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What Does It Mean if Your Cat’s Eyes Change Color? Our Vet Answers

Written by: Dr. Marta Vidal-Abarca BVSc GPCert (Ophthal) MRCVS (Veterinarian)

Last Updated on March 1, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

Vet ophthalmologist examining a cat_s eyes with a slit lamp

What Does It Mean if Your Cat’s Eyes Change Color? Our Vet Answers

VET APPROVED

Dr. Marta Vidal-Abarca Photo

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Marta Vidal-Abarca

Veterinarian, BVSc GPCert (Ophthal) MRCVS

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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It is said that the eyes are the window to the soul, and I think that’s especially true when it comes to the beautiful eyes of our feline friends. But did you know that your cat’s eyes can also be a window to their health? Changes in a cat’s eye color can be an indicator of a potentially serious health problem.

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Normal Cat Eye Color

close up image of cat's ears and eyes
Image Credit: effective stock photos, Shutterstock

Normal cat eyes cover a range of different colors. All kittens are born with blue eyes. At around 7 weeks of age, kittens’ eyes begin to change to their adult colors ranging from green, yellow, orange, amber, copper, and brown. This color change is usually complete by the time a kitten is 3 months old.


Odd-Eyed Cats & Deafness

heterochromatic white cat wearing blue collar with identification tag
Image Credit: Sheila Fitzgerald, Shutterstock

Some cats have different colored eyes, also known as heterochromia. This is not unusual, and is most often seen in white cats. There are three types of heterochromia:

  • Complete heterochromia: A cat has two different eye colors.
  • Segmental heterochromia: A cat has different colors in the same eye.
  • Central heterochromia: The affected eye has rings of spikes of a different color from the rest of the iris radiating from the pupil.

Cats with a white coat and blue eyes have a higher chance of carrying a gene that determines congenital deafness. This means that cats will be born deaf in one or both ears because their auditory apparatus degenerates. Interestingly, white cats with just one blue eye have less of a chance of being born deaf than cats with both blue eyes. However, not all blue-eyed or odd-eyed cats with a white coat will be deaf.

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The 3 Health Issues Related to Eye Color Changes in Adult Cats

Changes in iris color are often a sign of a serious eye health problem.

Vet ophthalmologist examining a cat_s eyes with a slit lamp
Image Credit: Lebedko Inna, Shutterstock

1. Uveitis

Uveitis is the inflammation of the uveal tract of the eye, which consists of the vascular layer of the eye comprising the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. It can be caused by problems affecting only the eye or the whole body, including:

  • Blunt or penetrating trauma to the eye 
  • Bacterial or fungal infection
  • Viral infections, such as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), feline leukemia virus (FeLV), and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
  • Tumors
  • Immune-mediated problems

Signs of uveitis include red eye, cloudy eye, an abnormally shaped pupil, light sensitivity, squinting, rubbing at the eye, and protrusion of the third eyelid. If you notice any of these signs, your cat needs to be seen by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Uncontrolled uveitis can lead to vision loss, cataracts, glaucoma, and pain.


2. Glaucoma

Glaucoma occurs when the pressure inside the eye increases because there is an abnormal drainage of the aqueous humor, the fluid that is constantly produced and evacuated from the eye. Glaucoma in cats is normally secondary to another eye problem, such as uveitis, and can lead to vision loss, even if treated. Typical signs are a swollen, red, cloudy eye with an odd-looking pupil.


3. Liver Shunt

While copper-colored eyes are normal in some cats and even highly desired by some breeders, they can also be an indicator of a liver defect. Portosystemic or liver shunts occur when there is abnormal communication between the blood vessels of the intestine and the rest of the body, causing toxic substances to not go to the liver to get metabolized and instead reach the normal circulation. If your cat’s eyes change color to copper, make sure you contact your vet immediately.

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Conclusion: Sudden Changes in Eye Color Require Immediate Veterinary Attention

Eye color changes in adult cats are always a cause for concern. If your cat’s eye color changes suddenly or over a period of time, consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible.


Featured Image Credit: santypan, Shutterstock

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