Although cats are recognized for having beautiful eyes, certain breeds go above and beyond with dual-colored eyes. These cats are even more exquisite and rare because of this intriguing feature.
We’ll look at eight cat breeds in this post that are distinguished by their remarkably varied eye colors. Every breed is unique in both personality and charm, and their mismatched eyes only serve to enhance their allure.
If you’re wondering which breeds most frequently have this trait, continue reading to meet some of the most gorgeous cats with multicolored eyes.
Breed | Eye Color |
Siamese | Blue |
British Shorthair | Golden |
Turkish Van | Odd-eyed (one blue, one amber) |
Scottish Fold | Copper |
Persian | Green |
Tonkinese | Aqua |
Russian Blue | Green |
Ragdoll | Blue |
- Genetics of the phenomenon
- Types of odd-eyedness
- Is it an illness
- Breeds of cats with different-eyed eyes
- Kao-mani
- Turkish Van
- Turkish Angora
- Exotic and Persian
- Oriental cat
- British and Scottish cats
- Rexes
- Sphynx
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Genetics of the phenomenon
The phenomenon known as heterochromia is linked to variations in the color of the eye’s irises. Its occurrence is always caused by either an excess or deficit of the pigment melanin in cats, or even its absence in albinos.
This trait is far more prevalent in cats than in people. In this instance, one eye is typically blue.
Odd-eyed cats are directly related to color; they typically affect animals with a lot of white in their coloring, though black cats can also have them. The second, non-blue eye in this instance may be yellow, green, or orange.
From a genetic perspective, heterochromia in cats is easily explained.
The snow-colored coat gene has a significant impact on more than just the coat’s color. It also has a major impact on how the nervous system develops in a developing fetus in the womb. The iris’s blue color is a result of its presence in the nerve endings of the eye, which also prevents melanin from forming there. One or both of the visual organs may be impacted.
Hearing is also impacted by this gene. All white cats with blue eyes are, after all, mostly deaf. Furthermore, unilateral hearing loss and heterochromia—such as the blue and yellow irises—occur if the nerve endings on one side of the head are impacted.
The dominant gene W is at work if the cat is entirely white and has blue irises on both of them. Kittens die in the womb if he is homozygothe. Only snow-white and blue-eyed heterozygotes make it through. Here, White is joined with an additional “non-White” gene. Because of this, the litter as a whole is rarely born entirely white; instead, there are frequently some black and/or spotted babies.
Types of odd-eyedness
Cats can have either congenital or acquired heterochromia, depending on how it manifests.
The following are distributed throughout the iris of the eye:
- complete;
- sectoral;
- ring.
When a cat has complete heterochromia, one of its iris is blue and the other is any other color.
The fact that only a portion of one or both irises are painted a different color determines sectoral odd-eyedness.
Ringal denotes the existence of an odd ring that is a different color from the eye’s primary color and is typically present along the edge.
Is it an illness
Cats with congenital heterochromia do not have impaired vision and are not afflicted with any disease. However, hearing may be impacted.
However, in the case of purebred animals, this kind of animal is eliminated from the breeding program to reduce the likelihood of deaf kittens being born and to halt the mutation’s spread within this variety.
Tumors, diseases, inflammations, and injuries can all result in acquired heterochromia.
Two varieties of acquired heterochromia exist:
- Abnormal darkening of the iris. It is caused by iron deposition (siderosis), and it can also be provoked by the use of certain eye drops due to stimulation of melanin growth. These are, for example, drugs to reduce intraocular pressure, which are used to combat glaucoma.
- Abnormal lightening occurs due to atrophy of the iris due to inflammation, due to neuroblastoma, melanoma, uveitis, leukemia and some other pathologies.
Breeds of cats with different-eyed eyes
These kinds are numerous. However, the color white predominates in each of them.
Kao-mani
Though heterochromia is thought to be innate in certain breeds, Kao-mani defies all expectations. However, heterochromia is also extremely uncommon in these pristine pets.
This ancient Thai aboriginal breed evolved organically.
Khao Manee, which translates to "diamond eye," is the only cat breed that is limited to a single color: pure white. Small black spots, usually on the head, can occasionally be seen at birth in kittens, but they completely vanish by the time they turn one year old.
Among all the domestic breeds, this extremely rare shorthaired cat may be the most costly. A true Khao Manee is extremely hard to come by; they are regarded as Thailand’s national treasure. In France and the USA, a limited quantity of individuals are available for purchase.
This pet has a charming temperament; it is happy, gregarious, energetic, and resistant to anger. It also makes friends with everyone with ease.
Turkish Van
The ancestors of this breed were those who lived in the Lake Van valley the longest. As a result, these creatures with their distinctive, semi-long hair make excellent swimmers, fishermen, and hunters.
Because of a unique lubricant found in each skin hair, water slides off the wool and keeps the undercoat dry.
The male weighs up to 9 kg, making the animals quite large and powerful.
The most distinctive feature is the all-white fur on the head, sides, stomach, and back.
There are two intense red spots on the forehead and crown, and the tail frequently matches the markings in color.
These animals are social and affectionate by nature, but they have a genuine bond with just one person and view him as their owner.
Heterochromia is more frequently seen in blue-and-yellow combinations.
Turkish Angora
Wars and political upheavals nearly caused humanity to lose this breed.
In Turkey today, the angora is safeguarded by the government as a national breed. This cat comes in a variety of colors, but the pure white variety with unique eyes is highly prized. Blue is often paired with bright yellow, green, or golden-green.
These animals are naturally curious, energetic, and deeply devoted to their owners.
Exotic and Persian
The only difference between these two breeds’ bodies and heads is that the Persian has long hair and the Exotic has short hair.
However, there are notable differences between the breeds. The gentle and kind nature of the exotic breed has made it one of the most beloved breeds worldwide, whereas the Persian cat, despite being calm and slow, can be quite mischievous.
The long, thin Persian fur and the soft, stuffed Exotic fur are available in an array of colors.
White is frequently paired with tiny spots of different colors. Heterochromia is another possibility; typically, amber and blue eyes are combined.
Oriental cat
One of the most elegant and refined breeds, it has the grace and quickness of a wild cat.
Pets that are fearless are incredibly curious and trusting, but they also love people and have a strong bond with their owners.
Orientals come in a variety of colors, but snow-white pets with distinct eyes are exceptionally lovely and one-of-a-kind. Emerald eyes are most frequently paired with blue eyes.
British and Scottish cats
The Scottish have hanging ears, while the British have straight ears. These pets have different ear structures.
One of the most popular and well-known breeds worldwide, this one is a domestic pet that is tame and a little phlegmatic and is kept with a person.
There are pure white individuals in both breeds with vivid blue eyes, and blue-copper heterochromia is occasionally possible.
Rexes
There are many different breeds of cats with wavy hair, including Bohemian Rexes, Devon, Cornish, Selkirk, and La Perm.
These kind and loving animals have completely white hair and stunning blue eyes with green or amber highlights.
Sphynx
Heterochromia also affects Canadian Donskoy, St. Petersburg sphinxes, which have no hair at all.
Many people adore these pets because of their pathological attachment, tenderness, and devotion to household members.
Completely white people astonish with their extraterrestrial appearance when paired with blue and brilliant emerald eyes.
Every cat breed with a distinct color of eye offers something special and alluring. These breeds demonstrate the beauty and diversity of feline genetics.
Every breed has a unique charm, whether you’re drawn to the Ojos Azules’ enigmatic appearance or the Turkish Van’s contrasted eyes. These already fascinating cats gain even more personality from having different colored eyes.
If you’re thinking about getting one of these breeds, keep in mind that they require special care in addition to their beauty. However, the allure of those captivating eyes is frequently well worth it for cat lovers.
Heterochromatic cats, or cats with different-colored eyes, are not only gorgeous, but they belong to a wide range of unusual breeds. The top 8 cat breeds—from the well-known Turkish Van to the stunning Japanese Bobtail—that are recognized for their eye-catching hues will be featured in this article. This guide will provide you with an understanding of the unique traits and allure of cats, regardless of whether you’re a cat lover searching for a breed with a unique appearance or simply interested in learning more about these intriguing animals.