black cats are beautiful animals and the color of their eyes is often a source of curiosity. some people believe that all black cats have yellow eyes, but this is not always the case. while yellow eyes are common in black cats, but they can also have green, blue, or even copper-colored eyes.
In some cases, a black cat’s eye color can even change over time. for example, a black kitten may be born with blue eyes, which will later turn green or yellow as it grows.
what determines eye color in black cats?
A cat’s black fur has nothing to do with the color of its eyes. Eye color in black cats is determined by the same thing that determines eye color in any other cat: the presence or absence of pigment in the iris¹. the iris is the colored part of the eye and gets its color from a pigment called melanin.
Blue eyes in cats are due to a lack of melanin in the iris. yellow eyes, on the other hand, are caused by a high concentration of melanin. somewhere in the middle are eye colors like green, hazel, and copper.
one of the reasons why most black cats appear to have yellow eyes is for the effect of contrast. Their solid black fur can intensify the golden hue of their eyes, making them appear even brighter than they actually are.
can black cats have blue eyes?
definitely. while blue eyes are more common in kittens, adult black cats can also have them. in fact, blue eyes are not that rare in black cats.
the reason blue eyes are more common in kittens is that they are born without melanin in their iris¹. as they grow and their bodies begin to produce melanin, their eye color will gradually change from blue to green, hazel, or yellow.
so if you come across a black kitten with blue eyes, chances are good that its eye color will change as it grows older.
My cat’s eye started to turn yellow. should i worry?
Yellow eyes in cats can be a sign of disease. so if you notice that your black cat’s eyes have suddenly turned yellow, it’s important to take him to the vet for a checkup.
There are several conditions that can cause a sudden change in feline eye color, including jaundice¹. liver disease and anemia. While not all of these conditions are serious, they can still be painful or even life-threatening, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution and have your cat checked out by a professional.
final thoughts
In conclusion, while yellow eyes are certainly common in black cats, they are by no means the only eye color they can have. blue eyes are also not that rare, and the color of a black cat’s eyes can even change over time. however, if you notice that your black cat’s eyes have suddenly changed color, it’s always best to take him to the vet for a checkup just to be sure.
featured image credit: awaylgl, shutterstock
