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8 Blue-Eyed Cat Breeds: Info, Facts & Health (With Pictures)

Written by: Rachael Gerkensmeyer

Last Updated on February 29, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

cute blue mitted ragdoll cat with long fur and blue dominant eyes

8 Blue-Eyed Cat Breeds: Info, Facts & Health (With Pictures)

A few cat breeds out there are known to have blue eyes. There is a common misconception that white cats with blue eyes are deaf, but that is not quite the reality. Some are deaf, but not all of them have this fate. Also, while many cats with blue eyes have white coats, not all cats with blue eyes do.

Here are eight blue-eyed cat breeds that all feline lovers should know about!

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The 8 Blue-Eyed Cat Breeds

1. Siamese

siamese kitten in a basket
Image Credit: Esin Deniz, Shutterstock
Origin: Thailand
Lifespan: 15 years
Weight: 10 to 15 pounds

The Siamese cat is one of the most well-known felines with blue eyes. They have been highlighted in various movies throughout the years, including Lady and the Tramp, Meet the Fockers, and even Snakes on a Plane. They are popular among households throughout the world. One big reason is their beautiful blue eyes that create a deep contrast to their dark coats.

These cats originated in Thailand, where they were revered for their striking black hair and elegant stature. Siamese cats are energetic, curious, and intelligent creatures that enjoy spending time with human companions and don’t mind being affectionate when the time is right. They also happen to be vocal, known for waking their companions in the middle of the night and interrupting conversations to get attention.


2. Turkish Angora

Turkish Angora white with odd eye color
Image Credit: Andrei Armiagov, Shutterstock
Origin: Central Anatolia (modern Turkey)
Lifespan: 12 to 18 years
Weight: 5 to 10 pounds

As a breed that is thousands of years old, the Turkish Angora enjoys popularity worldwide today. Legend has it that these cats were once the companions of gods, as their eyes were said to reflect the heavens above. Many Turkish Angoras have two different colored eyes: one blue and one green or amber. Some don’t have blue eyes at all. However, blue eyes are commonplace for this breed.

Turkish Angora cats are playful, affectionate, and good-natured on the whole. They love to interact with toys and kids and enjoy exploring their surroundings regularly to see if anything new is happening or has been introduced to the home. These cats are great jumpers and acrobats, so they can be a bit destructive when they feel rambunctious or get bored. They need climbing shelves, scratching posts, and towers to accommodate all their physical energy.


3. Ragdoll

Blue Tabby Point Ragdoll Cat
Image Credit: cath5, Shutterstock
Origin: California, United States
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Weight: 8 to 15 pounds

The Ragdoll came into existence when a Persian breeder named Ann Baker from California decided to breed a long-haired white cat (that looked like an Angora but was feral, so the breed wasn’t entirely known) with cats that she came across or already owned. From there, she used selective breeding practices to perfect the Ragdoll cat that we all know and love today.

These blue-eyed cats are beautiful, gentle, and affectionate, which makes them amazing household companions that are both fun to look at and enjoyable to interact with. They have no problem snuggling on the couch or napping in a lap all day, though they also don’t mind spending time with toys and exploring.


4. Balinese

balinese cat outdoors
Image Credit: Fazlyeva Kamilla, Shutterstock
Origin: The United States
Lifespan: 7 to 15 years
Weight: 5 to 8 pounds

As essentially long-haired versions of the Siamese (they are related, after all), Balinese cats were developed in the United States as the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation. The American Cat Fanciers Association has recognized the breed as a rare one.

Balinese are extremely adaptable and can do well in households with single adults, seniors, families with kids, and families with other pets. They love to socialize and are not shy to let their family members know when they are not getting enough attention. These smart cats like to play, but they also have a laidback side.


5. Snowshoe

Snowshoe cat on the grass
Image Credit: Anna Krivitskaya, Shutterstock
Origin: The United States, sometime in the 1960s
Lifespan: 14 to 20 years
Weight: 7 to 14 pounds

Snowshoe cats aren’t popular, and many people have never even heard of them. However, they look like Siamese cats, so some people have likely seen or spent time around one without even knowing it! Their name is a nod to their snow-white paws.

Their white and smokey brownish/blackish bodies and blue eyes give them an exotic look that definitely turns heads. Snowshoe cats are vocal like Siamese cats tend to be, so they should be expected to regularly participate in vocal conversations with family members at home.


6. Tonkinese

tonkinese cat sitting on the floor
Image Credit: dezy, Shutterstock
Origin: Asia
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Weight: 6 to 12 pounds

The Tonkinese is a blue-eyed cat breed that doesn’t get nearly as much attention as they deserve. These cats are playful, goofy, and sometimes a little mischievous, and they are always a joy to be around. These cats aren’t purebred. Instead, they are a cross between the Siamese and the Burmese cat breeds.

It’s not exactly known where the Tonkinese originated, though the first known Tonkinese was named Wong Mau and was discovered in the 1930s. This leads experts to believe that the breed originated in Asia.

These cats are typically outgoing and sociable, willing to interact with family members and household visitors alike. They love interactive games and thrive with things like puzzle toys and slow feeders. Tonkinese cats are known for their independence and ability to keep themselves company when nobody else is around.


7. Birman

close up of birman cat
Image Credit: Antranias, Pixabay
Origin: Northern Burma
Lifespan: 9 to 15 years
Weight: 7 to 12 pounds

This pointed cat breed has gorgeous, long hair and striking blue eyes. These cats come in a few different colors, but what they all have in common are their white paw “mittens.” These cats are known for being sweet, shy, and sometimes playful when they’re in the mood.

This is a vocal breed, but their meows and noises are not typically as loud as some other vocal cats, like the Balinese. They require regular brushing to keep shedding to a minimum and to ensure that tangles don’t develop.


8. Javanese

javanese
Image Credit: Pxhere
Origin: North America
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Weight: 5 to 12 pounds

The Javanese cat happens to be related to the Siamese breed. These cats look like typical Siamese cats and have long, silky hair that is a pleasure to stroke. They don’t have an undercoat, so their hair lays flat against their bodies, giving them a look of elegance.

These cats are full of energy, so they require plenty of stimulation through play, toys, scratching posts, and climbing shelves. They don’t mind spending time at home alone, but they do like attention, which means someone should be around at least part of the day to keep them company.3 cat face divider

The 3 Facts About Blue-Eyed Cats

There are a few things that you should know if you’re a fan of blue-eyed cats and perhaps want to own one someday.

1. A Lack of Pigmentation Is What Causes Some Cats to Have Blue Eyes

Blue-eyed cats are not common, even though many breeds may have them. Typically, blue eyes are the result of a lack of pigmentation in the eyes. Cats with pointed coat coloring may have a recessive albinism gene that results in blue eyes. A white cat with blue eyes usually has a gene that blocks the coloration of their coats and eyes.


2. A Significant Percentage of Cats With Blue Eyes Are Deaf

Deafness is a concern for white cats with blue eyes due to the genes that cause the lack of pigmentation. Up to about 22% of white cats with eye colors other than blue are deaf. Up to 40% of white cats with one blue eye end up being deaf. However, up to 85% of white cats with two blue eyes are deaf. Sometimes, these cats are only deaf in one ear. Deafness is not a big concern among pointed and colored cats that have one or two blue eyes.


3. All Cats Are Born With Blue Eyes

All baby kittens lack eye pigmentation when they are first born. It takes about 6 weeks for their pigmentation to develop. So, until then, they all have blue eyes. If your kitten still has blue eyes after about 8 weeks, chances are that they will keep their blue eyes.

Tonkinese kittens
Image Credit: dezy, Shutterstock

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FAQ

Are Blue-Eyed Cats Hypoallergenic?

Unfortunately, blue eyes don’t make a cat hypoallergenic. Cats that are considered hypoallergenic produce a certain protein referred to as Fel d 1 at lower rates than cats that are known to shed. This protein is considered an allergen and is responsible for the allergic reactions that humans have when interacting with cats. The protein is released through dander, saliva, and even urine. Cats with blue eyes can produce just as much of the Fel d 1 protein as any other cat breed.

Do Blue-Eyed Cat Breeds Require Special Care?

Luckily, cats with blue eyes are just like any other cats (unless they’re white and happen to be deaf), so they do not require any extra healthcare that any other breed wouldn’t need. Regular brushing, nail trimming, and plenty of love are all you need to provide.

Are Cat Breeds With Blue Eyes More Expensive?

Yes, many cat breeds with blue eyes can be more expensive to purchase from a quality breeder for a few reasons. First, their blue eyes are exceptional and rare compared to all the cat breeds that don’t have blue eyes out there. Second, these cats typically have long, luxurious hair that make them elegant and sought after. Also, these cats are specially bred to maintain their lineage and ensure the development of blue eyes.

siamese cat with blue eyes
Image Credit: chromatos, Shutterstock

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Final Thoughts

Many cat breeds have striking blue eyes—some are rare, while others are just as common as those without blue eyes. Choosing a cat with blue eyes as a companion should be less about breed and more about compatibility. Compare your lifestyle to the needs of a cat that you’re considering adopting to ensure that you’ll make a great fit for each other.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: oussama el biad, Shutterstock

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