A kitten’s eye color may change, but adult cats do not, and it’s essential to be aware of sudden changes in eye color. These changes can often signify a medical emergency and may require surgery to correct the problem. It’s also important to be aware of the different causes of eye color change, as they may not always be related to health problems.
What Are the Usual Cat Eye Colors?
There are many different eye colors that cats can have, but the color of their eyes does not change over time. If you want to dye your cat’s eyes, do it young so the color doesn’t fade later in life. The color of your cat’s eyes depends on its genetic makeup and will vary from animal to animal.
There’s something about the color of a cat’s eyes that makes them look so cuddly! Knowing a cat’s different colors is essential to taking care of them. Here are the four most common stains: black, brown, white, and yellow. Their color depends on their genes and the environment they live in.
The Kitten Phase
Kittens go through a ‘kitten phase’ where their eyes change color from blue to black due to the increased melanin production in their eyes during this time. The color will eventually fade, and your cat will revert to their original eye color. It is a normal part of development and should not be a cause for concern.
Factors That Affect Eye Colors Among Cats
Environment
Many factors can cause eye color changes in adult cats. For example, environmental factors, such as sunlight and pollution, may play a role.
Medicines
Drugs or supplements, such as blue-green algae, can cause eye color changes in cats. Be sure to consult your veterinarian if you notice unusual changes in your cat’s eye color.
Age
Many cat owners are curious about the color change cat eyes undergo with age. The color change is usually gradual and may not be noticeable to people at first glance. The difference is generally only noticeable in very dark or light-colored cats. So, enjoy your kitty’s beautiful eyes however they change color – it’s part of their unique charm!
Possible Eye Problems in Cats
There are health issues related to eye color changes in adult cats, including decreased vision and increased risk for eye infections. If you notice that your cat’s eye color has changed, you must take them to the veterinarian for a check-up as soon as possible. Not only will they be able to determine your cat’s health, but they will also be able to provide you with tips on minimizing any potential health risks.
Uveitis
Uveitis is a common eye disease that can cause your cat’s eyes to change color. If you catch uveitis early on, it is usually treatable with antibiotics or surgery. However, if left untreated, uveitis can lead to blindness in cats.
So be sure to take your cat to the vet if its eye color changes significantly or its vision begins to fade. In addition, avoid exposing your cat to bright sunlight when its eye color changes – this could worsen the condition and delay treatment time altogether!
Jaundice
Jaundice is a condition that occurs when the levels of bilirubin (a bile pigment) in the blood increase. Bilirubin is produced due to the breakdown of yellowish stains in the liver and can cause signs and symptoms like yellow eyes, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
If left untreated, jaundice can become fatal within days or weeks. In most cases, jaundice responds well to treatment with medication and intravenous fluids. However, if your child has jaundice accompanied by other health problems such as high fever or seizures, you should immediately bring them to a hospital for further evaluation.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in cats, and if not detected and treated promptly, it can result in total blindness. As early detection is the key to saving your cat’s vision, making sure they visit the vet regularly is essential.
Other health problems may occur due to glaucoma, including seizures and paralysis. For example, if your cat’s eyes change color or pupil size seems more significant than usual, this could indicate glaucoma brewing! – take them to the vet immediately for further examination.
Cataracts
Cataracts are the less common eye disease in cats and can be a severe problem. Cats with cataracts also have vision problems and need regular check-ups to ensure they don’t progress to blindness. In addition, a build-up of proteins and other materials in the eye’s lens can cause blindness in cats, which may eventually require surgery or medication.
If you notice your cat has a change in eyesight – such as not being able to see clearly at night – it’s essential to get them checked out as soon as possible so that you can treat any underlying issues early on.
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Portosystemic liver shunt (PLS) is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the portosystemic system of the liver fails to function correctly and causes excessive accumulation of bile in the intestines. This can lead to various health problems, including blindness in cats. Treatment usually involves surgery to replace the shunt with a new one.
Cats usually recover well from PLS treatment but may experience side effects, such as jaundice, poor appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some cats also develop brown eyes due to increased pigment in their iris caused by elevated bilirubin levels (a waste product produced during bile breakdown). This condition can be hereditary or may occur due to another underlying disease process.
