A newborn cat is one of the most beautiful creatures we can imagine. So small, furry, and with their little eyes closed, the perfect definition of cute. It gives a terrible curiosity to discover what color their eyes will be, but you have to wait about seven days for the little one to be ready to see the world finally. But did you know there are many cat breeds with blue eyes?
In most cases, kittens will have blue or gray eyes. However, the actual color of your furry friend’s eyes isn’t yet defined. Like their fragile body, their eyes are not 100% ready to work. They are adapting to the light and their new environment. It will take between 4 and 12 weeks for you to discover their final color.
Like any other animal, the color of a cat’s eyes is determined by genetics. Different genes mean different melanin levels, the amino acid that controls pigment in the eyes, skin, and coat. Melanin comes from melanocytes, the number of which determines the color of the cat’s eyes. For example, if your cat has blue eyes, it has fewer melanocytes than a cat with brown eyes.
Something widespread in cats is heterochromia, which is an alteration in the color of the iris, giving, as a result, an eye with a different color than the other. If your cat was born with this alteration, don’t worry, it is not usually accompanied by any medical problem. However, suppose the heterochromia occurs during the adult life of your cat. In that case, it’s better to go to the vet to rule out any trauma or diseases such as diabetes, glaucoma, or a hemorrhage.
A cat’s eye color shouldn’t cause concern. It’s just a physical trait. However, some people avoid having blue-eyed kittens due to the myth that blue-eyed cats are usually deaf. Although this is partly true, it does not apply to all cats with blue eyes.
Cats with white fur and blue eyes have their color due to a genetic mutation that results in a minimal level of melanocytes. These cells that determine the color of the eyes, skin, and fur also influence the functioning of the inner ear. Therefore, cats with fewer melanocytes (white cats with blue eyes) may not have enough cells for their hearing to function correctly.
However, it is estimated that only 40% of white cats with blue eyes are deaf. But don’t hesitate to adopt a white kitten with blue eyes. Even if your cat is deaf, it has the same ability to love you and make you happy.
5 Cat breeds with blue eyes that will melt your heart
Here is a list of 5 cat breeds with blue eyes:
1. American Shorthair (ASH)
These cute and hard-working cats can trace their history back to the 1500s when they first arrived in the Americas. Because of their incredible hunting talents, they were used as mice catchers, excellent for helping with rodents and bugs onboard on the long voyages from Europe to the colonies.
Physical Characteristics:
Despite their hardworking past, they’re not recognized for being particularly agile, yet they are known for their strength, endurance, and balance.
They have short and thick hair that protects them from the cold. Their tabby coats are usually gray or brown, but you can find an ASH cat in various colors and patterns. Their eyes can come in a variety of colors, too: blue, green, hazel, and gold.
Personality:
- Playful
- Docile
- Friendly to other animals
- Friendly with children
- Not very active
2. Balinese cat
The Balinese breed first appeared as a gene mutation of the Siamese cat, distinguished by its long hair. They used to be rare, and it wasn’t until the 1950s that breeders started breeding the long-haired Siamese, now called the Balinese cat.
Physical characteristics:
Balinese cats have bright blue eyes, long silky hair, and athletic body. They tend to be the favorite choice for allergic cat lovers due to their hypoallergenic coats. Their fur is colorpoint, which means a cream-colored body with a very defined mask, ears, tail, and feet in various tones, from chocolate to red.
Despite having elegant long fur, it is considered a low maintenance cat, and as a point in favor for the Balinese, they are low shedders.
Personality:
- The most playful
- Very active
- Super intelligent
- Loves attention
- Very affectionate
3. Birman cat
Originally from Asia, it is said that they first appeared in the Burma region. Legend has it that these cats inhabited a temple, and together with the priest, they dedicated themselves to its protection. One day, after an attack on the temple, the priest was severely injured, but the cats stayed by his side until the end. People think that for their nobility, the goddess Tsim-Kyan-Kse rewarded them with the beauty of their unique fur, eyes, and the white of their paws, representing the purity of their soul.
Physical characteristics:
With a pointed coat, cream in the middle, and dark at the extremities, the Birman is characterized for always having its paws completely white. They are medium to large cats, with an average weight of 12 pounds.
Personality:
- Gentle
- People-oriented
- Loving
- Playful
- Enjoys attention
4. Himalayan cat
These beauties are a relatively new hybrid of Siamese and Persian cats, first bred in 1924. After many trials with dozens of cats of different colors and patterns in the late 50s, the Himmie, as we now know it, was finally born. With the body of the Persian cat and the lovely colors of the Siamese.
Despite not having the most tender smile, these kittens are known for their calm and sweet personality.
Physical characteristics:
Their prominent cheeks and snub nose perfectly centered in the middle of those big, light blue eyes differentiate them from other cats. They possess broad and rounded chests and tend to have a medium to large body size but relatively short legs. But don’t confuse that squashy look with weakness. The Himalayans are strong and sturdy.
Personality:
- Smart
- Devoted
- Great with kids
- A bit shy
- Calm
5. Turkish Angora
The Turkish Angora is originally from Ankara, Turkey, formerly known as Angora. Although this cat was an attractive souvenir for centuries for those who visited the region, it was in danger of extinction by the beginning of the 20th century. Luckily, the Ankara Zoo became interested and led a breeding program that raised the Angora cat population.
Even today, it remains a rare cat breed, but it’s considered a national treasure for Turkey.
Physical Characteristics:
This elegant cat enjoys long soft hair, a slender and delicate appearance, and a set of big full eyes adorning a small head with beautiful long ears.
The typical Angora cat has white fur and blue eyes, but you can find them in various colors. White is the most common color because that was the pattern produced in the Ankara Zoo’s breeding program. And if you remember about the melanocytes, where albino cats (white fur and blue eyes) are prone to deafness, you will see that the myth of Angora cats being deaf is just that. A myth.
Personality:
- Highly intelligent
- Very social
- Strong-minded
- It has to be the alpha pet
- Playful
The bottom line – Cat breeds with blue eyes
There you have it, 5 beautiful cat breeds with blue eyes that will make your heart melt. With such a wide variety of colors, sizes, and personalities, there’s sure to be a blue-eyed feline friend out there for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Go out and adopt one today!