Kittens are born with blue eyes. They can stay that way but, more commonly, the color will start to change as they mature and the production of the pigment melanin occurs.
Adult cats with blue eyes aren't widespread. When it does occur, this is as a result of their genetics.
The production of pigment in their iris doesn't occur, and when light reflects off the rounded surface of their eye, they look blue in color. The higher the level of refraction the cat has in their eyes, the deeper the shade of blue will appear.
Genes that limit cat coloration result in blue eyes. Pointed Cats, like Siamese, who have a lighter body and darker extremities, always have blue eyes. Cats that have the dominant white gene can sometimes, but not always, have blue eyes. White cats are also genetically more predisposed to being deaf.
Below we have listed eight beautiful blue-eyed cat breeds. Some of these breeds only ever have blue eyes. For others, blue will be just one of the possible eye colors they have.
Balinese
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The Balinese is a modern-day pointed cat breed that will always have deep blue eyes. The long coat of these strikingly beautiful felines came about as a result of a spontaneous genetic mutation in purebred Siamese cats. These medium-sized cats aren't just a pretty face. Known for being intelligent, inquisitive, playful and loving, Balinese can make great family pets.
Although there's no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic cat breed, because they don't have an undercoat and shed minimally, Balinese may not trigger allergic reactions in the way some cats will. Balis aren't suited to being left alone too often. They love company, and if they don't get enough attention, they can be pretty vocal in letting you know about it.
Breed Overview
Weight: 6 to 11 pounds
Length: Typically 18 inches
Physical Characteristics: Slender body with a long tail and pointed ears; coats are long and silky, coming in creamy white with pointed colors around the face, ears, tail, and paws
Birman
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The Birman is another attractive pointed breed with blue eyes. This long-haired cat comes in six different colors, but they always have white mittens on their paws. The breeds exact history is unknown, but it's thought they came about after cats imported from Burma were bred with Siamese cats in France.
It's no surprise that the Birman is an incredibly popular breed. They're sweet, playful and loving. Although still a vocal breed, their meows isn't quite as noisy as their Balinese and Siamese relatives.
Breed Overview
Weight: 10 to 12 pounds
Length: 15 to 18 inches
Physical Characteristics: Sturdy, medium-to-large cat with long, silky hair and pointed markings; coat can come in seal, blue, chocolate, red, cream, and tortoiseshell, with pointed or lynx patterns
Himalayan
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The pointed Himalayan was created by crossing Siamese and Persian cats. Not all organizations recognize the breed as being separate from the Persian. Their eyes are always vivid blue and their coat, which comes in a variety of shades, is long and dense.
Himmies are usually incredibly affectionate and playful. They can, however, create mischief if they aren't given enough enrichment and attention. This breed also has a high maintenance grooming regime. The Himmies thick double coat can become matted and uncomfortable if it isn't brushed daily.
Breed Overview
Weight: 7 to 12 pounds
Length: About 18 inches
Physical Characteristics: Medium-to-large in size with a wide chest, round abdomen, and muscular build; can often look bigger than they actually are; coats come in cream, grey, blue, and chocolate with pointed markings
Ojos Azules
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This modern and incredibly rare cat breed was accepted for registration by the TICA in 1991. Their numbers, however, remain very low and the breed standard is still in development. We had to include them on the list as their eyes are always an unusually deep shade of blue, despite not having pointed or solid white coloring.
The origins of the breed date back to 1984 when a tortoiseshell cat from a feral colony in New Mexico produced a litter with intense blue eyes like hers. They have gone on to produce litters with a variety of markings, and they have perhaps the deepest blue eyes seen in any breed of cat. The name Ojos Azules is a Spanish translation of 'Blue Eyes'.
Breed Overview
Height: The breed standard is still in the process of being developed
Weight: As above
Physical Characteristics: Generally short-coated and in a wide variety of colors, except for white, although white patches are acceptable
Persian
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Persians, with their soft and silky coats, distinctive smushed faces and sweet personalities, are one of the most popular and recognizable breeds in the world. White Persians can have blue eyes. Unfortunately, this genetic combination can sometimes also be associated with deafness.
Persians are known for being undemanding, calm and loving. They often like nothing better than snuggling up in their owner's lap for some affection. This breed isn't famed for its intelligence, and they're not going to be as trainable as the Pointed breeds on this list. You'll also have to be prepared for a high maintenance grooming regime.
Breed Overview
Weight: 7 to 12 pounds
Length: 14 to 18 inches
Physical Characteristics: Sturdy, medium-sized built with a "smushed" face, and round, vivid eyes; long, silky coats that come in solid, bi-color, tabby, calico, and other color variations and patterns
Ragdoll
Getty / Alex BarlowThey may be one of the biggest breeds around, but you're not generally going to find a more laid back cat than the Ragdoll. Their name even relates to the fact that when you pick them up, they often go limp with pleasure, just like a floppy rag doll!
You can't fail to be sucked in by these characterful cats and their big blue eyes. Their friendly and intelligent natures are often compared to that of dogs. It's not unusual for Ragdolls to perform tricks for treats. Plenty of company during the day and lots of at-home enrichment will be important to prevent these energetic and social cats from becoming bored.
Breed Overview
Height: 9 to 11 inches
Weight: 8 to 20 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Large, semi-longhaired coat and blue eyes. Pointed coloring can vary
Siamese
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The popular, instantly recognizable Siamese has charmed cat lovers the world over for decades. With their striking blue, almond-shaped eyes, pointed coloring, elegant physique and sociable nature, is it any surprise?
Meezers, as they're affectionately referred to, are super smart and very curious. Leaving this breed on their own for hours at a time with no additional stimulation could result in them becoming depressed and destructive.
Siamese cats thrive on being the centre of attention, and they're not shy about telling you when they want more cuddles. With a wide range of vocalizations and a loud meow, they don't like to be ignored.
Breed Overview
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 8 to 10 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Sleek body, almond-shaped blue eyes, large ears and a wedge-shaped head
Snowshoe Cat
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The Snowshoe was created by crossing Siamese cats with the American Short-haired. Another pointed breed, they always have blue eyes. They get their name from their white mittened paws that look like they have been dipped in snow.
Unsurprisingly, Snowshoes share many traits with their Siamese relatives. These nosy parkers want to join in with everything, and they adore being the centre of attention. Smart, vocal and easily bored, Snowshoes will be suited to joining a house where they'll have plenty of company and lots of enrichment.
Breed Overview
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 7 to 12 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Light body with darker 'points' on the ears, mask, legs and tails; usually a white chest, paws, and parts of face, with blue or sable points; short to medium-short haired coat length
As you'll have gathered, most blue-eyed cat breeds have pointed coloring. Many of these cats are relatives of the beautiful, blue-eyed Siamese.
These cats are typically smart, affectionate and playful. They can also, however, be rather noisy and will need a lot of attention and enrichment to problem behaviors arising as a result of stress or boredom.