why do cats have green eyes

Santiago

I've always wondered why some cats have striking green eyes. It's fascinating how their eye color can vary so much, from blue to yellow to green. Is there a specific reason behind green eyes in cats, or is it just a random genetic trait?

Abigail

Green eyes in cats are primarily due to genetics and the amount of melanin in their iris. Cats with lower melanin levels tend to have lighter eye colors, including green. The green hue is a result of light scattering in the iris, similar to how the sky appears blue. Certain breeds, like the Russian Blue, are more likely to have green eyes due to selective breeding.

Anthony

The green eye color in cats is linked to their ancestry and adaptation. Wild cats with green eyes may have had an advantage in certain environments, such as forests, where the color helped them blend in or communicate. Over time, this trait was passed down to domestic cats. Additionally, diet and health can influence eye color, though genetics play the dominant role.

Penelope

I've heard that all kittens are born with blue eyes, and their eye color changes as they grow. Does this mean green-eyed cats start with blue eyes too?

Delilah

Penelope Yes, most kittens are born with blue eyes because melanin production hasn't fully started. As they age, melanin levels increase, and their eye color may shift to green, yellow, or other shades. The final color usually settles by the time they're around 3 months old.

John

Are there any health implications for cats with green eyes? Like, do they have better night vision or something?

Sarah

John Green eyes don't necessarily give cats better night vision. All cats have excellent night vision due to their tapetum lucidum, a reflective layer behind the retina. Eye color doesn't affect this ability, but certain eye colors might be more sensitive to sunlight. Green-eyed cats aren't known to have specific health advantages or disadvantages.