Why Do Siamese Cats Have Blue Eyes?

Why Do Siamese Cats Have Blue Eyes
Siamese genes – So what does that have to do with Siamese cats? You may have noticed that Siamese have blue eyes. That blue eye color is thanks to a special genetic allele they carry that causes a form of albinism. Wait — Siamese cats aren’t albinos. Actually they are. Temperature-sensitive albinos, This albinism is what causes breeds like Siamese, Burmese, Himalayans, and Tonkinese to have pointed coats — darker in the extremities and lighter in the torso. And this albinism extends to eye color, too. Why Do Siamese Cats Have Blue Eyes In most cats, pigmented cells are scattered throughout both layers. But for cats with Siamese or Burmese alleles (gene pairs that cause temperature-sensitive albinism), there is no pigmentation — or color — in the stroma. And whereas other cat breeds with blue eyes do have pigment in that lower epithelial layer, the blue of a Siamese is due to the absence of pigment in both layers.

Do Siamese cats only have blue eyes?

Pointed Cats – i Dreaminspireimages/iStock/Getty Images Cats with a light body color and darker-colored paws, face and tail are called “pointed” cats. Pointed cats always have blue eyes because, genetically, they are part of the recessive white/albino spectrum of colors.

Why are Siamese cats so special?

Personality – Siamese cats are almost as famous for their personality as they are for their looks. They are among the most vocal of cats, enjoying long ‘conversations’ with their human friends. They are loving, loyal and crave human companionship, making them excellent family pets.

Their high intelligence allows them to learn things quickly which, coupled with a natural curiosity, means they’re likely to work out how to open your drawers and cupboards and have a good rummage. Although they love a good snuggle on a warm lap, they also have high energy levels, which means it’s important to interact with them (they easily learn to ‘fetch’), and ensure they have plenty of fun toys.

Siamese cats have a good tolerance for children – as long as they’re taught how to interact with cats – and will also form firm friendships with the family dog. Siamese cats make great companions – but they need companionship in return! They do not like to be alone for long periods, so are best suited to households where someone is home most of the time (this could include the family dog or another Siamese!).

Are blue eyed Siamese cats deaf?

White cats with blue eyes are beautiful animals, but they can suffer from a genetic defect that causes them to spend their lives in silence. Most blue-eyed white cats are born deaf. This does not mean that all white cats with blue eyes suffer from the condition, and it does not affect Burmese and Siamese breeds that are very light colored with blue eyes.

Many cats with one blue eye and one yellow eye also are prone to deafness. The cause of the deafness is a dominant genetic defect. Every animal has two genes for each trait, one from their mother and one from their father. In this specific deafness, if the mother passes on a gene for deafness and the father passes on a gene for hearing, the deafness gene is dominant and the kitten will not be able to hear.

Inside a cat’s ear, there is an organ that converts sound waves into electrical impulses that travel to the brain and are processed as sound. In this type of genetic defect, the organ responsible for the conversion starts to degenerate at about 5 days of age.

Since a normal kitten’s ear canal does not open until they are 6 to 14 days of age, the kitten affected with this gene never hears.
The same gene also affects the cat’s eyes by preventing the normal formation of the retina.
This means that these cats have reduced ability to see at night and their hunting abilities are greatly hindered.

As with other deaf animals, deaf cats tend to be very alert and may be more aggressive and more vocal than other littermates. Special care should be taken with deaf cats. They should remain indoors and not be allowed to roam. Also, in order to prevent passing this gene to future generations, it is strongly recommended that affected cats should not be bred. 0 paws up December 10, 2014

What are Siamese cats with blue eyes called?

Balinese. This blue eyed cat breed is a longhaired variety of the Siamese. The Balinese has a silky, flowing coat and gorgeously deep blue eyes. The breed’s long and elegant body makes the cat incredibly graceful, and it’s thanks to this elegance that they’re named after the exotic dancers of Bali.

Do Siamese cats cry a lot?

Siamese cats are often very vocal – A quick search on YouTube for “Siamese cat meowing” will bring up hundreds of results of owners showcasing their cat’s talkative meow. Siamese cats are notorious for their distinctive vocal antics and don’t shy away when expressing their feelings and demands for attention with loud meows. Their meow has often been compared to that of a baby crying. Why Do Siamese Cats Have Blue Eyes Adelaide is up for adoption through our foster program. As one of the most affectionate and social breeds of cat, Siamese cats are renown for following their owner around the house. They’re typically very playful and active and can be a great pet for families with children due to their gentle nature.

Siamese cats are so social that they can even develop depression if they’re left alone too often.
Right now, there are four sweet Siamese cat mixes at Cat Town;,, Tyra and Damien (the latter two aren’t yet up for adoption).
Each comes equipped with their own unique personality.
Reach out to our staff about adopting Adelaide or Nancy, or drop into Cat Town during open hours to help socialize Tyra and Damien.

Email to learn more! Back to the, : 5 Facts About Siamese Cats

Why do Siamese cats meow so much?

The importance of understanding a Siamese cat meowing – Kittens begin meowing the moment they are born to let their mother know where they are and what they need. Since Siamese cats behave like kittens their entire lives, they never stop meowing. Instead, they produce various sounds to communicate their wants and needs to human parents.

Do Siamese cats like to be held?

Temperament – Kirsten Kranz, director of Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue, says many Siamese are “Velcro kitties,” whose love for their owners is so intense they’ll often stick to their side, following them from room to room in pursuit of pets and snuggles. Pair of siamese kittens Siamese cats are incredibly social, so adopting a pair will help make sure your kittens stay loved and entertained. | Credit: Suphattra Phonsen / EyeEm / Getty Because they love their humans so much, it’s a given these cats love to cuddle and be held.

And although they need space to do their own thing at times, to a Siamese “doing your own thing” usually means hanging out a few feet away, rather than right on top of you.
Siamese cats also have a reputation as being conversationalists, meowing loudly to their owners,
Though, as every cat is an individual, not every one is chatty.

“Siamese can be very vocal, but it’s not the majority of them,” Kranz says. “Those that are will talk your ear off, maybe 25 percent of, The rest are either moderately talkative, or not talkative at all.” A Siamese might dub one member of the household “his person,” and form a bond tighter with them than anyone else. Disney’s 1965 film follows the misadventures of D.C. the Siamese cat. | Credit: LMPC / Getty

How intelligent are Siamese cats?

Personality: – The Siamese cat is not only beautiful, but also she is highly intelligent. She can be trained to walk on a lead. This intelligence does not mean, however, that she can be trained to do everything you might wish. Like most other highly intelligent breeds, the Siamese has her own desires.

How long do Siamese cats live?

Siamese – As its name suggests, the Siamese cat originated from Thailand (formerly called Siam). Siamese cats live up to 15 years on average, some can reach 20 years old. People love Siamese cats because they are sociable, playful, and entertaining. It is possible to train Siamese cats due to their intelligent nature. They can be trained to walk on a harness and do lots of tricks.

Do Siamese cats get depressed?

Siamese Cat Characteristics – Siamese cats are anything but reserved around humans. They bond to humans much like dogs do and will follow their owners around the house, seeking attention. With highly social personalities. Siamese cats want constant interaction and will get depressed if you leave them alone for long.

As such, they are best in a household where their owners are home more of the day or there are other pets for company. Siamese cats are notoriously vocal with loud, deep voices. They love to “chat” as if they share a common language with humans, and they will also chide their owners if they feel they are being ignored.

Although they demand attention, Siamese cats have even-keeled temperaments, so they blend well into families with children and other pets.

Affection Level	High
Friendliness	High
Kid-Friendly	High
Pet-Friendly	High
Exercise Needs	High
Playfulness	High
Energy Level	High
Intelligence	High
Tendency to Vocalize	High
Amount of Shedding	Low

What is the rarest color for a cat?

photo source: Catster – The rarest color of cat is Albino, In order to get an albino cat, you need parent cats with two recessive genes and the offspring have to receive both. Far more often, the kitten will get one or neither of them and become Colorpoint, White, or something in between.

The recessive genes in true Albinos damage their TYR gene, which causes them to produce no melanin in their skin.
The result is a cat with pink skin that tinges their white fur pink.
They have light blue or pink eyes.
Unfortunately, these cats are prone to sicknesses of the eyes and skin, with many being photosensitive, immunodeficient, or prone to balance issues.

We didn’t list a price because Albino cats cannot be purposely bred – that’s how rare they are. There is no established price for them as they can occur in any breed yet rarely occur in any.

Can Siamese cats see in dark?

The genetic mutation that causes kittens to develop colour points is also responsible for their poor night vision. While most cats see well in the dark, Siamese cats don’t. It sounds like a disadvantage, but if you have an indoor cat, it really makes no difference.

Are Siamese cats deaf?

Health – This Siamese cat demonstrates the once common cross-eyed trait that has largely been bred out Based on Swedish insurance data, which tracked cats only up to 12.5 years, Siamese and Siamese-derived breeds have a higher mortality rate than other breeds.

The median lifespan of the Siamese group was somewhere between 10 and 12.5 years; 68% lived to 10 years or more and 42% to 12.5 years or more.
Siamese Scooter holds the record as the world’s oldest male cat, dying at the age of 30.
The majority of deaths were caused by neoplasms, mainly mammary tumors,

The Siamese also has a higher rate of morbidity, They are at higher risk of neoplastic and gastrointestinal problems, but have a lower risk of feline lower urinary tract disease, Vet clinic data from England shows a higher median lifespan of 14.2 years.

The most common variety of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in cats (among them the Abyssinian, the Somali, and the big group of Siamese-related breeds) is related to a mutation on the rdAc-gene, for which a DNA test is available.
The same albino allele that produces coloured points means that Siamese cats’ blue eyes lack a tapetum lucidum, a structure which amplifies dim light in the eyes of other cats.

The mutation in the tyrosinase also results in abnormal neurological connections between the eye and the brain. The optic chiasm has abnormal uncrossed wiring; many early Siamese were cross-eyed to compensate, but like the kinked tails, the crossed eyes have been seen as a fault, and due to selective breeding the trait is far less common today.

Still, this lack of a tapetum lucidum even in uncross-eyed cats, causes reduced vision for the cat at night. This trait has led to their dependence on and interest in humans, which affects their hunting ability, a desirable trait for many owners. However, it makes them vulnerable to urban dangers such as night-time vehicular traffic.

Unlike many other blue-eyed white cats, Siamese cats do not have reduced hearing ability. Furthermore, the Siamese cat is more prone than other breeds to lung infections, especially in kittenhood, such as feline osteochondrodysplasia, vestibular disease and feline hyperesthesia syndrome,

What cat looks like Siamese But isn t?

– The following breeds are considered to be some of the top hypoallergenic cats and are ideal for pet lovers that have highly sensitive allergies towards cats. Balinese-Javanese – Resembling the popular Siamese breed, the Balinese (also called Javanese) is known for having a silky smooth coat and a luxurious tail plume.

But their fluffy appearance isn’t really indicative of their overall allergy friendliness.
The Balinese is considered one of the least shedding cats among long-haired breeds.
Like the Siamese, they are talkative, have an easy-going personality, and are considered hypoallergenic.
Siberian – With its bushy coat and extra fluffy tail, this large and powerful cat breed isn’t one you would think to be hypoallergenic.

Though a rare breed in the U.S., they are gaining popularity for their lack of irritating dander and their affectionate and intelligent temperament. The Siberian is also one of few cat breeds that doesn’t mind getting a little wet and like to sometimes play in water.

Devon Rex – Resembling a hairless breed, the Devon Rex is sometimes referred to as a “poodle that purrs” because of its short curly hair and wagging tail when happy.
Similar to its canine counterpart, the Poodle, the Devon Rex is considered hypoallergenic.
This breed is usually on the smaller side, but makes up for it with their large and sociable personality.

Sphynx – The skin of a Sphynx has been said to resemble warm suede, not unlike their warm, affectionate personality. Similar to other hairless cat breeds, Sphynx are one the most allergy friendly breeds. Contrary to popular belief, most cats of this breed are not completely hairless, although they appear to be bald all over.

Do Siamese cats get jealous?

The beautiful Siamese is a highly social and affectionate cat that bonds deeply with its people. And while this is one of the most popular cat breeds, the highly attention-seeking and demanding Siamese can be possessive and a handful for inexperienced owners.

So, do Siamese cats get jealous? The answer is yes! Siamese cats are famous for having jealousy streaks and may even become forceful if they don’t receive the attention they demand.
Although they make excellent pets, you need to keep this trait in mind and give your Siamese the attention and affection it craves.

Read on to find out why do Siamese cats get jealous, what are the signs of this behavior, and what you can do to stop it!

What age are Siamese cats full grown?

Tabby, Siamese or common Domestic Shorthair: 13-16 inches long, 11 inches tall, weighing 10-22 lbs. Growth stops at 12 – 19 months. Ragdoll: 15-26 inches long, 9-11 inches tall, weighing 8-20 lbs. Growth stops at four years.

Do Siamese cats like to cuddle?

Do Siamese cats like to cuddle? – One of the most affectionate cat breeds in the world, Siamese cats love nothing more than cuddling with their favorite human. In fact, the Siamese cat is so loyal and devoted that the breed has earned a reputation for being dog-like.

If you love cats but are worried your feline fur baby will personify the silent and aloof stereotype, a Siamese cat might be the perfect breed for you.
Not only are they affectionate, but Siamese cats also love to talk.
Whether your cat is letting you know it’s time for dinner or is chatting simply for attention, Siamese cats are rarely ever silent.

However, unlike most cat breeds, your Siamese won’t greet you with the standard “meow.” Their distinctive vocalizations have earned frequent comparisons to a baby’s cry, hence the nickname “meezer.” Why Do Siamese Cats Have Blue Eyes

Do Siamese cats have anxiety?

Are Siamese cats aggressive? – Siamese cats have earned a reputation for being more aggressive than other breeds, It’s crucial to understand the cause of aggressive behaviour to address it appropriately. Here are the typical reasons:

Jealousy —Although friendly and sociable, Siamese cats can get jealous of new pets and people
Over-excitedness —Since they are hyperactive, Siamese cats can become over excited while playing and start biting, This playful aggressiveness is a prevalent form of aggression in Siamese cats and can be resolved with adequate training
Attention seeking —Siamese cats tend to do crazy things when they lack attention, including violent outbursts. Being incredibly intelligent, Siamese cats also know that specific behaviour will provoke a reaction from you
Discomfort or fear —If your Siamese feels threatened, they can start biting, scratching, or hissing to defend themselves
Pain —Siamese cats are prone to feline hyperesthesia syndrome, aka the twitch-skin syndrome. This condition can make their skin highly sensitive, so they may experience pain when you touch them and respond aggressively. Fungal infections, parasites, and food allergies are common causes of hyperesthesia

How much do Siamese cats sleep?

Cats sleep an average of fifteen hours a day, and some can sleep up to twenty hours in a twenty-four hour period.

How do you know if a Siamese cat likes you?

7. Following you around – They say owning a Siamese cat is like owning a dog. Siamese cats show their affection by following their human companions everywhere they go—even in the bathroom! A cat that trusts you and enjoys your company will cling to you like glue. However, it’s also your Siamese cat’s subtle way of telling you that he or she is more important than anything else that you’re doing.

Do Siamese cats have pink eyes?

Appearance – Siamese cats have a lean, lengthy frame with slim but muscular bodies. His long, thin limbs and tails, coupled with a high-contrast colorpoint pattern, make him instantly recognizable. His colorpoint coats give the illusion of mystery, with darkened masquerade-like fur near the face, ears, legs, and tail. siamese cat sitting on couch The dog-like Siamese is often described as a “Velcro kitty.” He loves his humans deeply, and will always want to be by their side—if not in their lap! | Credit: Daria Chichkareva / Shutterstock Because of their genetics, this breed will always have piercing blue eyes (which can sometimes be a little cross-eyed) that adds to their striking, elegant appearance.

And because of their short, light coat that doesn’t shed much, Siamese cats can be a good fit for allergy sufferers, Though you might picture a Siamese as cream with dark colorpoints, there are actually four color combinations these kitties can be: seal point (the typical fawn or cream body with dark seal colorpoint), chocolate point (ivory body with dark brown colorpoint), blue point (light silver bodies to a dark, grayish-blue colorpoint ), and lilac point (light cream bodies with a pinkish-gray colorpoint).

They’re all so beautiful, you might be tempted to adopt one of each!

What eye color do Siamese cats have?

Siamese genes – So what does that have to do with Siamese cats? You may have noticed that Siamese have blue eyes. That blue eye color is thanks to a special genetic allele they carry that causes a form of albinism. Wait — Siamese cats aren’t albinos. Why Do Siamese Cats Have Blue Eyes Actually they are. Temperature-sensitive albinos, This albinism is what causes breeds like Siamese, Burmese, Himalayans, and Tonkinese to have pointed coats — darker in the extremities and lighter in the torso. And this albinism extends to eye color, too. In most cats, pigmented cells are scattered throughout both layers. But for cats with Siamese or Burmese alleles (gene pairs that cause temperature-sensitive albinism), there is no pigmentation — or color — in the stroma. And whereas other cat breeds with blue eyes do have pigment in that lower epithelial layer, the blue of a Siamese is due to the absence of pigment in both layers.

Can Siamese have green eyes?

The range of Siamese eye colors. From left to right: whitish blue, medium sapphire blue, and navy blue. Siamese Eye Colors from Whitish Blue to Navy Blue By Cris Bird, Dr.P.H. The following article was originally published in the September/October 2001 issue of Journal of the Old-Style Siamese, the bimonthly newsletter of PREOSSIA,

Did you ever wonder what the sky is made of? It’s important. When you understand what the sky is made of, you can start to understand why the sky is blue, as well as why it is pale blue at some times, deep blue at others. And if you understand what makes the sky look the way it does, then you can understand what makes the eyes of Siamese cats look the way they do.

Far beyond our planet is deep space, which is mostly vacuum, nothingness. But as you go from deep space toward Earth, you encounter the atmosphere, a blanket of tiny air molecules, as well as tiny dust particles and ice crystals. The atmosphere, as seen by human eyes from down on Earth, is the sky.

You could say that the sky is a whole lot of very fine, tiny, breathable particles spread thinly in a belt between the earth and outer space.
When sunlight streams through the sky, it is a mixture of many different colors of light.
Light in colors such as red and orange travels in long, stretched-out waves.

It has no trouble passing between the millions of tiny particles that make up the sky. It slides between and around them in much the same way that a piece of thread goes through the eye of a needle. Picture millions of red threads of light piercing the sky without a hitch.

During most times of day, red and orange and yellow light waves, even green light waves, are gone from the sky before you can blink.
You don’t see those colors.
However, blue light travels in short, tightly coiled waves.
It’s somewhat like frizzed-up thread refusing to go through the eyes of a multitude of airy needles.

Instead of sliding right past, blue light tends to hit all the ittty bitty particles in the sky and bounce around up there for ages. Consequently, when you look at the sky during the day, usually you see lots of blue light. The color of the sky can change.

Obviously, if a great deal of material such as smoke pours into the sky, all we will see is the smoke.
What is more interesting is what happens when tiny amounts of particles are added to the sky.
Add a trace of smog or thinly spread-out water vapor, and the sky becomes a paler, duller blue.
Add just a little more water vapor or pollution, and the sky soon appears almost white.

The crowding of additional fine particles together in the sky tightens the spaces through which light waves can pass. Now, not only threads of blue light but also threads of light of all different wavelengths bounce back from those airy needles. When all wavelengths are represented, light looks white to the human eye.

When extra particles are added to the sky, it is like adding white light to the blue light already present.
The eyes of Siamese cats are like the sky.
Their eyes contain only traces of tiny pigment particles.
Most light passes through, but blue light remains in the eyes for a while, bouncing off the fine particles.

Siamese eyes come in a variety of different shades of blue. They can be so pale as to appear almost white with just a touch of blue, and they can be so dark as to appear almost navy blue. In between you can find every shade of blue from light sky blue to sapphire to blazing cobalt blue.

The different hues of Siamese blue eyes exist because of differing amounts of fine particles present.
That’s right.
Some Siamese cats have just a tiny bit more pigment in their eyes than others.
The cats with slightly more pigment in their eyes have lighter blue eyes.
If they have enough pigment particles present, their eyes can look whitish blue.

The pigment is not white. There isn’t enough pigment present in Siamese eyes to impart a color due to the pigment itself. However, the tiny traces of pigment that are present serve as additional fine particles able to bounce light in longer wavelengths.

The more particles of pigment are present, the lighter the blue color of Siamese eyes.
The more sparse the particles of pigment are, the deeper and darker the blue color of the eyes.
The color we see in Siamese eyes is colored light.
It is not colored pigment.
Some Siamese merely have a higher ratio of white to blue light bouncing in their eyes than other Siamese.

All cats inherit genes that in the absence of the Siamese mutation can produce green, yellow, gold, or copper eyes. The genes produce those colors by increasing or decreasing production of melanin (pigment) in the eyes. Green-eyed cats produce considerably more melanin than blue-eyed cats.

In fact, green-eyed cats produce so much melanin that the green color of the eyes is directly due to the color of the melanin itself. However, green-eyed cats produce less melanin in their eyes than yellow-eyed cats. Yellow-eyed cats produce less melanin than gold-eyed cats. Copper-eyed cats produce the most melanin of all.

Copper is the color you see when you are looking directly at a lot of melanin in a cat’s eye. Siamese cats, like other cats, inherit the genes for producing a certain amount of melanin in the eyes. Because they also inherit the Siamese mutation, their melanin-producing enzymes are not functional enough at warm eye temperatures to achieve rich green to copper eye colors.

The eyes of all Siamese cats end up with only tiny traces of melanin; like a clear sky, the eyes are suffused by blue light instead of being colored by pigment. Siamese eyes therefore look blue. But it turns out that the Siamese cats carrying hidden genes for copper eyes will produce melanin in larger trace amounts than Siamese cats carrying hidden genes for green eyes.

The Siamese cats with hidden “copper genes” will therefore scatter more white light in their eyes. Their eyes will look very pale, whitish blue. Siamese with hidden “green genes” will have very deep, dark blue eyes. As you may have guessed, Siamese cats with the right mix of hidden genes for eye colors such as chartreuse, yellow, or gold will end up with blue eyes that are intermediate in color between whitish blue and navy blue.

Now look at the full spectrum of possible Siamese blue eye colors in the side panel photo accompanying this article.
Picture in your mind’s eye another spectrum from green to yellow to gold to copper.
That green-to-copper spectrum of the domestic cat underlies the whitish blue-to-navy blue spectrum of the purebred Siamese cat.

The same genes are behind both spectra. The only difference is that Siamese cats also inherit a Siamese mutation. The Siamese mutation greatly reduces the amount of pigment produced in the eyes, allowing light to fill the eyes instead, and that shifts the eye color spectrum from green/copper to whitish blue/navy blue.

Do Siamese cats have red eyes?

Why Do Siamese Cats Have Blue Eyes I was asked the following question by a cat owner, “When I walk around my house at night in dimly lit rooms, sometimes I get spooked a bit when I see my cat. Precious is a sweet Siamese cat, but at night, her eyes seem to glow red in the dark, giving off a devilish lookWhat causes her eyes to glow red at night?” Good question.

Your cat’s large, round eyes are designed to operate far better in low light conditions and the dark than our eyes.
As hunters who are active at dawn and dusk – the best times for them to stalk prey – cats can actually see as well in pitch black as we can see in full moonlight.
Here are two reasons cats’ eyes glow in the dark.1.

Take a look at her eyes some evening under a bright lamp. Notice that the pupils are elliptical in shape, compared to our circular ones. In the lamplight, the pupils are narrow slits because they are protecting the sensitive retinas from damage. Now turn the lamp off and notice that her pupils dilate to accommodate the lower lighting.

In a very dim light, the pupils will fill her eyes, making them look almost completely black.2.
As for that red glow, it is caused by light reflected from a layer of tissue called the “tapetum lucidum,” which lines the back of the eyeball behind the retina.
It acts like a mirror, reflecting light that was not absorbed the first time it passed through the retina back through the eyes onto the light sensor cells in the retina.

The result is an eerie glow as your cat’s eyes catch a beam of light in a dark room. This term, tapetum lucidum, is a Latin phrase that means “bright carpet.” Interestingly, some feline eyes glow green rather than red depends on the color of the cat’s eyes.