Ever notice a cat that has two different colored eyes? It’s an eye-catching sight that draws attention right away. These cats stand out thanks to their distinctive feature, heterochromia, which gives them a striking appearance.
Heterochromia is more common in some breeds, particularly in those with lighter-colored coats, despite the fact that it may appear uncommon. There’s more to it than just appearances—interesting science plays a role.
This article will discuss the intriguing trait of multicolored eyes in cats, why it occurs in some cats, and what you should know if your cat has it.
| Cat Breed | Eye Colors |
| Turkish Van | One blue, one amber |
| Khao Manee | One green, one blue |
| Odd-eyed Persian | One copper, one blue |
| Japanese Bobtail | One yellow, one blue |
| Sphynx | One green, one amber |
- Reasons
- Hereditary heterochromia
- Acquired heterochromia
- Uveitis
- Glaucoma
- Portosystemic hepatic shunt
- Breeds that most often develop heterochromia
- Japanese Bobtail
- Turkish Angora
- Turkish Van
- Khao Manee
- Sphynx
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Reasons
A four-legged member of the feline genus with two different-colored eyes is referred to as an odd-eyed cat. As previously stated, cats with heterochromia do not experience health issues or diseases. They have excellent vision.
Melanocytes, which are pigment-producing cells in the iris, give cats’ eyes their color. The eyes will be blue if they are not present. Green eyes are caused by a low melanocyte count, whereas orange eyes are caused by a high melanocyte count.
The melanocytes’ activity will determine how intense the eye color is. It turns out that the intensity increases with the melanocytes’ level of activity. Low activity will therefore result in lighter eye color.
Heterochromia comes in three forms:
Heterochromia type
Synopsis
There are two distinct colors in the eye. For instance, one might be green and the other blue. a typical heterochromia form.
One eye’s iris can have two colors at once. For instance, a blend of green and blue. When distinct melatonin concentrations are dispersed throughout the same iris, this happens.
The center of the iris is shaped like a spike or halo. It is available in various hues.
Cats with distinct eye colors, commonly referred to as "odd-eyed cats," are endearing due to their unusual and remarkable appearance. This disorder, called heterochromia, is caused by insufficient melanin in one eye and is usually not harmful. Certain breeds of cats are known to have odd-eyed cats, and despite their unusual appearance, these cats are just as lively and endearing as any other. It has no effect on their vision or health.
Hereditary heterochromia
Pigmentation is determined by genes. Since the iris does not yet contain melanin, all kittens are born with blue eyes. The melanin travels to the iris of a kitten when it is between 7 and 12 weeks old, changing the hue of the eyes.
The color will remain if no illnesses or health issues develop at a later age. The color of the eyes is determined by the amount of melanin that enters the iris. Most likely, it will be either yellow, green, or brown, with hints of orange.
Because the dominant gene that causes a cat to be all-white or bicolored stops melanocyte migration in one eye, cats that are all-white or have white spots are more likely to carry the heterochromia gene.
This disease is more common in white-furred cat breeds with these genes, such as the Turkish Van, Turkish Angora, and Japanese Bobtail.
Acquired heterochromia
Kittens born to sick parent cats cannot inherit abnormal eyes. However, a cat’s eye color can change due to specific circumstances.
The following situations can result in acquired heterochromia of the iris:
Uveitis
An inflammation of the eye’s choroid is called uveitis. It goes without saying that this is a painful condition that can cause blindness if left untreated. Uveitis may occur on its own or as a sign of other medical conditions.
What may result in uveitis?
- Eye injury;
- Bacterial or fungal infection;
- Diabetes;
- Tumor;
- Feline herpes;
- High blood pressure.
While some will make contact with the swollen eye, others will not. If someone tries to approach them, some people may become aggressive and keep their eyes closed.
Bright light is avoided by most cats who have uveitis because it hurts. This disorder can cause squinting, redness, and cloudiness in the eyes.
Glaucoma
When the watery fluid in front of the eye behind the lens cannot adequately drain, it can cause feline glaucoma. The optic nerve is compressed as a result of the fluid accumulation. Cloudy eyes are a common symptom of glaucoma.
Although it is not common in cats, glaucoma can cause blindness if it begins in one eye and spreads to the other.
Portosystemic hepatic shunt
A portosystemic hepatic shunt, an abnormal artery that permits blood from the animal’s intestines to bypass the liver, may be indicated by copper-colored eyes.
Therefore, liver function declines as toxins, proteins, hormones, and nutrients that the intestines absorb pass through the liver and into other parts of the body.
Breeds that most often develop heterochromia
Let’s examine the breeds that might be affected:
Japanese Bobtail
The eyes of many Japanese Bobtails are golden. They will most likely have one blue eye and one gold eye if they have heterochromia. Given that many will have a coat that is entirely white or that has patches of brown and gray, this is most likely genetic.
Turkish Angora
Heterochromia affects the Turkish Angora breed frequently because of their coat, which can be either white or speckled with white.
Turkish Van
Although heterochromia is not a dominant trait of the breed, the majority of Turkish Vans are white. Turkish Vans can have amber, blue, or a combination of the two colors for their eyes instead of green ones.
Khao Manee
Many Khao Manee will continue to have at least one blue eye, but the other eye’s iris will change color. This is what makes them look distinctive and well-liked. Heterochromian Khao Manee cats are even more beloved than their counterparts with two regular eyes.
Sphynx
Their natural blue eyes will be deep and bright, but their large round eyes are yellow or light green. Among other cats, odd-eyed sphinxes will be in demand.
Heterochromatic cats, or cats with different-colored eyes, are an unusual and lovely sight. Their unusual appearance frequently adds to their allure and helps them stand out from other pets even more.
Although rare, this trait is usually benign and has no effect on a cat’s general health or vision. To make sure everything is in order, it’s wise to see a veterinarian if you notice any changes in your cat’s eyes.
These cats are extremely unique, whether it’s due to their deliberate breeding practices or a natural genetic variation. One more thing that makes each cat unique is the color of their eyes.
