Cats are amazing creatures, and their unique and striking appearance never fails to captivate us.
There are some cats that truly stand out from the crowd due to their extraordinary feature – their two different colored eyes.
This rare genetic condition, called heterochromia or ‘odd-eye’, creates a stunning and unforgettable look.
Here are 10 cats with this remarkable feature that will leave you in awe…
Why do cats have two different colored eyes?
Firstly, it’s important to know that there are two types of heterochromia in cats.
The first type is called complete heterochromia, where one eye is completely different in color from the other.
The second type is called partial heterochromia, where only part of the iris is a different color.
Heterochromia is caused by a genetic mutation, which affects the amount and type of pigments in the iris.
Normally, the iris contains a pigment called melanin, which gives the eye its color. However, in cats with heterochromia, the melanin is distributed unevenly, resulting in two different colored eyes.
Interestingly, heterochromia is more common in certain breeds of cats.
For example, it’s seen more often in breeds like the Turkish Van, Turkish Angora, and the Japanese Bobtail.
However, it can occur in any breed of cat and is simply a result of a genetic mutation.
While heterochromia is mostly a cosmetic condition, it can sometimes be associated with other health issues.
For example, some cats with heterochromia may be prone to deafness, as the mutation can affect the development of the inner ear.
In some cases, a cat may develop heterochromia later in life as a result of injury or illness.
This is known as acquired heterochromia and is often associated with inflammation or injury to the eye.
Lee Harris
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