When do kittens’ eyes change color?
It’s a fascinating thing to see
All kittens are born with blue eyes, but somewhere between 4 to 6 weeks old, their eyes may change color. Don’t be alarmed, your kitten is still the same, it’s just a sign that they’re growing up. Veterinarian and pet health advocate Dr. Aliya McCullough explains all you need to know about this normal transformation.
When and why do kittens’ eyes change color?
As kittens age, they begin to produce melanin (brown or black pigmentation) in their eyes. This can cause their eyes to change color between 6 to 12 weeks. Don’t worry, the process doesn’t affect their vision. However, if your cat’s eyes continue to change after that time frame, reach out to your vet as that could be a sign of an underlying health issue.
Are some kitten eye colors associated with different breeds?
If you're curious about how your kitten’s eyes may look after 12 weeks, their breed may give it away. Here’s a list of breeds and common eye colors. Note: skip this section if you want to be surprised!
Blue eyes
Himalayan, Persian, Birman, Siamese, Tonkinese and ragdoll
Green eyes
Abyssinian, Norwegian Forest Cat, Russian Blue and Sphynx
Yellow or orange eyes
American Shorthair, Somali, Burmese, Cornish Rex, Norwegian Forest Cat and Maine Coon
Hazel or brown eyes
Abyssinian, Bengal, Cornish Rex and Scottish Fold
Kittens with two different colored eyes
Turkish Van, Turkish Angora, Japanese Bobtail and Persian
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An eye color transformation is just the first of many healthy, natural changes for your kitten — enjoy this surprise (and many more happy ones to come).
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