Cats with blue eyes have captured the hearts of people all over the world, but which cats actually have blue eyes? Keep reading to find out more and discover what can cause them.
There's something special about a cat with blue eyes. Dazzling baby blues are a fairly unusual feature in the feline world and it's easy to see why so many people are drawn to them. Blue eyes in cats are generally caused by a lack of pigment, and all kittens are born with blue eyes because cats don't develop eye pigmentation until they're around six weeks old, when the production of melanin kicks in.
Some cat breeds with blue eyes (especially pointed breeds) have a recessive albinism gene, which means that they'll always have bright blue eyes. Whereas other breeds have an extra gene which also blocks the coat colour, so these cats will not only have blue eyes but they'll also be white in colour. Here at Purina, we've created a list of cat breeds with blue eyes for all you blue eyed admirers.
Balinese
This blue eyed cat breed is a longhaired variety of the Siamese. The Balinese has a silky, flowing coat and gorgeously deep blue eyes. The breed's long and elegant body makes the cat incredibly graceful, and it's thanks to this elegance that they're named after the exotic dancers of Bali.
The Balinese are known to be an affectionate breed and are extremely friendly toward their owners. They are willing to shower anyone who gives them attention in lots of love.
Birman
The Birman is a cat breed with blue eyes that's hard to resist. Their glossy blue eyes gives them a sweet appearance which will have you bending over backwards for them. Their common characteristics are gentle, affectionate and playful, making them ideal as family pets.
Himalayan
Originally known as a Siamese Persian cross, this breed was first produced in the 1930's due to a desire to create a Persian cat with the pointed coat of a Siamese. Himalayan cats' eyes are always a vivid blue and their stature and shape is similar in appearance to the Persian, but they have different coat patterns.
Considered a medium-sized cat, their heavy bones and fluffy coat make them appear rather large in appearance. But don't be fooled, as most of it is fluff!
Javanese
The Javanese is a blue eyed cat breed that was developed from Siamese, Colorpoint and Balinese breeds. They appear elegant and delicate but they actually have a hard and incredibly muscular body, making them acrobatic and highly skilled at jumping and climbing.
Due to their high intelligence levels, Javanese cats are a breed that's well suited to being trained and learning tricks. They're also well known for their communication skills, so they'll definitely tell you if they're unhappy or if they want your undivided attention.
Ragdoll
Ragdolls are known far and wide for their glittering sapphire-like eyes and are considered to be one of the most affectionate cats. They make ideal lap cats and are at their happiest when they're with their people, following you around the house or encouraging you to make a fuss over them.
The Ragdoll got its name thanks to their tendency to go limp when picked up and the fact that they usually enjoy being carried around, unlike most other cats. This breed is extremely easy going and it's rare that you'll get one with a bad temperament, making them one of the most popular breeds among families.
Siamese
The Siamese is a blue-eyed cat breed that is extremely popular thanks to their stunning appearance. They make amazing companions as they thrive on spending time with their humans, but they don't particularly like being left alone.
The Siamese is one of the oldest cat breeds in the world and were once considered sacred cats and used to guard Buddhist temples. Also, in ancient times these cats were royal and if one was stolen from the Royal Court it was an offence punishable by death.
Snowshoe
Named because of their adorable white paws, the Snowshoe is a cat breed with blue eyes that is guaranteed to make your heart melt. Boasting big blue eyes and a masked face, this breed is most commonly beige, white or tan in colour.
Originating in the 1960s as a result of crossing a Siamese with various American Shorthairs, the Snowshoe is relatively new in comparison to other cat breeds. Generally, these cats tend to be quite vocal, though not as much as the Siamese, and make loving, playful pets.
Tonkinese
The Tonkinese is a result of crossing Siamese and Burmese cats, giving them all the best qualities of both blue-eyed breeds. They tend to be entertaining, affectionate and incredibly intelligent cats, and many owners say that Tonkinese cats like to jump onto people's shoulders due to their love of heights!
These cats are normally indoor cats, and it's important to note that they should not go outside without a lead as their trusting demeanour means that they often lack certain defensive instincts.
Turkish Angora
Although one of the most common eye colours for this breed is blue, they can also have green, gold and amber eyes, and they look adorable with them all!
Ojos Azules
Where this blue eyed cat breed is incredibly beautiful, it's also the rarest breed on this list. Their name means 'blue eyes' in Spanish and there are only a handful of these cats in the world. Which means that owning one is pretty out of the question.
First appearing among feral cats in Mexico, there is very little known on the Ojos Azules due to the rarity of it, but they look beautiful.
For more information on cat breeds, take a look at our cat breed library.
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