Can Your Cat's Eyes Change Color?

If you’ve had your pet from the time they were young, it’s always fun to compare pictures of them as they age. Our pets grow so quickly in their early years, sometimes a year later they are nearly unrecognizable! In cats, however, you may notice an even bigger change than physical growth. A cat’s eye color often changes as they get older, meaning it is important to recognize the difference between an expected color change and one that may indicate health problems. Vetinfo.com helps us learn what to look for.

Kittens. A majority of kittens are born with blue eyes. As their sight develops, a kitten’s eyes will begin to change and take on a range of different colors, from browns and yellows to greens, oranges and ambers. This change will likely begin somewhere between three to eight weeks of age, and be complete by the time your kitten turns three months old.

Potential Complications in Adult Life. Eye color changes after "kittenhood" could be cause for concern. Watch especially for sudden color changes over a short period of time. Changing color is commonly an indicator of an eye infection, but could also be a sign of a more serious condition. One common eye condition in cats is an eyeball inflammation known as uveitis, which can do permanent damage if left untreated. Symptoms include abnormally yellow, red or orange colored eyes. If recognized, these symptoms should be shown to your vet for proper treatment.

Lost Vision. An older cat whose eyes return to their original blue color may have experienced eye damage or be going blind. Blue eyes are not a definite indication of blindness, but you should always consult your vet if the color change occurs as your cat appears to have any trouble moving around normally.

Kitten eye color changes can be gorgeous to watch occur, but don't forget to be wary of eye color changes later in life!  If you notice any abnormal changes, please contact your veterinarian! In this case, taking pictures of your pet can be a good thing for two reasons: to make it easy to look for color changes and to hang in your office for a daily dose of cuteness!

Sources: VetInfo