why do cats eyes change colour

Aria

I’ve noticed that my cat’s eyes sometimes seem to change color, especially in different lighting or as she’s grown older. At first, I thought it was just my imagination, but now I’m curious—why does this happen? Is it normal, or could it be a sign of something health-related? I’d love to hear from others who’ve observed this in their cats or know more about feline eye anatomy.

Dylan

It’s totally normal for kittens’ eyes to change color as they mature! Most kittens are born with blue eyes, which gradually shift to their permanent hue by around 8 weeks old. The melanin in their irises develops over time, so if your cat’s eyes went from blue to green or yellow, that’s just part of growing up.

Aria

Dylan That makes so much sense! My kitten’s eyes were this dreamy blue when I got her, but now they’re a deep amber. It’s reassuring to know it’s just part of her development—I was low-key worried I’d imagined the whole thing.

Harper

Lighting can play a huge role in how your cat’s eyes appear. The tapetum lucidum, a reflective layer behind their retina, amplifies light and can make their eyes look brighter or even slightly different shades depending on the angle. My tabby’s eyes look gold in sunlight but almost green indoors—it’s wild!

Sophia

While some color changes are harmless, sudden or drastic shifts could signal health issues like uveitis or high blood pressure. My vet once told me to watch for cloudiness or redness accompanying color changes. If you’re worried, a quick check-up can rule out problems.

Gianna

Older cats often develop a condition called lenticular sclerosis, where their lenses thicken and can give the eyes a bluish haze. It’s not painful, but it’s worth mentioning to your vet during senior check-ups. My 12-year-old void’s eyes have a subtle frosty look now, but she’s still sharp as ever.

Asher

Breed plays a role too! Siamese cats, for example, often have striking blue eyes that stay vivid, while other breeds like Bengals might have more gold or green tones. Genetics dictate a lot of it—my neighbor’s Maine Coon’s eyes darkened from hazel to almost copper over two years.