There are quite a few misconceptions associated with blue-eyed cats, but as adorable as they are, you just can’t resist their charm. We’re giving you a list of 9 utterly gorgeous cat breeds that have blue eyes, and hoping to clear the misconceptions as well.
Let’s clear a misconception right away.
A lot of people erroneously assume that all blue-eyed cats with a white coat are deaf by default. In reality, though blue-eyed white cats have a higher propensity to be born deaf, this isn’t always the case. A cat’s physical appearance can be influenced by genes different from those which may cause deafness.
These blue-eyed angels certainly are the darlings of the feline world. Our sensible self, at all times, urges us not to discriminate between pets on the basis of their looks―but it only takes one chance encounter with a beautiful cat gazing at you with his azure eyes to change it all.
Blue-eyed cats aren’t a rarity, but at the same time, their numbers aren’t too abundant either. This phenomenon is mostly seen in cats that have a solid white coat or point markings. That said, one can also find tabbies, torties, and tuxedo-patterned cats with blue eyes. This trait is equally prevalent in males and females.
Factors Influencing the Occurrence of Blue Eyes
The blue coloration in a cat’s eyes is caused by the presence of pigment cells in the iris. These cells are known as melanocytes. The number of melanocytes in the stroma influence the eye color―higher numbers produce brown or copper eyes, whereas fewer melanocytes produce green eyes. In case the melanocyte count is even lower, the cat ends up having blue eyes. The shades can range from a very pale baby blue to a deeper hue of royal blue.
Note that all kittens are born with blue eyes. Their eye color begins to change (or remain the same in case they do have blue eyes) as they grow, usually settling by the time they are about 10 to 12 weeks old.
Blue Eyes and Deafness: What is the Connection?
Not all blue-eyed white cats are necessarily deaf. However, this particular pairing does increase the chances of the cat being born deaf.
The gene influencing this white coat/blue eyes combination is a dominant gene termed W. This gene appears to bear more than one effect, it gives the cat its white-colored coat, blue eyes, and deafness. Interestingly, though, while the gene has complete influence over the coat color, it bears a variable influence causing blue eyes and deafness. Therefore, while deafness may be common among white cats with blue eyes, it cannot be generalized for every member sporting these physical features.
Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s go check out some cats with blue eyes.
SIAMESE
The actively chatty Siamese has beautiful blue eyes and a point-patterned coat―this is a pattern which has dark-colored extremities. The seal-point Siamese is the most famous of them all, with his cream or white body with dark brown tail, legs, ears, and face.
HIMALAYAN
The Himalayan is a cross between a Siamese and the long-haired Persian. This breed inherits the blue eyes and the color-point features of the Siamese, along with the long-haired coat and the docile temperament of the Persian. Truly, the Himalayan cat is a gorgeous and gentle pet.
BALINESE
The Balinese is a long-haired cousin of the Siamese, and is considered to be an independent breed. They possess the same color-point characteristic as the Siamese, and also happen to be just as interactive and talkative with their favorite person.
RAGDOLL
These gorgeous cats get their name from their ability to flop into the arms of anyone who is holding them―quite like the ragdoll. Their coat is color-pointed as well, and is much softer to touch. Ragdolls rank among the most affectionate cat breeds, and are coveted owing to their appearance and temperament.
BIRMAN
There’s nothing you won’t love about the Birman―the Cat Fanciers’ Association bills them as the most loving breed there is. Their soft blue eyes are extremely endearing, as is the cashmere-soft cream coat.
TURKISH ANGORA
Angoras are one of the oldest cat breeds in the world. Although they come in various coat patterns and colors, the ones that are most prized are the white-colored, blue-eyes cats. White Angoras are also found to be odd-eyed―with one eye being blue, and the other a shade of amber.
OJOS AZULES
This Mexican breed is relatively new and quite rare as well. This breed has been discovered to be quite exceptional, because these cats possess a gene which influences the blue eyes trait, but is not linked to any coat pattern. This means that the breed has members with dark coats and blue eyes.
TONKINESE
The Tonkinese is a cross between the Siamese and the Balinese. Therefore, these cats borrow traits from both parent breeds which include the point coat pattern and blue eyes. Their eyes, especially, are found to be colored aquamarine―a blend of blue and green.
SNOWSHOE
The Snowshoe is a relatively rare breed which has the Siamese as its ancestor. These cats have regular point-patterned coats with white paws, and of course, the unmistakable blue eyes just like the Siamese.
Blue-eyed or not, each cat or kitten is worthy of being loved and protected. So if you’re thinking of bringing a beautiful blue-eyed kitten home, remember that her eye color may change as she grows. But don’t let that disappoint you―a cat is a gorgeous pet to have, and a true animal lover does not let these minor issues come in the way of loving their beautiful pet.
