Here’s a List of Cat Breeds with Blue Eyes
Cats are among the most beautiful animals in the world. They have a regal physique, proportionate faces, soft fur, and pretty eyes. But there is something more special about a kitty with blue eyes! Having blue eyes is quite an unusual feature in cats. It’s no wonder many pet lovers are drawn to cats with blue eyes.
All cats are born with blue eyes. They either stay that way or change as they mature, especially at the age of 6 week. Feline eyes tend to become lighter due to the presence of less melanin.
Here are 10 cat breeds with blue eyes and everything you need to know about this trait.
Why Do Cats Have Blue Eyes?
Some breeds of cats (pointed breeds) have a recessive albinism gene, which means they will always have bright blue eyes. The cells in their irises do not produce pigment, so their eyes tend to appear blue in color when the light reflects off the rounded surfaces of their eyes.
Other breeds with this recessive gene may also have an extra gene that blocks coat color, meaning they will also be white in color in addition to having blue eyes.
List of Cats with Blue Eyes
1. Siamese
Siamese is one of the most popular cats with blue eyes. In addition to their blue eyes, these cats also have wedge-shaped heads, wide-set ears, and dark, chocolate, or seal fur, making them the most unique cats around.
They are one of the oldest cat breeds globally. They originated from Thailand hundreds of years ago. Thailand was known as Siam until 1939. Hence, these cats were called “The Royal Cats of Siam” because the royal families were the only ones allowed to own Siamese cats.
Siamese cats are very affectionate pets who like being the centre of attention. They are very talkative and sensitive and are not afraid of telling their owners they need more cuddles. They have a wide range of vocalizations which they use whenever ignored.
Average Lifespan: Up to 15 years
Average Weight: 3.6kg to 6.8kg
2. Balinese
The Balinese cats are closely related to the Siamese. They are the long-haired mutation of the purebred Siamese cats and were initially known as the “Longhair Siamese.” They still exhibit the same blue sapphire eyes and deeper-hued colorizations as the Siamese.
Balinese cats have long and silky coats which do not mat. It’s because of their elegance that they are named after the exotic Bali dancers. These cats aren’t just known for their pretty appearance, they are also intelligent, playful, loving, inquisitive, and talkative just like the Siamese. They make great family pets.
Average Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Average Weight: 3.6kg to 6.8kg
3. Snowshoe
The Snowshoe cat is a cross-breed of the Siamese and American shorthair. They are named after their white adorable paws and they look like they have been immersed in snow. They have a distinct masked face with big blue eyes. Their color varies between tan, white, and beige.
Just like the Siamese, the Snowshoe cats love to talk! They are vocal, smart, and easily bored when not given the attention they want. They love participating in everything, so they make loving, playful pets.
Average Lifespan: 14 to 20 years
Average Weight: 3.1kg to 5.4kg
4. Himalayan Persian
They were initially known as Siamese Persian. These medium-sized cats were first bred in the 1930s as a way to introduce a Persian cat with a pointed coat of a Siamese. This led to several contrasting colors on the Himalayan’s face, tail, legs, and ears. Colors vary from blue-cream, lilac, chocolate, and tortie.
The Himalayan Persians are the most recognizable breeds with striking blue eyes and very sweet personalities. They often love nothing other than their owner’s affection and attention. However, they are high-maintenance cats due to their fluffy coats.
Average Lifespan: 9 to 15 years
Average Weight: 3.1kg to 5.4kg
5. Ragdoll
Ragdolls are well known for their striking sapphire-like eyes. They are the most affectionate cats who enjoy the company of their owners. They follow people around the house and easily get bored when not given the attention they need.
Ragdolls are very large cats with blue oval eyes and silky fur. They got their name from the tendency to go limp whenever picked up and their love for cuddles and being carried around. These breeds are very docile and you’ll hardly get one with a bad temperament.
Average Lifespan: Up to 15 years
Average Weight: 4.5kg to 9.1kg
6. Birman
Also known as the “Sacred Cat of Burma,” the Birman is a cat breed with blue eyes that most people find irresistible. The origin of the Birman is deeply rooted in mythology. It is believed that they were sacred cats that were the companions of Kittah priests. It was said that they got their luxurious coats as a reward for their loyalty and dedication to a priest.
Birmans come in about six different colors, though they always have dominant white mittens on their paws. They are very intelligent, gentle, and calm cats who love constant attention and affection. They are quite vocal, but not as vocal as their relatives Balinese and Siamese cats.
Average Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Average Weight: 2.7kg to 5.4kg
7. Tonkinese
The Tonkinese was developed by crossing the Siamese and Burmese. They are named after the Gulf of Tonkin though they don’t have any form of association with it. Their eye color depends on their coat patterns. Solid cats have green eyes, pointed cats have blue eyes, and mink cats have aqua eyes.
These cats are very intelligent, affectionate, and entertaining. They like to jump on their owner’s shoulders due to their love for heights. They prefer staying indoors and should not be allowed outdoors unless accompanied since they lack particular defensive instincts.
Average Lifespan: 15 to 18 years
Average Weight: 2.7kg to 5.4kg
8. Ojos Azules
They are among the rarest breeds named after their prominent blue eyes. The “Ojos Azules” is a Spanish name that translates to blue. Their eye color is the dominant gene and they often tend to produce litters with the deepest blue eyes seen in any other cat breed.
Their origin dates back to 1984 when a blue-eyed feral female was bred to males who were not related to her and ended up producing blue-eyed kittens. There is only a handful of Ojos Azules in the world, which makes it a rare breed.
Average Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Average Weight: 4.1kg to 5.4kg
9. Javanese
The Javanese cats were developed from the Siamese, Balinese, and Colorpoint Shorthair cats. The main aim of cross-breeding was to come up with a cat that has a wider variety of colors. They have distinctive blue eyes and are very talkative and people-oriented cats. They’ll tell you when they are not getting your full attention.
It’s due to their high intelligence levels that the Javanese cats are often suited to training and learning new tricks. They can be cream, seal, tortie, or red, though they are born white only to adopt new color changes as the kitten ages.
Average Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Average Weight: 2.3kg to 4.6kg
10. Turkish Angora
The Turkish Angora is a cat breed that originated in central Turkey. Blue is one of their most common eye colors, though they also have several eye colors, including green, gold, copper, and even bicolor.
They are very intelligent, outgoing, and friendly cats. They love getting constant attention from their owners. However, they do not like being held for long periods. Their long silky coats come in a variety of colors, but most of them have white fur.
Average Lifespan: 15 to 18 years
Average Weight: 2.5kg to 5kg