Are the Different Types of Blue-Eyed Cats?
There are many different breeds of cats that have one thing in common: their eye color. Here’s 15 cat breeds that all have blue eyes.
American Shorthair
The American Shorthair is a breed of domestic cat that was developed in the United States. It is a medium-sized cat with a long, slender body, short legs, and a round head. American Shorthairs have a variety of colors and patterns, but are typically light blue or silver with black stripes on the chest and tummy. They are considered to be one of the most popular cat breeds in the world.
American Shorthair
Balinese Cat
The Balinese cat is a beautiful, long-haired breed of cat. These cats are known for their silky, flowing coats and long, graceful tails. They come in a variety of colors and are often considered to be one of the most beautiful cat breeds in the world. Balinese cats are friendly and affectionate, and make great pets for families with children.
Balinese
Birman Cat
The Birman is a breed of cat originating in Burma. The Birman has a creamy white body with golden points on the ears, face, feet, and tail. The points are darker on the males than on the females. The Birman is also known for its blue eyes.
Birman
British Shorthair Cat
A British Shorthair cat is a type of domestic cat with a unique coat of fur. They have a blue or green eye and a long, fluffy coat. British Shorthairs are friendly and playful, and make good family cats.
British Shorthair
Colorpoint Shorthair Cat
The Colorpoint Shorthair Cat is a breed of domesticated cat that is known for its distinct pointy coloration. They are typically bred from Siamese and American Shorthair cats, and come in a variety of colors and patterns. They are a medium-sized breed, and are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities.
Himalayan Cat
The Himalayan cat is a breed of domesticated cat that is known for its long hair and its pointed coat.
Himalayan Cat
Ojos Azules Cat
A Ojos Azules Cat is a rare breed of cat that has a blue coat with beautiful blue eyes. They are usually friendly and make good pets.
Persian Cat
Persian cats are a type of long-haired cat. They have a round face and a thick, fluffy coat. Persian cats come in a variety of colors, including black, white, tabby, and calico. They are known for their sweet personality and calm demeanor.
Persian Cat
Ragdoll Cat
A ragdoll cat is a blue eyed cat breed that is known for its relaxed and docile temperament. Ragdoll cats are bred to be gentle and easygoing, and they make great pets for families with children. These cats are typically large and muscular, with long, soft fur that comes in a variety of colors. Ragdoll cats are very affectionate and love to be cuddled, and they are typically very good with other pets and animals.
Siamese Cat
Siamese cats are a breed of domesticated cat that originated in Thailand. They are known for their pointy ears, elongated body, and light coloration. Siamese cats are typically very social and vocal animals, and they are often sought out as pets for their friendly personalities.
Snowshoe Cat
TheSnowshoeis abreedofcatoriginating in theUnited States of Americain the 1960s. Snowshoes are verysocialand docile, and show great devotion and love towards their owners.
Snowshoe Cat
Turkish Angora Cat
Turkish Angora cats are a breed of domestic cat. They are one of the oldest natural breeds in the world. They are believed to have originated in central Turkey, and they are also known as Ankara cats. Turkish Angoras are a medium-sized cat, with a long, slender body, and they have a long, silky coat that can be white, cream, light gray, or light golden in color. They are known for their beautiful blue eyes. Turkish Angoras are considered to be a very friendly and playful breed of cat.
Turkish Van Cat
Turkish Van cats are a unique breed of cat that is known for its love of water. These cats are typically white with reddish-brown markings on their head, tail, and paws. They are a medium-sized breed, and they have a long, thick coat that helps keep them warm in cold weather. Turkish Van cats are active and playful, and they love to swim and play in water. They are also known for their friendly and affectionate personalities, and they make great pets for families with children. A Turkish Van may have blue eyes, amber eyes, or may even have an eye of each color, a condition known as Heterochromia Iridis.
Turkish Van Cat
Tonkinese Cat
The Tonkinese is a breed of domestic cat that is a cross between the Siamese and the Burmese. They are a medium-sized cat, with a body that is long and sleek, and a coat that is short and fine. They come in a variety of colors, including seal point, blue point, and chocolate point. Tonkinese cats are intelligent and playful, and they make good companions.
Chart of Cats with Blue Eyes
Cats with blue eyes are a special breed. While all cats are born with blue eyes, the color may change as they grow older. Some people believe that cats with blue eyes are more prone to health problems than cats with other eye colors, but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Cats with blue eyes are just as healthy as cats with other eye colors.
Find out more about Ragdoll Cats with blue eyes
