Cats are fascinating creatures, not just because of their playful and mysterious behaviors, but also due to the stunning variety of eye colors they can have. While some colors like green and yellow are common, others are incredibly rare and often seen as a mark of uniqueness and beauty. Here, we explore 11 of the rarest cat eye colors, detailing what makes each one special.
Dichroic (Odd-Eyed)
Dichroic eyes, also known as odd-eyed, occur when a cat has two different colored eyes. This phenomenon, also called heterochromia, is most commonly seen in white cats but can occur in other cats as well. The striking contrast between the eyes, often one blue and the other green or amber, makes these cats exceptionally captivating.
Blue
Blue eyes are relatively rare in cats and are most often seen in breeds like the Siamese, Ragdoll, and Turkish Van. This eye color is typically linked to a lack of pigment, especially in the iris, resulting in the stunning blue hue. Kittens often have blue eyes at birth, but this color can change as they grow older.
Copper
Copper eyes, which are a deep, rich reddish-brown color, are among the rarest and most striking eye colors in cats. This color is usually seen in specific breeds like the Persian and British Shorthair. The intensity and depth of the copper color can vary, but it always creates a warm and captivating look.
Gold
Gold eyes are characterized by a bright, metallic hue that stands out against the cat’s fur. This eye color can range from a light yellow to a deep, golden amber and is often seen in breeds like the Bengal and Abyssinian. The reflective quality of gold eyes makes them particularly dazzling in the light.
Green
Green eyes, while more common than some other colors on this list, are still relatively rare and are highly prized for their vividness. Breeds such as the Russian Blue and Egyptian Mau often have green eyes. The shades can range from a pale, almost lime color to a deep, emerald green.
Hazel
Hazel eyes are a beautiful mix of green and brown, often with a unique, multi-tonal appearance. This color is rare and can be seen in a variety of cat breeds. The complexity of the hazel eye color can change depending on the lighting, adding to its unique charm.
Chartreuse
Chartreuse eyes are a bright, neon-like yellow-green, a color that stands out distinctly. This rare eye color is often associated with the Burmese breed. The vividness of chartreuse eyes gives cats an almost otherworldly appearance, drawing immediate attention.
Amber
Amber eyes are a rich, warm orange-yellow color, much like the gemstone they are named after. This rare eye color can be seen in some cat breeds, such as the Norwegian Forest Cat. The deep, warm tones of amber eyes can add a regal quality to a cat’s appearance.
Yellow
Yellow eyes, while more common than some others on this list, can range from a pale, lemon-yellow to a deep, almost orange shade. This eye color is often seen in domestic short-haired cats and can create a striking contrast with darker fur colors.
Sapphire
Sapphire eyes are a deep, intense blue that resembles the precious gemstone. This rare eye color is often seen in purebred cats like the Siamese and Balinese. The clarity and depth of sapphire eyes can give these cats a regal and mesmerizing appearance.
Lavender
Lavender eyes, which are a soft, pale purple color, are exceedingly rare. This delicate hue is usually seen in albino cats and can give them a mysterious and enchanting appearance. The light purple tones of lavender eyes make these cats particularly unique.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org
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