Yes, all Siamese cats have blue eyes – and dark points with paler bodies. The two attributes, the colourpoint pattern and the blue eyes, are part of the same mutation, a sort of temperature-sensitive albinism where the melanin can only develop on areas of cooler skin (tail, feet, ears, nose).
If a cat’s temperature is above 100- or 102. 5 degrees Fahrenheit, albinism affects it. The genes that determine coat color become “on” again and transfer the pigment to the fur when the body temperature falls below that threshold. The pigment deposits in the ears, nose, paws, and tails of cats because these parts of their bodies are colder than the rest, giving them a pointed appearance.
Siamese cats are among the most exquisite and unusual breeds of cats. Given their distinctive apple- or wedge-shaped heads, gorgeous pointed coats, and intense blue eyes, it’s no surprise that they’re popular in Hollywood and thought of as royal or stylish cats. Because of their genetic makeup, all Siamese cats will have blue eyes, but that doesn’t make them any less unique.
Not only are Siamese cats among the most gorgeous animals you can bring home, but they are also very loving and devoted to their owners. These majestic, chatty cats are well-known for their beauty. The blue eyes of the Siamese cat are among their most remarkable characteristics. However, in response to your question, “Do Siamese cats all have blue eyes?”, the answer is yes, as it is a genetic trait. Only mixes have eye colors other than blue.
The darker-colored “points” on the paws, face, and tail of Siamese cats set them apart from other cats with lighter bodies. Seal point, lilac point, chocolate point, and blue point—all of which have blue eyes—are among the variants on the traditional Siamese pointed coat that have been produced by selective breeding.
This is because of the genetics that produce pointed coats. Genetically, pointed coats are part of the recessive albino spectrum of colors. Albinism is the absence of pigment entirely in both hair and skin. Siamese cats also have a modifier gene, which inhibits albinism below a certain temperature.
“Pointed” cats are those with a light body and darker paw, face, and tail colors. Because pointing cats are genetically related to the recessive white/albino color spectrum, their eyes are always blue. The only breed of cat that will consistently have blue eyes is the Siamese, who are always pointed. Within the breed, there are variations in eye color. For instance, a Lilac Point Siamese’s eyes are typically a softer, grayer shade of blue than a Seal Point Siamese’s, which can have deeper blue eyes.
Michael Cox writes about popular culture, sports, technology, and lifestyle topics. Over the course of his more than ten-year career, he has contributed to numerous books, magazines, and websites, including MSN com and “Adobe Magazine. Cox graduated from the University of Washington with a professional certificate in technical communications.
Cats with completely white coats often will have blue eyes. Albinos can have either blue or pink eyes, while cats with dominant white coat-color genes can have either orange or blue eyes. A totally white cat may occasionally carry the white spotting gene (see below), which causes “odd eyes” (one blue and one gold or green).
Cats with blue eyes sometimes will be visually or hearing-impaired. According to a Vanderbilt University study, Siamese cats typically had less vision than other cats, which was consistent with the fact that their eyes had less pigment. Siamese cats are consequently typically less active at night. Deafness due to genetics can occur in cats carrying the dominant white or white spotting gene. Deafness typically manifests in the ear(s) where the spotting is most prominent in a cat carrying the white spotting gene. That’s why a cat with peculiar eyes could have hearing loss in the ear on the same side of its head as its blue eye.
The white spotting gene can cause a cat to have blue eyes or, in certain situations, unusual eyes. The cat will have blue eyes if the white spotting gene affects both of its eyes; if the gene affects just one eye, the cat will have strange eyes.
FAQ
Can Siamese cats have non blue eyes?
What is the common eye color for Siamese cats?
Why are Siamese cats so special?
Are all purebred Siamese cats cross-eyed?